As part of their regular updates, IAMTrusted member DASA International Movers has reported that the maritime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz “has reached a state of total commercial paralysis.”
Chief Executive Officer of DASA, Craig Reilly, confirmed that as of March 18, there are zero recorded commercial transits through the Strait, with 43 of the container vessels originally bound for the inner Gulf successfully rerouted to other regional ports and 38 vessels diverted away from the region entirely.
DASA provided the following overview:
Ocean Freight
A massive buildup of tonnage remains “sheltered” outside the Strait, including 97 containerships and 16 long-haul vehicle carriers. While Maersk has reactivated bookings for “safe-gate” ports like Sohar and Khor Fakkan, these hubs are facing immediate berth congestion. Maritime surcharges have hit record levels, with some European shippers reporting $1 million in unexpected costs for containers stuck in transit. The Port of Jebel Ali remains operational, but “logistics friction” — including GPS interference and congestion at alternative gateways — is now the primary challenge.
Air Freight
The opportunity to send shipments by air instead of sea has become a necessity for high-value and perishable goods. Air rates remain 50% above February benchmarks, with Transit Disruption Surcharges now standard.
Land, Warehousing and Relocation Impact
DP World has confirmed a new tactical shift: Shippers are now staging goods in India and Pakistan for onward trucking to the UAE via regional ferry and land links, bypassing the primary chokepoint. For international moves, the “Upper Gulf” remains in a high-complexity zone. Household goods shipments are facing extended lead times of 14-21 days as they are processed through Omani gateways or the UAE East Coast. Insurance providers are increasingly requiring “war risk” riders for all moves touching the Arabian Gulf.
Recommendations
DASA has made the following recommendations for members with shipments in the region:
- Mode Shift: Transition all time-sensitive or perishable cargo to air freight immediately; capacity is tightening as Ramadan approaches.
- Gateway Selection: Route all new ocean bookings to Sohar, Duqm, or Khor Fakkan. Avoid Jebel Ali for direct ocean arrivals until the “sheltering” backlog clears.
- Relocation Buffers: Advise relocating families to expect a minimum three-week delay on household goods shipment arrivals. Secure “all-risk” insurance coverage before cargo is gated in.
- Staging Strategy: Explore India/Pakistan staging for non-urgent industrial cargo to utilize the emerging trucking corridors.
IAM will continue to update members on this volatile situation impacting household goods moves. Members wishing to update news items affecting their country can email mark.oakeshott@iamovers.org.