Gateway performance shapes March port and drayage outcomes

Notable shifts this month

North American port and drayage conditions remain stable, with localized execution risk

Port operations in the United States enter March without broad disruptions, but drayage outcomes continue to vary by gateway. Equipment positioning, rail interfaces, and regional labor dynamics remain the primary variables affecting inland execution, reinforcing the need for early planning and flexibility even in otherwise stable conditions.

South America ports show increasing sensitivity to schedule discipline

Across the region, port performance remains broadly stable but increasingly dependent on berth-window adherence. In Brazil, Santos continues to operate reliably for on-window arrivals, while vessels arriving outside their window face longer wait times and elevated rollover risk—a pattern also evident at Itapoá, Paranaguá, and Navegantes.

As networks normalize after Lunar New Year, exporters should prioritize sailings with stronger schedule integrity rather than assuming uniform port performance.

Chile port performance reflects dispersion rather than systemic strain

San Antonio continues to execute reliably, including on roll-on roll-off volumes, while nearby gateways such as Valparaíso experience more moderate delays. Exporters, particularly those moving perishables or time-sensitive cargo, may benefit from validating cutoff times, refrigerated container availability, and inland handoffs by port rather than assuming uniform performance.

Colombia operations remain sensitive to inland and terminal coordination

Operational controls at Buenaventura highlight the port’s sensitivity to inland and terminal constraints. Cartagena continues to perform as a resilient hub, though carrier rotation changes elsewhere in the network may affect feeder timing and transshipment reliability into Colombia as March progresses.

Peru continues to gain prominence as a regional hub despite regulatory uncertainty

As connectivity builds around Chancay, expect greater consolidation through this gateway, while Callao continues to differentiate through faster direct Asia services. March planning should weigh the tradeoff between broader network reach and transit speed when selecting routings.

Key takeaways

• Gateway selection is becoming a more active planning consideration
  March outcomes may vary meaningfully by port and service, so confirming primary gateways and identifying alternates earlier in the booking process may help reduce execution risk.
• Routing decisions increasingly reflect trade-offs rather than clear hierarchy
  Expanded hub connectivity and faster direct services can carry different execution considerations, making alignment with inventory tolerance and inland flexibility more relevant.
• Inland execution details may warrant earlier coordination
  Drayage outcomes continue to depend on equipment positioning, rail interfaces, and cutoff discipline, meaning earlier visibility can help limit downstream adjustments.
• Additional lead time may help where flexibility is limited
  When alternate ports, services, or inland options are constrained, a scheduled buffer can help mitigate localized disruption risk.

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