Corporate Moving update – July 2025

Unprecedented disruption as GHC cancellation, port bottlenecks, and regional unrest reshape relocation logistics 

Shipping volatility intensified in July, as the US military’s cancellation of its $20 billion Global Household Goods (GHC) contract added a new layer of uncertainty to international relocation planning. Capacity shortfalls, rising inland surcharges, and port congestion across Europe are affecting lead times and cost predictability, with additional complications in the Middle East, North America, and Iran. 

US military cancels Global Household Goods contract 

The US Department of Defense has cancelled its GHC agreement with HomeSafe Alliance, citing a “demonstrated inability to fulfil obligations.” The programme was due to consolidate all military relocations under a single provider but instead created years of operational uncertainty. Industry associations including IAM and FIDI have confirmed the decision will reshape international moving capacity and competitive dynamics. The appointed PCS Joint Task Force will assume control, with implications for subcontractor contracts and shipment distribution. 

Port congestion across Europe worsens 

Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg are experiencing their worst congestion since the pandemic. Backlogs of five days or more are now common, exacerbated by low Rhine water levels, increased Asian imports, and rail closures. Nearly 30,000 containers were affected by the temporary rail closure at Hamburg Waltershof from 4–8 July. UK hauliers at London Gateway report wait times of over ten hours, triggering surcharges and service cancellations. Clients should expect extended transit times and last-minute capacity constraints. 

Suez Canal reopens to mega vessels — but confidence lags 

The CMA CGM Osiris became the first >130,000-tonne containership to transit the Suez Canal since March. A 15% rebate was offered to attract carriers back, but most lines remain cautious due to persistent Red Sea security risks. Rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope continues to lengthen voyage times and increase fuel costs. 

Middle East ceasefire brings limited improvement 

In Israel and Iran, post-ceasefire recovery is uneven. Iranian freight costs have risen 25–30% amid port slowdowns and halted airfreight. Embassy closures are disrupting diplomatic shipments. In Israel, Haifa and Ashdod ports are accepting bookings with war-risk surcharges in place. Air cargo capacity remains constrained despite extended working hours at terminals. Local destination services are operational, but delays in international uplift remain likely. 

Cross-border US–Mexico freight hit by new language rules 

Stricter enforcement of English language proficiency for B-1 visa truck drivers is restricting capacity for northbound cross-border shipments. Many Mexican carriers are limiting travel amid fears of non-compliance penalties. Spot rates have surged to nearly US$4 per mile, driven by reduced driver availability and route uncertainty. 

Container equipment quality and rejection rates worsening 

Shipping lines and logistics providers continue to report declining container quality, with a rise in units being rejected at origin due to damage, contamination, or poor fit for purpose. This trend is resulting in missed sailings, last-minute rebookings, and additional charges, particularly affecting time-sensitive relocations. Clients should be advised to request photos or inspection details before container pick-up and build in lead time for contingency planning. 

Lithium-ion battery restrictions and hazardous cargo surcharges increasing 

Shipping restrictions around lithium-ion batteries remain inconsistent across carriers. Recent weeks have seen stricter enforcement of hazardous goods declarations, particularly for shipments including e-scooters, power tools, or laptops not declared at the item level. Some carriers are now refusing entire shipments if undeclared battery items are discovered. Businesses must ensure accurate declarations to avoid severe fines, delays, or confiscation. 

Redirection of shipments from French ports fuelling secondary congestion 

Although March’s French port strikes were resolved months ago, lingering effects are now being felt in July due to continued rerouting of cargo away from Le Havre and Marseille. This has added pressure to Antwerp, Rotterdam, and even Spanish ports like Valencia (already affected by storm DANA disruptions earlier in the year). The network remains fragile, with tightened barge capacity and overstretched terminal labour impacting throughput. 

Strategic recommendations for businesses 

• Book early to secure container slots in congested ports and plan for extended inland delivery timelines.
• Confirm inland surcharges — especially from UK and German hauliers — to avoid unforeseen cost escalation.
• Avoid routing through hotspots such as Hamburg, Bandar Abbas, or Ben Gurion for time-sensitive shipments.
• Check for carrier restrictions, including policies linked to nationality, battery declarations, or vehicle emissions.
• Review insurance coverage in light of heightened accident, conflict, and delay risks.
• Partner with experienced providers who monitor container quality, capacity trends, and compliance obligations.

At Santa Fe Relocation, we continue to monitor every region and trade lane. Our commitment is to provide clients with clear advice, transparent forecasting, and uninterrupted service, no matter how volatile the global environment becomes.

Filip Leibl
>Group Operations Manager
Santa Fe Relocation

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