Coronavirus lockdown traps drivers, leaving reefers stranded and a plug shortage

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The coronavirus crisis has caused a reefer box bottleneck, with carriers warning of surcharges and diverted cargo.

In a message to customers today, APL said: “Terminal operations and pick-up of inbound containers in China has been slow. Consequently, most reefer plugs at the yards of all container terminals in Shanghai and Tianjin are already occupied.”

The carrier said reefer boxes awaiting pick-up at container terminals in Shanghai may be temporarily stored and plugged in on board a vessel alongside, while others in ...