Alternative Route for El Salvador Pacific Coast Shipments - Puerto Quetza

We wish to inform you of the ongoing port congestion at Acajutla Port in El Salvador, primarily due to an increase in sugar exports. This situation is impacting port capacity and restricting containerized cargo access.

To address these challenges, we have activated an alternative route via Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala. Please note that tariffs for transportation through Puerto Quetzal are currently under review and adjustments will be confirmed by Thursday, December 5th. This alternative route also involves distance of 390 kilometers, as well as potential border crossing times and duties. Consequently, we are reviewing the contractual inland transportation rates to ensure alignment with operational sustainability, as current pricing through Acajutla does not reflect the increased operational costs. Additional information about these adjustments, including updates on the T1D charges, will be provided as part of this review process. Please see the illustration below for reference.

Puerto Quetzal remains the nearest and most cost-effective alternative port along the Pacific coast for your import and export needs to and from El Salvador.

For containers currently in transit, we kindly request your urgent confirmation of acceptance regarding this rate change. If we do not receive your response within 72 hours from the date of this notice, we will assume your acceptance, as there are no other alternatives available. Should you choose not to accept the new rates, we will transition the Bill of Lading (BL) service mode to Container Yard (CY), with rates adjusted accordingly. Cargo can be picked up at either Puerto Quetzal or Acajutla on the earliest possible discharge date.

We are committed to providing our customers with the most competitive and efficient inland transportation solutions. Thank you for your understanding and support.