Regional Updates in North America

Last updated on April 25, 2025

Operational and Customer Service Overview

Last updated on April 25, 2025
Operations Team, North America

"Keeping our customers proactively informed helps them with their cargo planning and minimises uncertainty that could disrupt their supply chain. Our operational updates for North America are aimed at offering more transparency and improving the information flow for our customers to better manage and oversee the movement of their cargo."

Equipment congestion in New York/New Jersey - We understand that this situation is affecting your cargo planning. Our teams continue to explore alternative options where empty containers may be returned. Thank you for your patience and partnership as we navigate this fluid situation. Please review our Terminal updates section for detailed and regular guidance. Due to the high demand for empty returns, we strongly recommend booking an appointment with the terminal as early as possible and ensuring that it is secured and honored.

NEW Equipment Return Location Directory (ERLD)

  • Hapag-Lloyd is now utilizing IANA’s Equipment Return Location Directory (ERLD) for all equipment return instructions and notifications. Motor carriers can access this information through IANA’s ERLD through their UIIA account, or via the Information Services public website at ERLD. For guidance on using the platform and setting notification preferences, please refer to: NEW ERLD SETTINGS – HAPAG-LLOYD. To support the transition, we will continue updating the existing Google Equipment Return spreadsheets (below) through April 30. We strongly recommend ensuring that all trucking partners have timely access to the ERLD platform.

Gemini Cooperation - covers seven trades and offers 57 services including mainliner and dedicated shuttle services, complemented by feeder services. The fleet of our new partnership consists of around 340 modern and efficient vessels, many ready to adopt cleaner fuels, with a total standing capacity of ~3.7 million. Find more details here.

Suez Canal & Red Sea situation: Many of our ships are impacted by the Cape of Good Hope routing, leading to extended transit times. We will keep you updated on the status of individual vessels and services for North America through our Live-Ticker. Please ensure bookmarking this article. Please also visit our FAQ for further information.

ATLANTIC SERVICES

North Europe – North America (AL1)

  • The MV Adams V515E will omit Baltimore and Southampton for schedule recovery. The Baltimore cargo will discharge in Norfolk - updated on 4/25
  • The MV Adams V515E will only omit Baltimore for schedule recovery - updated on 4/23.
  • The MV Adams V515E experienced a delay in its New York departure. Previously, the port rotation had been changed to Baltimore–Norfolk; however, the vessel will now revert to its original sequence of Norfolk–Baltimore. The vessel is expected to arrive in Norfolk on April 20, 2025 - updated on 4/18.
  • The MV Adams V515E on our AL1 service will discharge cargo at the Port of Liberty, New York, instead of APM Terminals. Please note this is a discharge-only move - updated on 4/16.

Atlantic Loop 2 Service (AL2)

  • No schedule updates for this week.

Atlantic Loop 3 Service (AL3)

  • No schedule updates for this week.

Atlantic Loop 4 Service (AL4)

  • No schedule updates for this week.

Atlantic Loop 5 Service (AL5)

  • No schedule updates for this week.

Atlantic Loop 6 Service (AL6)

  • No schedule updates for this week.

Atlantic Loop 7 service (AL7)

  • The MV ZIM Virginia V151W will omit its Halifax call for schedule recovery - updated on 4/24

St Lawrence Container Service – Route 1 (AT1)

  • The MV OOCL Veracruz V09W15 will be phased into service as a replacement for the MV OOCL St. Lawrence. It is expected to arrive in Montreal on May 2, 2025.

St Lawrence Container Service – Route 2 (AT2)

  • The MV Spartel Trader V10W17 will be phased into service as a replacement for the MV Ontario Express and is expected to arrive in Montreal on May 13, 2025.

Mediterranean Canada Service (MCA)

  • No schedule updates for this week.

Mediterranean Gulf Express Service (MGX)

  • Week 16 West bound and Week 20 East bound on the MGX Service will be a void sailing week.

