TPM25: Insights, engagement, and the future of shipping

Held in Long Beach, California, the annual TPM conference, hosted by The Journal of Commerce, remains the premier gathering for senior supply chains executives, container shipping lines, and technology providers shaping the future of global trade.

With the global container market facing another year of unpredictability TPM25, which closed yesterday, arrived at a crucial moment. Entering 2024, many in the industry expected a return to relative stability. Vessel capacity was set to outstrip moderate inventory replenishment across North America and Europe, keeping rates under pressure but without the extreme volatility of the pandemic years. 

Instead, geopolitics reshaped the landscape. Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea forced ocean carriers into costly reroutes, disrupting the delicate balance of supply and demand. Rising tariffs, labour disputes, and economic uncertainty accelerated shifts in global trade flows. Trust between shippers and carriers, was put under even greater pressure as service reliability and cost pressures clashed with expectations for greater transparency and partnership.

Against this backdrop, Metro’s Head of Ocean Pricing, Chris Jones, and Managing Director, Andy Smith, attended TPM25 to connect with industry peers, strengthen existing relationships, and explore the evolving realities facing our customers. Metro’s presence at the event underscores our ongoing commitment to the North American market, where we continue to expand our footprint and provide innovative, technology-driven logistics solutions.

Throughout the conference, one recurring theme stood out: the industry is searching for reliability in an unreliable world. Metro engaged in high-level discussions on how the intersection of capacity management, shifting demand patterns, and evolving alliances will reshape the ocean freight market in the coming years. Attending key sessions on carrier strategy, schedule reliability, and the ongoing Red Sea disruptions, our team gained fresh insights into the rapidly changing dynamics of global trade.

Discussions highlight Metro capability
Beyond strategy and market intelligence, technology was a dominant force at TPM25. The role of artificial intelligence, which is already an integral element in Metro’s tech, was a major talking point, particularly in the realm of predictive analytics, dynamic pricing models, and real-time cargo visibility. 

With Metro’s own digital platform evolving, these discussions provided an opportunity to benchmark our approach against industry innovations and ensure we continue to offer cutting-edge solutions to our clients.

Sustainability also remained a major focus, with decarbonisation efforts and alternative fuel strategies shaping many conversations. This mirrors Metro’s commitment to carbon neutrality and ongoing investments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The transition towards a greener supply chain is a long-term priority, and TPM25 underscored the importance of collaborative solutions between shippers and forwarders to meet global sustainability targets while maintaining operational efficiency.

With Metro’s deep expertise in North America, TPM25 served as a powerful platform to reaffirm our position as a senior player in the region. Our US-focused strategies, bolstered by the launch of Metro Global USA, continue to support customers in navigating an increasingly complex trade environment. By strengthening partnerships, advancing digital capabilities, and delivering flexible, resilient supply chain solutions, Metro remains an essential partner for businesses looking to thrive in an unpredictable market.

As TPM25 draws to a close, one thing is clear: agility, data-driven decision-making, and resilience will define the future of global logistics. Metro stands ready to meet this challenge, ensuring our clients remain ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving industry.

For those we connected with at TPM25, we look forward to continuing our discussions. 

And for those navigating the shifting tides of global trade, Metro remains a trusted partner, providing strategic, future-ready logistics solutions.

To discover how Metro can support your Transpacific or Transatlantic trade needs, or to discuss any of the issues highlighted here, please reach out to Andrew Smith via EMAIL