Category: 4PL

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... Read more

US East coast port strikes underway

At 12:01 a.m. ET on Tuesday 1st October 2024, dockworkers along the US East and Gulf Coasts began a major strike, marking the first significant work stoppage in nearly 50 years, threatening major supply chain disruption across the US and beyond. Nearly 50,000 members of the International Longs... Read more

Australia follows US and Canada with stricter air cargo security measures

In response to heightened security concerns, the US, Canada, and now Australia have implemented stricter security protocols for air cargo originating from Europe and the CIS, to minimise potential risks after incendiary devices were discovered within European parcel networks. Australia’s Dep... Read more

Enhanced groupage services to France and Germany

In our continued efforts to provide exceptional trans-European logistics solutions, we have recently upgraded our groupage services to France and Germany, offering greater speed and efficiency, alongside competitive rates and our top-tier customer care. Our French groupage services continue to... Read more

Seasonal measures for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB)

The 2024/25 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season is now underway, which means strict import regulations are implemented by Australia and New Zealand, with the United Kingdom a target risk country. The BMSB is an agricultural pest native to China, Japan, the Korean peninsula, and Taiwan, an... Read more

Stricter air cargo security measures in response to rising threats

The US and Canada have introduced new security measures aimed at addressing the potential risks posed by incendiary devices found in European parcel networks. Recent incidents, including a fire at a logistics hub in Leipzig originating from a Baltic package, have heightened awareness of potent... Read more

US East coast port strike looms as White House declines plea to step in

Ocean carriers and port employers are urging the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) to return to contract negotiations in an effort to avoid a potential strike across East and Gulf Coast ports, as the White House rejects plea by 177 trade associations to use legal powers.  A str... 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

Air freight peak season surge amid tightening capacity

As the air cargo market enters the final quarter of 2024, capacity is already under pressure, with spot rates from Asia climbing and setting the stage for a challenging few months. In early September, global spot rates saw a significant rise, driven primarily by tightening capacity from key re... 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

Air cargo under pressure as peak season looms

With capacity already strained and further challenges expected from potential labour strikes and reduced belly capacity in the final quarter, shippers are under increasing pressure to secure cargo space ahead of the peak season. Strong demand According to IATA’s latest figures global air ca... Read more

Leading the charge: Metro’s role in the UK’s electric vehicle revolution

Battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) production in the UK expected to surpass one million units between 2030 and 2035, reaching 95% of total automotive capacity by 2035. Metro’s expertise in shipping finished vehicles and handling lithium-ion batteries will be a critical success factor for le... Read more