Turkey East Coast Service (TNE)

  • No schedule updates for this week.

Turkey East Coast Express Service (TEX)

  • Week 17 East bound will be a void sailing.
  • The MV Merkur Ocean V521W will replace the MV Odysseus and is expected to arrive in New York on June 17, 2025.

ASIA SERVICES

East Coast Asia Loop 1 Service (EC1)

  • No schedule updates for this week.

East Coast Loop 2 Service (EC2)

  • No schedule updates for this week.

East Coast Asia Loop 5 Service (EC5)

  • Due to safety concerns in the Red Sea, voyages are being redirected via alternate routes. Please visit our Live-Ticker for the latest information.

Pacific Coast Loop 2 (PN2)

  • No schedule updates for this week.

Pacific Coast Loop 3 Service (PN3)

  • No schedule updates for this week.

Pacific Coast Loop 4 Service (PN4)

  • No schedule updates this week.

India America Express Service (TPI / IMX)

  • Due to safety concerns in the Red Sea, voyages are being redirected via alternate routes. Please visit our Live-Ticker for the latest information.
  • The MV SPIL Kartika V5116W will phase into service and is expected to arrive in New York on May 21, 2025.
  • There will be void East bound sailings for Week 17.

Asia US East Coast Service Loop 7 (AA7)

  • Due to safety concerns in the Red Sea, voyages are being redirected via alternate routes. Please visit our Live-Ticker for the latest information.

Asia - US West Coast Service 1 (WC1)

  • No schedule updates for this week.

Asia - US West Coast Service 2 (WC2)

  • No schedule updates for this week.

Asia - Canada West Coast Service 3 (WC3)

  • No schedule updates for this week.

Asia - US and Canada West Coast 4 (WC4)

  • No schedule updates for this week.

Asia - US West Coast Service 5 (WC5)

  • No schedule updates for this week.

Asia - US West Coast (US1)

  • No schedule updates this week.

Asia - US West Coast (US2)

  • No schedule updates this week.

Asia - US Gulf Coast (US3)

  • No schedule updates this week.

Asia - US East Coast (US4)

  • No schedule updates this week.

LATAM SERVICES

South America East Coast Service (SEC)

  • The MV Wieland V518S will omit Jacksonville for schedule recovery - updated on 4/24
  • The SEC service will extend its omission of Norfolk. The next vessel scheduled to call at Norfolk will be the MV Monte Alegre 528S, expected to arrive on July 12, 2025.

California Central America Express Service (CCE)

  • No schedule updates this week.

Caribbean Express Service (CES)

  • The MV Santa Marta Express V516S will replace the MV Acastos and is expected to arrive in St. John on May 3, 2025.

US Gulf East Coast South America Service (GS1)

  • The MV Jazan V2515S will omit its New Orleans call and cargo will discharge at Altamira — updated on 4/15

There will be structural blank sailings for the following weeks:

  • Week 22 South bound / Week 28 North bound 
  • Week 32 South bound / Week 38 North bound 
  • Week 42 South bound / Week 48 North bound 

TRANPACIFIC SERVICES

North America Westcoast - New Zealand/Australia (WSN)

  • No schedule updates this week.

Australia New Zealand via Panama Service (ANP)

  • No schedule updates this week.

Americas Service Northbound Service (USW)

  • No schedule updates this week.

United States

New York

You can find the most up-to-date information about port opening hours by following the links: NYC Port Elizabeth l NYC Maher Terminal l NYC Port Liberty Bayonne l NYC Port Liberty New York

  • Large non-Gemini vessels calling at APMT are experiencing a maximum waiting time of 1.5 days. In contrast, Maher Terminals LLC reports vessel waiting times of approximately 6 hours.
  • Average gate turn times are 39 minutes for single transactions and 62 minutes for double transactions.
  • New cranes at APMT are scheduled to be commissioned in next 2 weeks. Although berth space will remain limited, two vessels will be able to operate simultaneously along east facing berths.
  • APMT New York is currently facing high demand for gate appointments and may be unable to accommodate all requests—particularly on vessel cut-off days. Customers are encouraged to deliver export cargo within the first few days after the terminal begins accepting freight for a specific vessel, when appointment availability is typically higher.

