Container shortage has been going on for 6+ months. This isn't new nor is the container needed to haul this pulp "special" vs any other container.
Price solves this issue.
The shortage is because container shipping companies are getting more money to keep those boxes moving from China to the West Coast. LOTS more money.
Spot price for a TEU from China to the W. Coast is about 4100 more today than it was last year at this time. EACH. And that's likely low by a couple grand. You can expect to pay more if you actually want that spot container to move in the next 3 weeks.
China to East Coast - 3055 more than last year at this time.
Shipments from Brazil are up 18.2% YoY, and volume should be up fairly sharp over the next 7 days.
