Box Shuffle: Changing Carrier Rotations Squeeze WA & SA Export Capacity
A series of rotation adjustments by major carriers has tightened the availability of 40-foot containers at Adelaide and Fremantle, with several vessels now repositioning empties toward east-coast ports due to stronger import demand. As a result, WA and SA exporters are reporting longer wait times and reduced allocations, particularly for 40HC and 40RH units.
The issue is most visible among exporters moving grain, hay, meat, wool and scrap metal. Many rely heavily on 40FT equipment for weight and volume optimisation, making them highly exposed when carrier rotation changes restrict empty flows.
Some exporters are already being encouraged to use alternative depots or accept split equipment allocations across multiple voyages.
The equipment imbalance also has flow-on effects for importers. Reduced inbound containerisation into SA and WA depots means slower turnaround of empty containers, which in turn can push up local transport and storage costs. Transport operators have flagged that evening depot openings are filling quickly as shippers attempt to secure whatever units become available.
How SA & WA Shippers Can Navigate the Tightening Supply
- Pre-book 40FT units 1–2 weeks earlier where possible.
- Consider 20FT substitution if the commodity and weight allow.
- Exporters: share volume forecasts with carriers to secure allocations.
- Importers: plan early empty returns to assist depot turnover.
Source: Carrier rotation advisories & Australian depot equipment reports
Disclaimer – Market data is from public sources we consider reliable but has not been independently verified; accuracy is not guaranteed