NEW Equipment Return Location Directory (ERLD) (Published on April 8, 2025)

  • Hapag-Lloyd is now utilizing IANA’s Equipment Return Location Directory (ERLD) for all equipment return instructions and notifications. Motor carriers can access this information through IANA’s ERLD through their UIIA account, or via the Information Services public website at ERLD. For guidance on using the platform and setting notification preferences, please refer to: NEW ERLD SETTINGS – HAPAG-LLOYD. To support the transition, we will continue updating the existing Google Equipment Return spreadsheets (below) through April 30. We strongly recommend ensuring that all trucking partners have timely access to the ERLD platform.

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Empty Return Depot update for the Northeast > New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia (Published on April 25, 2025)

APMT - 20STD/40STD/40HC - << With Appointments Only >>. If the trucker has an IMPORT pick-up, they can return an EMPTY on the same transaction 

PORT LIBERTY BAYONNE (GCT) - Closed for Deliveries  

COLUMBIA - 1100 Polaris Street **UPDATED - Open for 40HC Until 1:00 PM

MAHER Terminal - 20OT/HT/FR_40/OT/HT/FR - << DUAL TRANSACTION >> from 06:00 to 16:00  

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Equipment congestion in New York/New Jersey

To further support your operations, below we have updated return locations across key regions, providing you with greater flexibility and convenience when returning empty equipment. These locations are regularly reviewed to help streamline your logistics and minimize disruptions (Published on February 12, 2025, valid until further notice)

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As part of our ongoing efforts to address the empty equipment situation in NY/NJ, we will be deploying additional vessels over the next weeks to help ease congestion. Between Week 7-9, we expect approx. 17,000 TEUs of empty equipment to be evacuated from the terminals. Subsequently, an average of 2,500 TEUs will be evacuated thereafter. 

Our teams are also exploring the option of off-site depots where empty containers may be returned. While this is being considered as an option, it remains under consideration. While these measures do not immediately guarantee space for empty returns, we anticipate that similar industry-wide measures will contribute to increasing empty return capacity in the coming weeks. Our teams remain committed to exploring solutions and providing support during this uncertain time. We continue to closely monitor the situation and will share further updates as developments unfold. This information is to the best of our knowledge now and can change on short notice. Thank you for your patience and partnership. (Published on February 11, 2025)

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We want to update you on the ongoing terminal congestion in the New York/New Jersey area, impacting carriers, terminals, depots, truckers, and customers industry-wide. Driven by high import volumes, service changes, severe weather, and recent labor uncertainties, terminals are operating at full capacity with limited depot space. While there is no immediate solution, we are actively working with Port Authorities and key stakeholders to monitor the situation and implement solutions. To address the backlog of empty containers, we are engaging with terminals and depots on space availability and mitigation efforts. As part of our response, we will extend free time for containers until ports resume accepting empty units and implement relief measures to increase chassis availability. While the timeline remains uncertain, we anticipate fluidity will be restored in the coming weeks. (Published on February 7, 2025)

Norfolk

You can find the most up-to-date information about port opening hours by following the links: ORF Port of Virginia - NIT/VIG

  • The waiting time for a berth is up to 3 days.
  • Average gates turn times are 28.1 / 45.5 minutes for single and double transactions, respectively for Norfolk International Terminal and 41.5 / 71.7 minutes for single and double transactions, respectively at Virginia International Gateway.
  • Virginia International Gateway is back in operation.
  • NIT – Cranes: Crane #4 is down for the next 3 to 4 days. Cranes 5 & 6 are back in service.
  • VIG – Cranes: Crane #22 will then be down for tie-down modifications and should be back in service on 04/26.

