Category: Supply Chain

The joined up supply chain

The supply chain is a complex system of interrelated parts which need to be monitored continuously to avoid problems and keep it running effectively. True supply chain visibility requires the ability to see the whole supply chain at all times in order to solve problems as they arise, as incomp... Read more

Shipping lines set to increase Asia–Europe contract rates

As the container shipping lines continue to control capacity tightly, announcing a new series of blanked sailings in October on the Asia - Europe trade, they are preparing for their annual contract negotiations with the largest shippers on the critical route, with many anticipating higher long te... Read more

How Britain’s EU exit affects ‘rest of the world’ international trade

Brexit means more than renouncing the trade deals of our 27 European counterparts. It’s also about losing the 41 EU-third country trade agreements in 72 separate countries. As we plummet towards the end of the Brexit transition period, the focus has been on securing a trade deal with the EU ... Read more

General Global freight market update

The current market conditions are a real mixed bag dependent on trade lane, mode of transport and region. Whilst some areas of global trade are experiencing extreme congestion, other areas are operating as normal for this time of year. Below is an overview of the current situation. Sea Freight... Read more

Import broker essential documents – Power of Attorney

This essential piece of documentation is required to demonstrate to Customs (under legal provisions) that authority is granted to act in your name and on your behalf. A ‘Power of Attorney’ (POA) - also known as a ‘Letter of Empowerment’ - refers to the authorisation required to be give... Read more

Post-Brexit timeline of import border controls for trade in EU goods

As the end of the Brexit transition period looms large, it is crucial to consider what will happen to border controls for EU trade from 1st of January 2021. As we reside in turbulent times, it must be brought to light that this articles content is not absolute, and is subject to change as time... Read more

The Metro team talk: Mark Dainter

Graduating university with a degree in chemistry, Mark quickly realised that a career in “blowing things up” was not for him.  Joining Metro in 1996, almost two and a half decades ago, Mark elicits his versatility through working across a wide variety of departments in the business, r... Read more

Bid for a freeport on the Thames

Forth Ports and DP World will submit a joint freeport bid incorporating the Port of Tilbury and DP World London Gateway, to create a digitally connected multi-site free trade zone, that will focus on clean growth, while seeking to act as an innovation hub across a range of sectors. The compani... Read more

Reduce emissions and improve your bottom line

Environmental strategies and carbon emission reduction activities have been core elements in multi-national trading reports for some years and more shippers are beginning to realise that they can adapt their supply chain to be environmentally friendly and save money in the process. Cutting emi... Read more

Shipping lines avoid strike-bound Montreal

We are receiving news that container shipping lines have begun diverting from the Port of Montreal as a series of strikes disrupt container handling for another week at Canada’s second-largest port.  Hapag-Lloyd has confirmed that the Detroit Express will call at the Port of Saint John ... Read more

The COVID19 supply chain challenge

When we saw supply chain challenges begin to rise in China, due to Coronavirus containment measures, there was no indication of the massive scale of Global disruption that would unfold in the coming months and how our customers in the medical sector have coped. The initial supply interruptions... Read more

US/China trade war enters 3rd year

It’s the 2nd anniversary of the US-China trade war and US importers are rushing back to China for inventory replenishment While the overall US trade deficit with China fell to US$26.96 billion in May, compared to US$33.71 billion in June 2018, US imports from China jumped to an eight-month h... Read more