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Smart 2026 supply chains are being engineered for pressure

Jan 7, 2026 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Supply chains are no longer judged on efficiency alone, in 2026 they will be expected to anticipate disruption and adapt at speed to actively support growth. The experience of the past year confirmed that stability is no longer a realistic planning assumption, but performance under pressure is.

Rather than a single crisis, 2025 delivered constant friction. Congestion resurfaced across ports and inland networks, capacity existed but was selectively deployed, and geopolitical and regulatory shifts altered trade flows long before any formal policy changes took effect. 

The result was a decisive shift in mindset: supply chains must be designed to operate in volatility, not merely recover from it.

That shift accelerates in 2026, as technology, resilience and sustainability converge to redefine how supply chains are planned, financed and executed.

Resilience becomes a competitive advantage

If 2025 proved anything, it was that capacity on paper does not guarantee performance in practice. Across ocean, air and road freight, service reliability was dictated by execution: blank sailings, schedule volatility and inland bottlenecks determined what actually moved.

In response, supply chain design is moving beyond simple continuity planning toward resilience, where networks are designed to adapt and improve under stress.

Common characteristics include:

  • Multi-route and multimodal playbooks rather than single-lane optimisation
  • Near-shoring and regionalisation to shorten lead times and reduce exposure
  • Centralised planning paired with regional execution for faster response

These approaches reflect a broader shift away from cost-minimisation toward risk-adjusted performance.

Warehousing becomes a strategic control point

Warehousing emerged as one of the most critical differentiators in 2025 — a trend that intensifies in 2026. With transit times less predictable and congestion harder to avoid, inventory positioning and fulfilment speed have become central to supply-chain resilience.

High-performing shippers increasingly treat warehousing as an active control layer, not passive storage. Key developments include:

  • Greater use of strategically located facilities to buffer disruption
  • Tighter integration between warehousing, transport and customs planning
  • Investment in automation and robotics that flex with demand and seasonality

This is particularly important as omnichannel and e-commerce pressures continue to grow, demanding seamless support for direct-to-consumer, BOPIS and rapid fulfilment models alongside traditional B2B flows.

From reactive networks to intelligent systems

One of the most significant changes heading into 2026 is the role of technology within supply chains. What began as analytical support is now moving into operational control.

AI-enabled tools are increasingly embedded across planning, procurement, inventory management and risk assessment, enabling supply chains to:

  • Anticipate disruption through predictive insights
  • Optimise routing, inventory and capacity decisions in near real time
  • Coordinate responses across multiple functions and geographies

As these systems become more connected, cybersecurity and data governance also rise sharply in importance. Protecting sensitive operational, commercial and customs data is now a core supply-chain requirement, not an IT afterthought.

Data quality, skills and execution define winners

Technology alone is not enough. The past year also highlighted a widening gap between organisations that could convert insight into action and those constrained by fragmented systems and poor data quality.

In 2026, competitive advantage depends on:

  • Clean, trusted and consistent data across logistics, customs and finance
  • Integrated platforms rather than disconnected tools
  • Teams with the skills to manage AI-driven, data-rich operations

Workforce transformation is therefore as important as digital investment. Roles are evolving toward data analytics, systems oversight and exception management, requiring targeted up-skilling to unlock value from new technologies.

Sustainability and compliance move into the operating core

Environmental and regulatory pressures are no longer peripheral considerations. Carbon pricing, emissions transparency, stricter customs enforcement and evolving trade rules are now shaping routing, mode selection and inventory strategy.

For most shippers, progress in 2026 will come less from premium “green” options and more from practical levers:

  • Smarter planning and consolidation
  • Modal optimisation and regionalisation
  • Stronger traceability and data governance

Sustainability and compliance have become operational constraints — inseparable from cost, resilience and service performance.

Designing supply chains that perform under pressure

Taken together, the direction of travel for 2026 is clear. Supply chains are being rebuilt as intelligent, integrated systems — shifting from reactive cost centres to strategic growth engines.

The most resilient networks are those that:

  • Integrate finance, procurement, logistics and technology decisions
  • Combine centralised control with regional agility
  • Invest equally in data, platforms, people and process

The objective is not to eliminate disruption, but to design networks that continue to perform when conditions are uncertain.

At Metro, this same mindset underpins how supply chains are assessed and supported. Stress-testing assumptions, strengthening visibility and applying execution-focused logistics, warehousing and transport strategies. In 2026, the differentiator will not be avoiding disruption, but owning a supply chain designed to operate through it.

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Rising Freight Crime Sparks Industry, Government and Police Action

Dec 4, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , ,

Road haulage operators are on high alert as criminal activity peaks during the dark winter months, with investigations revealing how organised gangs are posing as legitimate operators, buying haulage companies, and infiltrating supply chains to steal trailer loads.

