[rphubbard]

John,
I think you need to do a little research on shipping a container. The priority is not assigned by the customer, it is assigned by the shipping company. These are not time critical items like food and clothing are. These time critical items take priority on the ships. Also it is very hard to estimate hold ups in customs and everything else. I am working with one shipping company that had there shaft break in two pieces in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It took three days for the tugs to get out to the ship and then another four to tow it into Hawaii. So delays happen and they are usually lengthy in the shipping world. Also it is hard to squeeze a container on a ship at the last minute. They have to make calculations based on the weight of the containers and to where they need to be put on the ship to keep the ship in balance. So they just can't put the container on anywhere. Also right now in the shipping industry is the time they are starting to recieve all the holiday merchandise. THe next few months is when all the Holiday stuff is being sent to the United States. This will cause delays because again these items recieve the priority.
So it is not Kirkham's or SAI's fault for the container being given low priority.

Also, I don't understand that you are saying that Kirkham is not responsible but you are mad at them that they are not calling you and keeping you informed. But you also say that they are talking to you and returning your calls. It sure sounds llike you are holding Kirkhams to high standard. It seems they have been upfront and honest and the reasons for the delays have been out of their control. Hope there is a happy ending to your situation.