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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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Creative solutions ease Bangladesh export challenges
As Bangladesh’s apparel sector ramps up production following months of disruption, exporters are benefiting from creative logistics solutions to overcome rising freight rates and capacity shortages.
Metro shipments from Bangladesh have been utilising an innovative mix of air freight, sea/a...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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US East Coast dockworker strike: Temporary resolution but risks remain for January
While a tentative agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) has paused the strike, a final resolution must be reached in January 2025, or further disruption could occur.
The recent US East and Gulf Coast dockworker str...
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