Charleston

You can find the most up-to-date information about port opening hours by following the links: CHS Wando Welch

  • No waiting time for Wando Welch Terminal and for North Charleston Terminal.
  • Average truck turn times are 20.8 / 20.6 / 13.7 minutes at Wando Welch Terminal, North Charleston Terminal
  • and Leatherman Terminal respectively.
  • The toe wall project has been completed, all berths are now operational.

Savannah

You can find the most up-to-date information about port opening hours by following the links: SAV Garden City Terminal  

  • The average waiting time for vessel berth at the terminal is 0.50 to 1 day for class 1 and up to 1 to 2 days for class 2 vessels.
  • Average gate turn times are 34 / 54  minutes for single and double transactions, respectively.
  • Import dwell time is 7.4 days. Rail dwell time is 1.11 days.

Houston

You can find the most up-to-date information about port opening hours by following the links: HOU Bayport Container Terminal

  • No waiting time for non-Gemini vessels berthing at Barbours Cut Terminal and at Bayport container terminal.
  • Average gate turn times at Barbours Cut Container Terminal are 37 / 56 minutes for single and double transactions and 28 / 45 minutes for single and double transactions at Bayport Container Terminal.
  • Loaded import dwell is 3.7 days at Barbours Cut Terminal and 3.6 days at Bayport Container Terminal.
  • Yard utilization at Barbours Cut Termina remains high, the Port Of Houston is adjusting receiving days and cut offs with short notice to maintain terminal fluidity.  For updated gate information please refer to their website.

Oakland

  • Average import deliveries can take up to 4.0 days at Oakland International Container Terminal.
  • Average gate turn times are 88 minutes for Oakland International Container Terminal.
  • OICT has 3 cranes out of order.
  • OICT is conducting berth maintenance and will have one berth down at a time through Week 19.

Seattle - Tacoma

  • No waiting time at Husky Tacoma. No waiting time in Seattle.
  • Import rail dwell is 2.2 days at Husky and 3 days at T18.
  • The average gate turn times are 25.4 minutes for T18 and 77 minutes for Husky.
  • Husky is offering continuous hoot gates. Export receiving varies by day, contact Husky for additional gate information or refer to their website here

Los Angeles/Long Beach

You can find the most up-to-date information about port opening hours by following the links: Los Angeles, CA: LAX Trapac l LAX Yusen Terminals l LAX APM l LAX West Basin Container Terminal and Long Beach, CA: LGB International Transportation Service l LGB Long Beach Container Terminal

  • All terminal gates are running as published and in line with Pier Pass program.
  • Port of Los Angeles dwell time for local import cargo is 3.2 days, on-dock rail dwell is 4.0 days and import units on street is averaging at 3.7 / 6.0 days for 20 ft and 40+ ft containers respectively. Additional details can be found here.
  • Port of Long Beach dwell times for local imports remain at 4-8 days, average terminal gate turn time for Long Beach Container Terminal is between 36 - 44 minutes, depending on the shift. Additional details can be found here.

Terminal Operations – Canada

Looking for dwell times in Canada? - Follow the link here.

GCT Delta Port  

  • Terminal utilization at 86% and vessels are experiencing berth delays of 10 days.
  • Import rail dwell times are averaging 9.0 days. Rail car supply is improving, and CPKC continues to clear up the remaining Hapag-Lloyd ground count.

DPW Centerm  

  • Both the WC3 and WC4 services are calling through Centerm on time and production remains high. Yard utilization is at 71% and there is no berth waiting time.
  • Import rail dwell average is 3.8 days with steady rail production ongoing.

DPW Prince Rupert  

  • Yard utilization at 86% and there are no delays at the berth.
  • Import rail dwell average is 5.3 days as the terminal works all available railcars as they arrive on terminal.  CN Rail has increased rail car supply into Prince Rupert and is actively reducing previously high dwell times for Toronto rail traffic.

