Category: Foodstuffs

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

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

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... 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