Reefer crisis looms as stranded perishables rot at congested Chinese ports

China’s clogged-up container terminals and reefer plug shortage has created a logjam of perishable cargo.

Key maritime gateways like Shanghai, Ningbo and Xingang are congested due to a lack of local truck capacity, with many drivers unable to return to work amid the coronavirus outbreak.

As a result, reefer containers usually swiftly moved inland are stuck in terminal yards, creating a severe shortage of space and plugs for new refrigerated imports.

According to Vincent Tan, C.H. Robinson’s Asia director of ocean services, the ...