Last updated: 3rd August 2026
International shipping conditions remain challenging across several major global routes.
The latest update from the British Association of Removers’ Overseas Group confirms that geopolitical disruption, port congestion, limited vessel capacity and changing carrier schedules continue to affect international removals.
These conditions may result in longer transit times, changes to planned sailing dates and additional shipping-line charges.
While this can understandably feel concerning, experienced international moving companies are accustomed to managing changing routes and carrier requirements. The most important thing customers can do is plan early, remain flexible and maintain regular communication with their move coordinator.
What is causing the current shipping disruption?
A combination of international conflict, increased fuel costs, port congestion and reduced vessel capacity is affecting shipping schedules.
Shipping lines may change routes, remove scheduled port calls or cancel services with very little notice. Containers may also be left off their intended vessel and transferred onto a later sailing. This is commonly known as a container being “rolled”.
These decisions are made by shipping lines and are outside the direct control of the international moving company.
Continued disruption in the Middle East
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to affect shipping services throughout the region.
Some shipping lines have reinstated services using alternative ports or additional overland transport. However, these arrangements can change quickly as alternative transit ports become congested or carriers adjust their routes.
Customers moving to or from the Middle East should currently be prepared for:
- Longer and less predictable transit times
- Limited booking availability
- Changes to the planned shipping route
- Additional carrier and fuel surcharges
- The possibility of containers being held at alternative ports
- Services being withdrawn or reinstated at short notice
Shipping lines may also apply additional charges after a shipment has departed or, in some cases, after the container has arrived at destination.
Moving to the USA, Canada or Mexico
Shipping services between Europe and North America continue to experience capacity constraints.
Changes to shipping-line alliances have altered some ports of loading and discharge. Several carriers are also operating more of their United States services from Southampton.
On some routes, customer demand is greater than the space available on vessels. This increases the possibility of:
- Longer waits for confirmed vessel space
- Shipping rates changing
- Bookings being cancelled
- Containers being moved onto a later vessel
- Changes to the intended destination port
Customers moving to the USA, Canada or Mexico should book as early as possible and avoid making arrangements that depend on an exact shipment arrival date.
Moving to Australia, New Zealand or Asia
Ships travelling from Europe towards Asia and Oceania are continuing to travel around the Cape of Good Hope rather than through the Suez Canal.
This longer route has become the current norm for many eastbound services. There is still no confirmed timetable for a widespread return to the Suez Canal.
The length of a journey can also vary considerably depending on the vessel and route selected. For example, the latest BAR update states that a sailing from Southampton to Sydney could take between approximately 56 and 89 days before any additional delays are considered.
Congestion at transhipment ports in Asia can also result in containers missing their connecting vessel. Some containers may be rolled more than once before continuing towards Australia or New Zealand.
Why can international shipping quotations change?
An international removal quotation will normally include shipping costs provided by the ocean carrier.
These shipping costs are often quoted in US dollars or euros. They are then converted into pounds at the exchange rate applied when the vessel sails.
If the exchange rate changes significantly between the date of your quotation and the date of departure, the final amount charged may need to be adjusted.
Shipping lines may also introduce additional charges at short notice, including:
- Fuel or bunker surcharges
- War-risk surcharges
- Emergency fuel charges
- Port and terminal charges
- Operational surcharges
- Additional haulage costs
In recent examples, fuel-related shipping adjustments have added as much as US$350 per container.
At John Mason International, we will always aim to explain any changes clearly and provide relevant information where additional shipping-line charges have been introduced.
Additional customer information may be required
The European Union’s Import Control System 2, commonly known as ICS2, requires more detailed safety and security information for goods entering or passing through the European Union.
Even when moving from the UK to a destination outside Europe, the vessel carrying your belongings may call at an EU port.
Your moving company may therefore need to request additional information identifying the shipper and the contents of the shipment.
These requirements are determined by the European Union and shipping lines. Providing accurate information and returning documentation promptly will help reduce the risk of avoidable delays.
Container inspections and unsuitable equipment
The Environment Agency has the authority to inspect or stop containers it suspects may contain goods classified as waste.
Although inspections are outside the control of your moving company, they can lead to delays and additional storage charges.
The quality of some shipping containers has also declined because more equipment is needed to support longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope.
If a container delivered for your move is not suitable for transporting household goods, your moving company may need to reject it and request a replacement. This is done to protect your belongings, but it can occasionally lead to additional haulage or a missed sailing.
Can lithium-ion batteries be shipped?
Lithium-ion batteries are found in many everyday items, including:
- Laptops
- Cordless power tools
- E-bikes
- E-scooters
- Rechargeable household equipment
- Portable electronic devices
Shipping-line rules concerning lithium-ion batteries remain inconsistent. Approval is often considered individually for each shipment.
The BAR Overseas Group recommends that lithium-ion batteries are not included in household and personal-effects shipments.
Where a carrier does agree to accept them, the shipment may need to be declared as hazardous cargo. This may involve:
- Obtaining approval from the shipping line
- Additional documentation
- A substantial freight surcharge
- Longer waits for confirmed vessel space
- Restrictions imposed by partner shipping lines
Customers must tell their move coordinator about any batteries or potentially hazardous items they intend to ship.
Failing to declare lithium-ion batteries or other hazardous goods can lead to substantial fines, shipment delays or the goods being removed or disposed of by the carrier.
Is UK container haulage improving?
UK container-haulage availability has improved as demand has eased, and most shipping lines have withdrawn their Driver Retention Surcharge.
However, loading a sea container directly outside a customer’s home can still be affected by difficult access, parking restrictions, city-centre conditions and Low Emission Zone charges.
In some circumstances, your belongings may first be taken to the mover’s warehouse and then loaded into the shipping container.
This can provide greater certainty and reduce the risk of a container failing to arrive at your home on the planned moving day.
How can you reduce the risk of disruption?
Although some delays cannot be avoided, customers can help their international move run more smoothly by:
- Booking their move as early as possible
- Providing accurate moving dates and documentation
- Remaining flexible about sailing and arrival dates
- Declaring batteries, electrical equipment and potentially hazardous items
- Responding quickly when additional information is requested
- Avoiding irreversible travel or accommodation arrangements based solely on an estimated shipment arrival date
- Maintaining regular contact with their move coordinator
How John Mason International can help
International shipping remains unpredictable, but careful planning and experienced support can significantly reduce its impact.
John Mason International works closely with shipping lines, overseas agents and industry partners to identify the most appropriate available route for each move.
Our team will monitor your shipment, communicate important changes and help you understand the documentation and shipping requirements associated with your destination.
Planning an international move? Contact John Mason International for the latest guidance on shipping routes, transit times, availability and the requirements for your destination.