IAM members continue to report from the ground as recovery efforts progress following the twin 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes, which are creating delays and increased costs for shipments in transit.
Port of La Guaira
The port itself sustained no major structural damage, but the government continues to restrict it to humanitarian and emergency use only. Local pressure from customs brokers and truckers is mounting for a reopening, but no timeline has been set.
- All new commercial bookings to La Guaira remain frozen (carrier force majeure in effect).
- In-transit shipments are being diverted to Puerto Cabello (VEPBL) for discharge; empty container returns should also route to Puerto Cabello depots.
- Maracaibo and Guanta remain open and operating normally as alternatives.
Simón Bolívar International Airport (Caracas)
Still closed to commercial and passenger traffic; terminal repairs have just begun with no completion estimate. One runway was repaired in a single day under U.S. Marine Corps supervision, allowing large humanitarian aid flights to land, although passenger and commercial service is not yet possible.
- Commercial and cargo traffic is being redirected to Valencia Airport (about 160 kilometers away), a smaller facility still working out operational capacity.
- Widebody flights (including from Europe) remain precluded at Valencia, Barquisimeto, and Maracaibo due to runway limitations.
Cost Impact
Members should anticipate increased costs across the board as diversions continue:
- Longer transit times for both ocean and air freight due to rerouting through Puerto Cabello and Valencia.
- Additional brokerage costs for members whose customs licenses are tied to La Guaira, as operating through Puerto Cabello requires new arrangements and added logistics.
- Demurrage and storage risk: Urgent cross-filing of paperwork is underway to clear shipments through Puerto Cabello customs and avoid penalty charges — members should stay closely coordinated with agents to minimize exposure.
- Inland transport costs are likely to rise given the longer haul and delays from Puerto Cabello and Valencia into Caracas and central Venezuela, compounded by ongoing road repairs.
IAM Member Impact: Members should coordinate with booking agents now to confirm updated discharge ports and hold for green-light confirmation before dispatch to either La Guaira or Puerto Cabello. Significant delays can be expected between La Guaira, Caracas, and central Venezuela as road repairs continue, and members with shipments arriving in the coming weeks (e.g., mid-to-late July) should begin contingency planning now, as clearance procedures via Puerto Cabello are still being finalized.
IAM Member Contributions: Equixpress, AMP Movers International, MI Global Moving Life Clover Internacional