A strain on shipping capacity is adversely affecting the availability of containers, leading to longer delays, and an unprecedented rise in ocean freight rates. One of the most detrimental consequences of this squeeze is a potential surge in container detention costs each time containers aren’t returned empty in time under shipping lines’ terms and conditions. Industry analysts expect these challenges to grow in peak seasons and continue through 2021 and 2022.    As we approach the peak season, booking needs to return empties are exceeding capacity. Suitable appointments become difficult because depots can only process a certain number of trucks per hour. Despite an increase in demand, transport operators cannot meet the required supply. Congestion and long queues at Empty Container Parks (ECP) force them to hold containers until they are scheduled for another appointment, often resulting in added handling and increased exposure to detention. Most shipping lines include weekends in detention free-days’ calculations, so the pressure on transport companies increases towards the end of theweek as they struggle to return containers by COB Friday knowing if they do not, detention charges will be incurred.   Many trucking companies seek two days’ notice from importers to ensure the timely availability of empty containers…