In a significant development for IAM members, the Port of Salalah in Oman suffered a drone incident on March 28, suspending operations at one of the last reliable “Safe-Gate” alternatives for cargo bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
In an update to IAM dated March 30, IAMTrusted member DASA International Movers reported that after a 48-hour security assessment, the Port of Salalah is now in phased reopening, but the incident resulted in a serious backlog. Members with household goods or cargo staged at or transiting through Salalah should plan for a minimum four-to-seven-day delay while that backlog clears. The Safe-Gate strategy now relies almost entirely on two routes: Sohar and the Saudi Landbridge via Jeddah. The UAE Port of Khor Fakkan is now sitting at 12-day delays as it absorbs the additional diverted volumes.
DASA provided the following additional update:
Ocean Freight
Maersk has implemented emergency freight rates with immediate effect. A 20-foot dry container is now $1,800 and a 40-foot dry container is $3,000. Reefer and special equipment is $3,800. MSC and CMA CGM are expected to follow with similar surcharges within the next 48 to 72 hours.
Jeddah remains the most fluid gateway and the primary entry point for the Saudi Landbridge. There is also a new corridor worth flagging to members. Saudi Arabia Railways has launched freight services connecting Eastern Province ports directly to the Al-Haditha crossing into Jordan. For members handling Levantine or Northern Saudi cargo, this is a meaningful new option that bypasses Gulf congestion entirely.
Air Freight
Capacity across hubs remains extremely tight, with DHL and other providers reporting continued airspace restrictions, with rates holding at approximately 50% above February levels. Priority is being given to high-value tech and medical shipments. Spot market availability is virtually non-existent right now.
Recommended Actions for Members
- Members are encouraged to update their cost models now and review all active contracts for fuel adjustment clauses before the invoices start arriving.
- Members should be advising clients to book air freight for critical cargo a minimum of 14 days in advance.
- Members should be communicating clearly to relocating families that transit times are tied to consular services resuming, not simply port or road congestion. DASA encourages adding a minimum of four weeks to all international assignment lead times until further notice.
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.