If you’re planning an international move in 2025, being aware of the latest shipping challenges is more important than ever. The British Association of Removers (BAR) has released its May Global Shipping Conditions Update, and it reveals continued disruption across key routes. As a leading international removals company with over 140 years of trusted experience, John Mason International is here to explain what these updates mean for your move and how you can best prepare.
Shipping lines are still adjusting their global services following recent alliance changes. Unfortunately, this is leading to unexpected changes to routes, port omissions, and container space limitations. These decisions are made by the shipping lines themselves and are completely outside the control of movers. The result for customers is that transit times may be longer, routes may be re-routed with very little notice, and prices may fluctuate even after a quote has been given.
These are not issues unique to us. They are affecting all shipping and moving companies across the UK. If your mover hasn’t mentioned these challenges or hasn’t provided clear advice on how your move might be affected, make sure you ask the right questions. Transparency at this stage is key to avoiding disappointment later.
Moving to Australia or New Zealand
If you’re relocating to Australia or New Zealand, it’s important to know that shipping services to this region are facing several ongoing challenges. Most shipments are now routed around the Cape of Good Hope as the Suez Canal remains closed due to regional conflict. There is currently no indication of when the normal route through the canal will be deemed safe again.
Transit times have become highly unpredictable. A move from Southampton to Sydney might take as little as 56 days or as long as 89, depending on the vessel. Even when the faster sailing is booked, it is possible for containers to be rolled. This means they are left off the intended ship and moved to a later departure, adding further delays. Major Asian transhipment ports are heavily congested, with containers to Oceania often delayed multiple times due to limited space.
Moving to the USA, Canada, or Mexico
For moves to North America, a mix of operational and political changes is contributing to an increasingly unstable shipping landscape. Shipping capacity across the Atlantic is still extremely limited. Many carriers have moved all US-bound services to depart from Southampton, and some ports of discharge in the US and Canada have been removed or replaced.
On top of this, newly reintroduced trade tariffs under the Trump administration have led to a dramatic reduction in transpacific shipping volumes, down by an estimated 50 percent. This shift has caused carriers to react with little warning, sometimes withdrawing entire services or changing routes mid-operation. As a result, a quote given at the time of booking may no longer reflect the final cost or delivery timeframe by the time the container actually departs.
Moving to Asia and the Middle East
Customers moving to countries in Asia or the Middle East should expect longer transit times and reduced service reliability. The continued Suez Canal closure has altered many schedules, particularly for shipments heading to the Middle East. Some ports are now being omitted entirely, causing backlogs and rolled cargo.
In the Mediterranean, services are also being disrupted. Many vessels are now turning back rather than taking alternative routes. This is leading to fewer sailings and longer journeys, particularly for customers in southern Europe and surrounding areas.
Moving to Africa
While services to Africa remain relatively stable overall, there are still significant issues for inland or hinterland destinations. Many of these routes have been dropped due to poor infrastructure and congestion at the main entry ports. For those relocating to remote areas, delivery may take longer or require alternative routing.
Moving to Latin America and the Caribbean
Shipping lines are maintaining services to this region with fewer disruptions than in other areas. However, delays can still occur at the destination. Customs clearance processes are often slower than the free storage period offered by the shipping line. This means customers may face additional storage charges if clearance takes longer than expected.
Global Considerations That May Affect Your Move
Delays and rerouting are not the only challenges to consider. The quality of shipping containers has declined, with an increasing number being deemed unsuitable for household goods. This can lead to a container being rejected on the day of loading, causing a missed vessel and additional costs.
New EU regulations, known as ISC2, now require more detailed documentation for shipments passing through European ports. This may mean your moving company will ask for additional personal information, which is required for compliance.
Shipping restrictions also apply to items such as lithium-ion batteries, fridges, and freezers. These items may need to be declared as hazardous cargo and accepted on a case-by-case basis by the shipping line. Misdeclaration could result in substantial fines or confiscation of the goods. Additionally, Russian passport holders should be aware that ONE Line has confirmed it will not accept shipments of personal effects from individuals carrying Russian documentation.
What You Can Do
While many of these challenges are beyond your control, there are ways to protect your moving schedule. Plan early, maintain flexibility around move dates, and speak to your Move Manager about current timelines for your destination. In busy urban areas, loading at the mover’s warehouse rather than your residence is often the more reliable choice, especially in locations with restricted parking or Low Emission Zone surcharges.
At John Mason International, we’re committed to helping you navigate your overseas move with clarity and confidence. Our experience, transparent communication, and trusted global network mean we’re well placed to manage even the most complex relocations.
To read the full British Association of Removers Global Shipping Update for May 2025, click here to download the official document.
If you’re preparing for a move abroad, get in touch with our team today. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
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