The scale of the threat is escalating, with freight-theft losses rising from £68m in 2023 to £111m in 2024 and industry experts warn the true cost could be up to seven times higher once vehicle damage, increased insurance, business disruption and wider supply chain impact are factored in.

A new national “flagging system” is now being trialled to better distinguish freight crime from general vehicle theft, enabling police and government to measure the true scale of the problem and coordinate a national response.

But the challenge remains vast, with criminals using increasingly sophisticated methods to identify high-value loads, monitor haulage movements, and exploit vulnerable roadside parking areas.

Curtain-slashing, door breaches, cloned paperwork and even purchasing haulage firms are increasingly common tactics. Popular stolen products — electronics, alcohol, tobacco, clothing and FMCG — are quickly dispersed across underground retail networks, fuelling other forms of organised crime.

Industry and Law Enforcement Mobilise

The Road Haulage Association (RHA), National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), and transport bodies stress the urgent need for improved secure parking, stronger site accreditation, and better reporting structures.

NaVCIS, part-funded by the logistics industry, is already supporting police forces nationwide through Operation Opal, targeting serious organised acquisitive crime.

However, police leaders acknowledge resources have been “stretched” and further funding is critical to tackling the organised element of freight theft at scale.

Industry associations are also stepping up coordination. The Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) — which logged more than 5,800 cargo crime incidents in the UK in two years — has joined forces with The British International Freight Association (BIFA) to improve intelligence-sharing, strengthen supply chain security and support hauliers. Their collaboration aligns with the proposed Freight Crime Bill, due for its second reading in Parliament this month, following research by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Freight and Logistics estimating freight-related crime cost the UK economy £700m in 2023.

Secure parking remains a priority, with the Park Mark Freight scheme establishing strict standards for perimeter security, CCTV, lighting and on-site patrols. Yet many motorway service areas and truck stops still fall short of best practice, leaving drivers and loads exposed.

Metro’s Proactive Steps to Reduce Cargo Theft

Metro takes a layered approach to reducing theft risk, combining trained personnel, rigorous procedures, and secure equipment. Our national fleet operates with:

  • Two or three-man crews for visibility and safety
  • Box trailers, providing enhanced protection compared with curtainsiders
  • Secure, well-lit, accredited parking facilities
  • Advanced tracking and monitoring for high-value loads

In addition, all Metro drivers follow strict security protocols, including:

  • Minimising unattended vehicle time
  • Avoiding discussions about load or route details
  • Conducting load and trailer checks after every stop
  • Reporting any irregularity in route, delivery address or customer instructions
  • Never picking up hitchhikers
  • Maintaining heightened awareness in known hotspot areas

These measures significantly reduce exposure. However, even the best operational precautions cannot eliminate risk entirely, especially when organised crime groups target all types of cargo, not just high-value shipments.

Why Insurance Matters More Than Ever

One of the harsh realities of rising freight crime is that standard carrier liability rarely covers the true value of goods. Carrier limits are calculated by weight, not cargo value, meaning claims for electronics, fashion, luxury goods and pharmaceuticals often fall short of replacement cost.

Metro strongly recommends securing All Risk marine insurance, which provides comprehensive cover against loss, theft, and damage throughout the entire transit and storage journey. We partner with leading insurance providers to offer:

  • Per-shipment or annual policies
  • Flexible, competitively priced cover
  • Protection aligned to specific cargo profiles
  • Specialist support for high-value and sensitive goods

With freight crime rising sharply — and becoming more sophisticated — comprehensive insurance is no longer optional. It is a critical layer of risk protection for every supply chain.

For more information on All Risk marine insurance and how to protect your cargo, EMAIL Laurence Burford, CFO at our Birmingham HQ.

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Port Labour Disputes Ease as Carriers Adjust Capacity

Nov 7, 2025 | , ,

North European ports are recovering from a turbulent October marked by strikes, slowdowns, and strategic capacity withdrawals that continue to test vessel schedule reliability across major trade lanes.

In Rotterdam, port operations normalised following the end of a strike on 17 October, after lashers accepted a new contract providing a 20% wage increase over three years. The settlement allowed the port to clear a backlog of around 30 container vessels, restoring regular quay operations and inland connections.

In Antwerp, however, tensions remain unresolved. Harbour pilots suspended strike action after a ten-day protest over proposed pension reforms, but are now operating under “maximum rest” conditions, a form of weaponised compliance that has slowed vessel movements and cargo flows. The Flemish government has granted a temporary reprieve while talks continue, but a full agreement must be reached by the end of November to avoid renewed disruption. The lingering uncertainty adds pressure to already stretched supply chains reliant on North European gateways.

Vessel Schedule Reliability Plateaus

According to Sea-Intelligence data, global schedule reliability has plateaued at around 65%, well below pre-pandemic norms but relatively stable compared with mid-year levels.

