News & Insights

Our alerts, news and guides embrace all transport modes and explore global developments across all aspects of the supply chain, to keep you informed and guide decision making.

November: North American market update

The North American freight market faces a complex set of challenges as ongoing labour disputes, potential trade policy shifts, and evolving service offerings reshape the landscape. Canadian port strikes strain supply chain Labour disputes have disrupted operations at Canada’s east and west ... Read more

Automotive market update: navigating an evolving industry landscape

The automotive industry is in a constant state of motion, moving 1.6 billion components every year to support the manufacturing of approximately 85 million cars worldwide. With around 20,000 parts required per vehicle, the sheer scale of supply chain activity is immense, particularly for the 9... Read more

New alliances reshape East-West trade container shipping

Container shipping faces a transformative year in 2025, as key East-West and transatlantic shipping routes are set for substantial realignment, with the dissolution of existing alliances and the formation of new ones. Carriers are optimising their networks to enhance competitiveness and meet t... Read more

Ellerman City Liners expands fleet with sustainable new container ships

Group member, Ellerman City Liners, a historic and customer-focused shipping line, is enhancing its container vessel fleet with two newly chartered 1,400 TEU ships, designed to meet current and future environmental regulations. These new-build additions mark a significant step forward in Eller... Read more

North American Sea Freight Market Strained

The North American sea freight market faces ongoing challenges, with recent labour actions on the US East Coast fuelling local anxieties and adding congestion and capacity pressures on the West coast. The three-day strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) on the US East C... Read more

Air freight surges from Asia to Europe while trans-Pacific faces regulatory hurdles

As peak season ramps up, air cargo from Asia to Europe is experiencing strong growth, largely driven by rising demand for eCommerce, while new scrutiny on duty exemptions has led to a significant drop in air cargo volumes from Asia to the United States. In October, tonnage from Hong Kong to Eu... Read more

UK Freeports Offer New Opportunities for Businesses

The new labour government has confirmed its commitment to the ‘Freeports’ initiative that aims to stimulate economic growth, by offering an array of incentives, from tax relief on investment to National Insurance contributions (NICs) relief on employee earnings. With eight Freeports now op... Read more

Leading Innovation in Logistics and Customer Service

Last week’s announcement of BIFA’s freight service award finalists underscores Metro’s dedication to innovation, efficiency, and customer-centred solutions. This year, Metro has been recognised with four award short-listings from two prestigious industry bodies: the British International Fr... Read more

Sea Freight Outlook for 2025

The global sea freight market is set for another turbulent year in 2025, with rates likely to remain high despite anticipated softening in some lanes. Although new vessel deliveries are expected to bring additional capacity, a combination of geopolitical uncertainties and market reconfigurations ... Read more

Strengthening Global Network to Address Supply Chain Challenges

Metro’s strategic partner network is central to delivering market-leading logistics services, especially as global supply chains face ongoing challenges. With the appointment of Peter Orange as head of global network development, Metro is deepening its commitment to building robust partnerships... Read more

Labour tensions rise on North America’s East coast

Ongoing labour disputes on the US East Coast and Canada’s Port of Montreal continue to threaten disruptions to North American supply chains. The agreement between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) on the US East coast (USEC) brings temporary relief, securing peace for th... Read more

Air cargo rates surge as Vietnam becomes key export hub

The air cargo market is seeing a significant surge in rates, driven by strong demand and tight capacity, especially on routes from Asia to North America and Europe. In October, spot rates reached their highest point this year, with rates from Vietnam to the US increasing by 65% and to Europe b... Read more