The ongoing strikes in the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp have created major disruptions. While things are slowly calming down in Rotterdam, operations in Antwerp remain heavily affected. For many suppliers, this means uncertainty, delays, and frustration. But at Squiby Foods, it’s about something else: how do we remain reliable for our customers, even when the world around us stands still?
Together with our regular transport partner Jordex, we don’t look for excuses, but for solutions.
The impact of strikes: from delay to domino effect
The reality is harsh. Ships that normally dock in Rotterdam are now skipping the port entirely and heading straight for Antwerp. And even that does not guarantee a smooth operation. Strikes have led to severe congestion. Ships that are scheduled to dock are forced to wait longer, sometimes even anchored offshore until a berth becomes available. In some cases, they are forced to perform a “cut-run”, terminating loading and unloading prematurely to limit further delays. The result: cargo stays behind, schedules run out, and the domino effect is born.
In response, Squiby Foods and Jordex made a decisive move. Wherever possible, we now ship directly from Antwerp. We avoid specific carriers, choose the fastest routes, and eliminate unnecessary port calls that increase the risk of delays. In times of uncertainty, every saved port call counts.
Antwerp is strategically chosen for this purpose since it is often the last port in Northwest Europe before a ship continues its route towards Southern Europe, the Middle East or Africa. By skipping Rotterdam, we eliminate a fragile link and shorten transit times.
The loading date is sacred and we act accordingly
What makes Jordex an indispensable partner for Squiby Foods is their clear principle: the customer’s loading date and desired arrival date are sacred. They do everything possible to uphold that schedule. If the planned vessel is delayed, they look for an alternative. If that fails, they store the containers without changing the original timeline.
Our geographic advantage helps too. We can switch relatively easily within Europe between Rotterdam and Antwerp. That escape route is golden since it gives us the flexibility to keep our promises, even when conditions are far from ideal.
Transparency is our anchor in uncertain times
Information is everything. Unfortunately, that’s where many carriers fall short. Updates on arrival times are often last-minute, if they’re given at all. Jordex has taken the lead here, investing in a real-time operational system that pulls data from multiple sources: carrier updates, satellite data, and historical shipping patterns. This allows us to continuously update our customers on the exact status of their shipment.
For purchasing managers, that means real control and grip on their planning. It also makes room for adjustments, like choosing an alternative product, before problems escalate. Because nothing is more annoying than an unexpected ‘no’ at the end of the supply chain.
Always a plan B: enabling alternatives
Because we have such a close relationship with our customers, we often know which specifications or product features are really decisive for them. This enables us to quickly adjust to alternatives in the event of delays. This means products with the same shelf life, flavor profile, or functional application, but from a different origin or in a different packaging format.
By communicating transparently about the expected arrival date of a shipment, we give our customers the opportunity to choose such an alternative in good time. That means no empty shelves, no angry end customers, and no production halts. Reliability isn’t just about being on time. It’s also about having a backup that works just as well.
At Squiby Foods, a plan B isn’t a compromise. It’s a conscious choice that only arises when you look over the entire chain – from production to end user.
A fragile chain in need of resilience
The strikes are just the latest disruption in global logistics. Think back to COVID-19, the Suez Canal blockage with the Ever Given, and the ongoing tensions in the Red Sea – now more than 580 days in. Routes are becoming increasingly fragile, and the industry’s response hasn’t kept pace.
One key issue: vessels are getting larger, but port infrastructure isn’t scaling at the same rate. That leads to overloaded terminals, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies, especially when land operations can’t keep up with 24/7 unloading at sea.
Another challenge are night operations. While ships load and unload around the clock, few inland locations can receive containers overnight. Terminals try to even out flows by introducing peak-hour surcharges during the day. But in practice, that’s a costly fix with limited effect.
The only way forward? Stay sharp, act fast and work with partners who go beyond standard routes to deliver smart, flexible alternatives.
Open communication isn’t optional – it’s leadership
At Squiby Foods, we believe it is our responsibility to not only supply purchase managers and wholesalers, but also to inform them. Especially in times of uncertainty. By being open about the realities at the ports, the choices we make, and the actions we take, we build trust. Not only in our company, but in the entire supply chain.
That’s why we communicate proactively: sharing real-time updates on shipments. As a result, our customers stay informed, adjust their planning, and make better decisions for their own businesses.
Transparency gives you choices. Not just in products, but in strategy and timing. And exactly there lies the difference between suppliers that move along, and those that get stuck.
Collaboration at full speed
Logistics is becoming less and less predictable. But that doesn’t mean you lose control as a supplier. By thinking flexibly, having the right partners and communicating openly, you can be reliable even in turbulent times.
At Squiby Foods, we’re committed to transparency, sharp choices and honest communication. Together with Jordex, we ensure that the customer is rarely faced with a fait accompli. We deliver what we promise – and if that is temporarily not possible, we provide an alternative that does work.
Would you like to stay informed on how we deal with logistical challenges? Or explore alternative product options that fit your needs?
Get in touch. At Squiby Foods, we always move forward – together.
