Category: 4PL

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

Sustainability focus

When managed effectively, supply chains not only reduce costs and boost profitability but also play a crucial role in sustainability. The impact of climate change has underscored the need to improve supply chains to protect our ecosystem and conserve natural resources for future generations. A... 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

Rising lorry thefts prompt calls for government action

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has urged the government to establish a specific offence for freight crime and to develop more secure truck stops. This call comes in response to organised crime gangs (OCGs) increasingly targeting cargo, with over £1 million worth of goods stolen in a single i... Read more

Bangladesh Lockdown Easing

Peaceful protests by university students against a government job quota system favouring relatives of war veterans escalated into nationwide violence last week, resulting in over 150 deaths, communication blackouts, and curfews. Today, Bangladesh began to gradually lift the curfew imposed last Th... Read more