Category: Hazardous

Shipping routes likely to remain diverted until August

The diversion of container shipping around the Cape of Good Hope is expected to continue well into 2025 as carriers prioritise stability over the potential risks of returning to the Red Sea, despite recent advancements in the Suez Canal’s infrastructure The reluctance to return to the Red Se... Read more

Freight market outlook 2025: Navigating uncertainty and change

The freight industry faces a challenging 2025, with ongoing diversions around Africa, potential labour strikes, and looming tariff changes shaping the air and sea freight landscape.  While best and worst-case scenarios could unfold, the most likely outcome lies somewhere in between, creating ... Read more

2024: Reflecting on a Dynamic Year in Global Supply Chains

As 2024 comes to an end, we look back at a year filled with extraordinary events that shaped the global supply chain landscape. From geopolitical challenges to shifts in logistics trends, the past year has underscored the importance of resilience, adaptability, and innovation in our industry. ... Read more

Road freight market update and Metro review

The road freight market in the UK and Europe is grappling with structural cost challenges, evolving regulations, and capacity constraints, while Metro’s road freight division continues to expand, delivering innovative solutions and outperforming market trends. In the UK and Europe, road frei... 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

Sea freight market review

The sea freight market in October 2024 is facing continued challenges from geopolitical tensions and industrial actions, with strikes on the US East and Gulf Coasts contributing to significant disruptions. Although the three-day US East coast strike in early October has been resolved with a te... Read more

Road freight market sees failure and consolidation

The UK road freight market is facing severe pressures from rising operational expenses and ongoing labour shortages, with Q3 rates surging 10% year-on-year, reflecting widespread cost increases. This tough economic climate has led to the failure of nearly half of all haulage companies launched... Read more

Reefer container shortage looms as demand surges

The global market for refrigerated containers, or reefers, is facing significant pressure as we approach the end of 2024. Seasonal demand, combined with increased export activity from regions like Latin America, is straining equipment availability. This surge coincides with the peak season for... Read more

Supply chains brace for more disruption as storm season intensifies

From wildfires and floods to scorching heatwaves, the consequences of climate change are becoming more pronounced, and as we enter the peak shipping season, businesses are scrambling to prepare for what is predicted to be one of the most disruptive storm seasons in recent memory. So far in 202... Read more

New shipping alliances for 2025

With the dissolution of the 2M partnership between MSC and Maersk in February 2025, new partnerships and slot-sharing agreements are emerging, positioning shipping companies in a transformed global market. One of the key developments is the formation of the Premier Alliance, which will replace... Read more

US supply chains face multiple threats

Importers are entering a critical period, with looming labour disputes, capacity pressures, and surges in maritime and airfreight volumes are creating challenges that could disrupt supply chains well into the fourth quarter. Demand surge The Port of Los Angeles handled a record-breaking 940k ... Read more

European market review and group developments

The European freight market continues to face a complex landscape, characterised by fluctuating demand and evolving capacity challenges. In this review, we examine the current state of the road freight market and highlight recent group developments, including the acquisition of a Portuguese inter... Read more