Agricultural shippers are navigating rough waters lately, as the availability of shipping containers has been scarce. This is creating logistical challenges for agribusinesses, including Casselton, North Dakota-based SB&B Foods, who is an exporter of food-grade products. President Bob Sinner says there is a lot of anxiety over this issue. “The import demand continues to be very, very strong. The congestion at ports and rail terminals is unheard of,” says Sinner. “Companies, like us, are a month or so behind on shipments to food customers.” Chinese exporters are paying a premium to have shipping containers returned empty. Sinner says prices started soaring back in October. This issue is being addressed by both Congress and the Agriculture Transportation Coalition.
