- Plug availability: ~75%, vs. 90%+ typical baseline (a decline of roughly 15 points)
- Cherry export volume: described in industry trade reporting as at or near its seasonal peak for the current window
- Export container positioning delays: on-ground telemetry reports bookings taking longer to receive confirmed plug assignments
- Seasonal pattern: similar plug availability declines have occurred during past cherry season peaks, per industry trade reporting
| Plug Availability | Status | Positioning Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 90%+ | Normal | Standard positioning timelines |
| 75-89% | Tight | Possible 1-day delay in plug assignment |
| Below 75% | Constrained | Multi-day delay possible, prioritization by booking |
Terminal operator notices combined with on-ground reefer telemetry indicate the plug availability decline is concentrated in the period coinciding with peak cherry export volume, a pattern industry trade reporting describes as recurring during this seasonal window in past years. The decline has not yet reached levels seen during the most constrained prior-year peaks.
Why is reefer plug availability dropping now?
Industry trade reporting on regional agricultural export patterns indicates cherry export volume is at or near its seasonal peak for the current window, with reefer containers occupying plug positions for extended periods while awaiting vessel space. On-ground reefer telemetry shows this has reduced available plugs for new export bookings to roughly 75% of capacity.
Are export bookings facing delays as a result?
On-ground telemetry reports that export container positioning is taking somewhat longer than usual, with some bookings experiencing delays in receiving confirmed plug assignments. Terminal operator notices have not described formal booking holds, but industry trade reporting suggests prioritization by booking date is occurring informally during the tightest days.
When is plug availability expected to recover?
Industry trade reporting on past cherry season cycles suggests plug availability typically recovers toward baseline within one to two weeks of the seasonal export peak passing. Terminal operator notices have not provided a specific date but describe the current tightness as consistent with the expected seasonal pattern rather than an unusual event.
What Shippers Should Do
- Exporters with reefer bookings should confirm plug assignments as early as possible and avoid last-minute positioning requests during this peak window.
- Build a one-day buffer into export container positioning schedules until plug availability returns closer to the 90%+ baseline.
- Where booking dates allow flexibility, consider shifting non-urgent reefer export bookings to sailings after the seasonal peak passes.
- Coordinate closely with terminal operators on plug assignment status rather than assuming standard positioning timelines will hold.