Standing Up for Our Clients – Then and Now

When the COVID pandemic brought U.S. ports to their knees, especially across California, the shipping industry faced an unprecedented crisis. Container backlogs stretched for miles, port appointments became nearly impossible to secure, and steamship lines implemented increasingly restrictive policies.

Steamship lines were charging up to $750 per day in per diem and demurrage fees for containers that couldn’t be picked up or returned on time. With truckers unable to secure port appointments and dual-return policies complicating container movement, timely pickup was often impossible despite every effort.

Most logistics providers accepted these charges and passed them on to their clients. The fees were significant, and few questioned them.

We viewed the situation from a different perspective. Our internal audit team recorded port congestion, collected evidence of missed appointments, analyzed changes in carrier policies, and created timelines to show when charges were unjustified.

We directly challenged the carriers—and we came out successful. This effort saved our clients hundreds of thousands of dollars during one of the most unpredictable shipping periods in recent history.

Today, a new crisis is developing. From global unrest to a changing tariff environment, supply chains are once again under strain. For instance, steel tariffs have risen to 50%, and classification mistakes or incomplete paperwork can cost clients much more than they expect.

Once again, The Block is standing up for our clients – this time through our in-house Customs Brokerage team. They are already working closely with importers to ensure accuracy in tariff filings and to find opportunities for savings and protection under U.S. regulations.

From handling port disruptions during COVID to supporting importers with rising tariffs, we go beyond simply transporting freight—we protect our clients’ interests. Our teams carefully examine details, challenge overlooked aspects, and work diligently to ensure compliance, keep you informed, and maintain a competitive edge.

At The Block Logistics, advocating for our clients is an integral part of our identity. It defines how we operate, who we are, and what we deliver, regardless of the challenges ahead.