Category: Retail

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

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

Air freight surges as supply chains feel the pressure

The air freight sector, which is already experiencing a demand spike in many regions, is anticipating another surge as the strikes at US East and Gulf Coast ports are likely to fuel even more demand on the time-sensitive mode. With more than half of US containerised volumes moving through East... 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

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

Ongoing labour disputes threaten global supply chains

While recent developments in India and Canada suggest some relief from labour disputes, the threat of strikes continues to loom over port operations and global supply chains. The situation remains precarious, especially with the added complications from Red Sea diversions, which could magnify the... Read more

Bangladesh’s garment industry determined to rebuild global confidence

As factories reopen, truck movements increase, and key logistics operations resume, Bangladesh’s garment industry is determined to recover and win back their customers’ confidence. Rail freight operations resumed on Monday, 12th August, and airports, container freight stations, terminals, ... 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