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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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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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Challenges in ocean freight: Capacity, congestion, and resilience
The ongoing disruption in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which started with the hijacking of a vessel nearly ten months ago, has led to a substantial reduction in available container vessel capacity, driving up freight rates, intensifying port congestion, and exacerbating equipment shortages.
T...
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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 ...
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Economic momentum for UK businesses in 2024
With increasing confidence, improving trade prospects, and a focus on stability, the environment is ripe for businesses to capitalise on opportunities. Data from multiple sources shows positive trends, underscoring the resilience and potential of the UK economy.
Business confidence reaches new...
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