Category: News

Maersk leave Felixstowe as shipping Alliances prepare for launch

The container shipping industry is undergoing significant realignments, with three major alliances and MSC operating independently, restructuring their networks to enhance efficiency and reliability. These alliance changes represent a major shift in container shipping, affecting global trade r... Read more

Peter Orange takes helm of Metro’s global network development

Metro has strengthened its commitment to building robust partnerships worldwide with the appointment of Peter Orange as head of global network development. This strategic move underlines Metro’s focus on global growth, with a resilient, agile network that can adapt to the shifting demands of th... Read more

Air freight faces prolonged capacity constraints amid rising demand

The tightening capacity situation could continue for several years, with constrained availability of freighter aircraft and high demand driving up rates across key routes. While air cargo demand has not yet surged during this year’s peak season, rates remain elevated due to the limited capac... Read more

November 2024; Customs and compliance update

Our customs consultancy team provide insights on the latest changes, making it easier for you to stay on top of your planning and development needs. To help us better support your compliance and efficiency goals, including duty/tax reclaims, we encourage you to click the button below to comple... Read more

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... Read more

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... Read more

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... Read more

Leading Innovation in Logistics and Customer Service

Last week’s announcement of BIFA’s freight service award finalists underscores Metro’s dedication to innovation, efficiency, and customer-centred solutions. This year, Metro has been recognised with four award short-listings from two prestigious industry bodies: the British International Fr... Read more

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... Read more

Air cargo rates surge as Vietnam becomes key export hub

The air cargo market is seeing a significant surge in rates, driven by strong demand and tight capacity, especially on routes from Asia to North America and Europe. In October, spot rates reached their highest point this year, with rates from Vietnam to the US increasing by 65% and to Europe b... Read more

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... Read more

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... Read more