The improvement seen through early 2025 appears to have levelled off, as labour disputes and weather-related delays offset gains from improved fleet deployment. Carriers within alliances are maintaining higher consistency, yet reliability remains uneven across regions, with Northern Europe continuing to feel the impact of port congestion and labour constraints.

Blank Sailings Maintain Market Discipline

The U.S.–China trade truce at the end of October brought a degree of calm to ocean freight markets, but carriers are continuing to manage supply through selective blank sailings.

Between weeks 46 and 50 (10 November–14 December), approximately 7% of scheduled sailings (52 out of 721) have been withdrawn, primarily on transpacific eastbound (48%), Asia–Europe/Med (35%), and transatlantic westbound (17%) routes.

Despite these adjustments, 93% of departures are expected to proceed as planned, with the GEMINI Cooperation achieving full schedule reliability (100%) and MSC close behind at 95%. The Ocean Alliance, Premier Alliance, and independent carriers are operating between 89–91%.

Container rates edged up in early November following 1 November GRIs, with Drewry’s World Container Index reporting an 8% week-on-week rise, led by Asia–Europe and transpacific routes. With fewer cancellations and around 7% more capacity month-on-month, December is expected to see marginally higher space availability but continued volatility.

For shippers, the months ahead will demand agility and foresight, from early bookings to flexible scheduling, as carriers balance capacity discipline against weakening demand in the slack season.

We work closely with our network and carrier partners to keep cargo flowing through strikes, slowdowns and blank sailings. From time-critical moves to planned flows, our sea freight team secures the space and schedules your supply chain needs, on time and on budget.

EMAIL Andrew Smith, Managing Director, to explore how we can protect your ocean supply chains and help insulate you from market volatility.

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Continued Airfreight Growth Amid Emerging Challenges

Nov 6, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Global air freight markets have continued to post positive year-on-year growth through September and October, reinforced by stronger than anticipated build up to peak season volumes, but recent indicators point to a moderating pace and emerging challenges that merit close attention.

While recent data points to a slowdown in momentum, overall performance remains solid, underpinned by stable demand, improved belly capacity and expanding connectivity on Asia-Europe and Trans-Pacific routes.

September: Stronger Demand and Broad-Based Recovery

According to IATA’s latest data, global air cargo demand rose nearly 3% year-on-year in September, with international volumes up 3.2%. Capacity grew by roughly 3%, maintaining a healthy balance between supply and demand. The Asia-Pacific region led the expansion with a 6.8% increase in volumes, while Europe recorded a 2.5% rise and Africa posted double-digit growth.

Growth was especially strong on the Europe–Asia (up over 12%) and 10% up within Asia corridors, reflecting continued confidence among exporters and manufacturers leveraging airfreight for time-sensitive and high-value cargo. With global manufacturing activity steadying and cross-border trade recovering, September marked one of the most stable months of the year for international air logistics.

October: Consistent Throughput Amid Changing Conditions

Preliminary October data shows global air cargo volumes continuing to rise (around 4% higher than last year) indicating that demand remains robust heading into the traditional year-end peak. Industry analysts note that the pace of expansion is easing slightly as the market adjusts to higher passenger aircraft capacity and shifting economic conditions, but the overall picture remains positive.

Regional patterns are mixed: Asia continues to drive growth, supported by strong eCommerce flows and resilient intra-regional trade, while the transatlantic market remains steady. Importantly, network connectivity and schedule reliability have improved further, helping shippers achieve greater predictability and shorter transit times across major gateways.

Outlook: Stable, Predictable and Customer-Focused

While the pace of growth is slowing, there are reasons for optimism, including sustained peak season volumes, robust growth across key Asian and African corridors, and ongoing demand from eCommerce and modal shifts due to ocean shipping disruption.

The industry faces headwinds from weakening rate trends and demand imbalances, but steady year-on-year increases, even as momentum tapers, position air freight for a resilient conclusion to 2025.

Overall, air cargo remains on a positive trajectory, delivering growth despite moderating demand and evolving market challenges, with adaptability and strategic planning key for stakeholders navigating this dynamic landscape.

With demand steady and networks evolving, securing lift and predictability is all about smart planning. Metro’s air team proactively monitors capacity, fine-tunes routings, and works with trusted carrier partners to keep your cargo moving—reliably and on time.

Our platform adds real-time confidence with flight telemetry that delivers:

  • Live aircraft position and route mapping
  • Accurate departure/arrival confirmation
  • Time-stamped milestones, updated in real time

Plan with certainty, optimise inventory, and protect service levels—even when conditions change.

EMAIL Andrew Smith, Managing Director, to explore smarter, faster, and more resilient air-freight solutions powered by live data and long-standing carrier relationships.

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