Montreal  

  • Yard utilization at 40%. Vessel productivity remains high, but the MCA service continues to struggle with delays in the schedule
  • The current rail dwell is 4.3 days as rail car supply remains consistent and is expected to continue.

DPW Saint John  

  • Vessels (MCA & CES) arriving off-proforma due to ongoing congestion & weather in Europe. There have been recent delays on the AL1 with recovery expected in Week 18.
  • Terminal utilization has stabilized and is presently moderate at 52%.
  • Import rail ground counts are presently zero with two vessels arriving back-to-back on the weekend of Week 17.

Chassis Pools

All pools operating as normal except for:

  • Chicago – Constrained on 40’ chassis.
  • Nashville – Constrained on 40’ chassis.
  • New Orleans – Constrained on 40’ chassis.

Intermodal Operations

We can secure truck power within 1-3 days for majority locations which includes marine terminals, rail ramps and depots.

For updated information on ramps, please visit our Rail provider websites for service updates, embargo, and any restriction details.

Invoice payments and Original Bill of Lading remittances are to be redirected to the following address: Hapag-Lloyd (America) LLC - 3 Ravinia Drive, Suite 1600, Atlanta, GA 30346

Important Changes to EU Customs Advanced Filing

As you may have seen on our website, significant changes are coming to the EU Customs Advanced Filing. To assist with your cargo planning, here’s a quick reminder of the key updates: First update / Second update / Third update

For any questions, please visit our FAQ section on the website and click the tab titled USA.

Changes to Manifest Amendment Fee structure

Thanks to your feedback, we have reevaluated the parameters of our Manifest Amendment Fee structure to align with your needs and expectations. Therefore, from August 16, 2023, we have implemented the following structure:

  • Bill of Lading amendments prior FCL port cutoff will not incur a charge.
  • Bill of Lading amendments post FCL port cutoff and up to the vessel's sailing will incur a fee of USD 25 per amendment.
  • Bill of Lading amendments after vessel departure will incur regular manifest amendment fees of USD 130 per amendment.
  • For Change of destination (COD) requests please use our e-form.
  • Please check our local website for additional local solutions and information.
  • You can do all your transactions digitally – from placing a booking to sending shipping instructions. Booking amendments can be made through our below-listed e-Booking channels:
    • Bilateral EDI connection between ERP systems
    • Integration with portals (INTTRA / GT Nexus / Cargosmart)
    • Hapag-Lloyd booking amendment form
  • To access our new web-based dispute tool, please click here. This comes with the following improvements for you:
    • Quick and easy, one step web-form submission. Excel downloads and emails no longer needed!
    • Provision to upload supporting documentation, select Import or Exports, Merchant Haulage, Carrier Haulage or Port CIT.
    • Mandatory invoice field ensures that a dispute is captured correctly.
    • Clearer definitions for dispute and charge types to assist with an expedited response.
    • Turn time for dispute handling is 15 business days from submission to settled.
  • To monitor your shipments, please use the Hapag-Lloyd Navigator, our new one-screen dashboard with real-time view on all your shipments. Alternatively, visit our Online Business Suite for vessel/container/booking status and sailing schedules information.
  • For faster BL release at destination, you can switch from OBL to SWB; however, we do understand that this is not always possible.
  • If you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your local customer service representative in Atlanta, Long Beach and Canada. Remember to view our case management video below that explains the process for managing your communication with our centers.

Region North America Inlands

We are committed to providing you with the best inland transportation solutions, making sure your cargo is delivered safely, on-time, and cost effectively. With our comprehensive network and expertise in handling your cargo, you can trust us to manage all your transportation needs from port to door, ensuring peace of mind throughout the journey.

Stay connected with us for the latest updates. To learn more, click  here
For Carrier Haulage moves please submit the Delivery Order via our website here.

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Service Change – New York (USNYC) to/from East St. Louis, IL (USESL) - updated on 3/13

Effective March 31, 2025, we will no longer offer rail service between New York (USNYC) and East St. Louis, IL (USESL).

