Freight activity across Germany has been thrown into chaos as German train drivers begin a series of strike action against state rail operator Deutsche Bahn. Freight train drivers who are members of the German Locomotive Drivers’ Union GDL have gone on strike. They were later joined by passenger train drivers. The proposed strike follows a last-minute legal challenge by Deutsche Bahn. In protest against the German federal government’s plan to gradually reduce subsidies for agricultural diesel. Angry German farmers’ strike teams also used tractors to blockade the country’s largest port, the third largest container port in Europe, the Port of Hamburg. As many as 600 protesting farmers in Germany have blocked the Port of Hamburg using tractors, which were escorted to the port area from three different directions. It was part of days of protests against planned cuts to German agricultural subsidies.
Maersk’s customer advisory warned that the action could affect container clearance at the main German ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven. This will cause serious delays in some container shipments, ultimately making it impossible to deliver on time. According to reports, many rail freight customers will not be affected. Maritime freight forwarding giant Kuehne + Nagel received early warning from the Port of Hamburg at the beginning of the week-long strike. The Port of Hamburg said the protests would cause serious disruption to the terminals. After the strike, Maersk also immediately notified all customers that potential inland transportation would be severely delayed and that goods would not be delivered on time. Not only giants like Kuehne Nagel and Maersk, but other logistics companies are also informing customers about the possibility and severity of this delay. Goods arriving in or passing through Germany may face serious delays due to road blockades. The angry German farmers’ strike covers almost all major cities and highways in Germany.
This strike has had a serious impact on German transportation. Shippers who have recently arranged shipments to or transited in Germany should pay close attention to recent news and reasonably arrange their shipment plans to prevent being The delay was too long and ultimately delayed the shipment to its destination. Other shippers in Europe should also plan their shipments carefully. Prices in Europe are now rising due to the impact of the Red Sea. The shipper should make arrangements for the goods before the Chinese New Year if the price is acceptable.