As an alternative, we are still offering New York (USNYC) to/from Saint Louis, MO (USSTL).

Both the Saint Louis and East St. Louis ramps are located within 20 minutes of each other, so we anticipate minimal disruption to your operations.

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Lazaro Cardenas - Mexico's Pacific Gateway

Speed and reliability are paramount in today's market. Through our direct link, your cargo enjoys swift transportation to inland destinations, avoiding congested ports and rail hubs. Tailored to meet your cargo needs, our collaboration with Canadian Pacific Kansas Rail (CPKC) offers a direct and efficient solution.

Our upgraded service broadens your access options by providing a fixed intermodal on-dock rail route originating from Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico. With a dependable cross-border exchange in Laredo, Texas, and seamless northbound rail connections to the U.S. Gulf and Midwest rail ramps, we ensure your cargo reaches its destination reliably and on time.

To learn more, click here

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Hapag-Lloyd's collaboration with NCB

We are excited to introduce our partnership with the National Cargo Bureau (NCB) to offer you remote hazardous container inspections in North America. This innovative solution allows for easy and free-of-charge inspection of your Hapag-Lloyd hazardous containers for compliance with regulations and standards, from the comfort of your own facility.

To learn more, click here
To request for an appointment, click here

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Introducing SmartStacks - Hapag-Lloyd and IMC's dray-off solution in Savannah

Hapag-Lloyd North America in collaboration with IMC, introduces SmartStacks, a revolutionary data-based cargo handling system that streamlines the shipping process, increases container throughput, enhances cargo security, and optimizes space utilization.

On-dock service at Port Houston via Union Pacific

Discover seamless inland transportation with Hapag-Lloyd and Union Pacific! Trust us to deliver your cargo from port to door, ensuring peace of mind throughout the journey. Union Pacific's new on-dock service connects the Barbours Cut Container Terminal at Port Houston to key areas, including Denver, Salt Lake, Oakland, Los Angeles, and El Paso.

To learn more, click here

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Tank Container Charge Implementation by Georgia Port Authority at Savannah, GA

Starting October 1, 2023, the Georgia Port Authority (GPA) will be adding a new fee for tank containers at $125 per tank container. This applies to empty or full tank containers moving to/from Savannah, GA. 

To learn more, click here

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Here’s an update on rail routes for Hapag-Lloyd shipments

We would like to inform you about upcoming changes to the rail routes for Hapag-Lloyd shipments in the United States, which may impact your deliveries. Unfortunately, our partners at Norfolk Southern have decided to close certain options for rail routes, with these adjustments taking effect from February 19, 2024. Please be aware of the following changes:

Birmingham to/from Savannah & Charleston:
We have signed contracts with the CSX rail line, reopening the lane for Savannah to/from Birmingham. The CSX rail line extends to Bessemer, AL, which is just 20 minutes from Birmingham.

New Orleans to/from Savannah & Charleston:
Contracts with the CSX rail line have allowed us to reopen the lane for Savannah to/from New Orleans. Currently, there is no alternative for Charleston.

Greensboro to/from Norfolk:
Unfortunately, we do not have an alternative rail route for this option. We recommend Carrier Haulage as the alternative.

Louisville, Chicago, Cincinnati to/from Savannah & Charleston:
Shipments to these inland locations will now go through the port of Norfolk and New York. There are no alternative routes via Savannah or Charleston. Update - Please be informed that the route Louisville to/from Charleston is now available with rail provider CSX.

Memphis, Atlanta, to/from Jacksonville:
We do not have an alternative rail route for this option. Carrier Haulage is recommended as the alternative.

All the above rail routes are currently in effect, and we are not accepting new bookings until further notice. We understand the importance of a smooth and reliable transportation experience for your shipments. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience these changes may cause. Rest assured, we are fully committed to identifying suitable alternatives and will keep you informed of any further developments.

Contact

Contact your nearest operational expert