As mid-October progresses, seasonal patterns indicating a dip in volume have become apparent, albeit slightly later than usual. This delay can be attributed to three disruptions earlier in the month that provided a temporary uptick in freight demand. Historically, mid-November marks the beginning of increased demand as we approach the holiday season, and this year […]
Read MoreAs China’s Golden Week holiday disruptions wind down, airlines are shifting more capacity to high-demand routes between Asia Pacific and North America, preparing for the busy Christmas season. According to the U.S. National Retail Federation (NRF), holiday consumer spending is projected to increase by 2.5% to 3.5% over last year, with e-commerce expected to grow […]
Read MoreThe recent three-day strike by dockworkers at East and Gulf coast ports may have ended quickly, but its effects will be felt in global trade for weeks to come. Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime and container shipping analyst for the Journal of Commerce, warned Thursday that shippers should brace for a delayed reduction in […]
Read MoreSpot truckload rates are surging in the U.S. Southeast and climbing across the country following Hurricane Helene, with another storm, Hurricane Milton, set to strike the Gulf Coast of Florida soon. Milton is expected to hit Wednesday before crossing the state into the Atlantic. Last week, rates for dry-van, refrigerated, and flatbed trucks increased nationwide […]
Read MoreTruckload spot rates across the southeastern U.S. are rising sharply in response to back-to-back hurricanes. After Hurricane Helene ravaged parts of Florida to North Carolina, the trucking market experienced significant disruption. Now, as Hurricane Milton approaches the Gulf Coast of Florida, spot rates are climbing even higher. Last week saw nationwide increases in spot rates […]
Read MoreAfter weeks of contentious negotiations, maritime employers and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) have reached a tentative deal to reopen container terminals at East and Gulf coast ports. The agreement includes a substantial wage increase for dockworkers and a three-month contract extension while formal negotiations continue. The breakthrough, announced Thursday evening, comes after the White […]
Read MoreLong Beach, CA: The Port of Long Beach is chugging into the “Year of Rail” in 2024, with a focus on modernizing facilities, boosting air quality, and ultimately becoming the world’s first zero-emissions seaport. CEO Mario Cordero laid out the ambitious plan in his State of the Port Address, highlighting the Pier B On-Dock Rail […]
Read MoreThe Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, faces unprecedented risks as Houthi rebels launch escalating attacks on commercial vessels. Houthi Motives and the Murky Web of Attacks: The Houthis, backed by Iran, claim their strikes target vessels with Israeli ties. However, experts highlight the indiscriminate nature of attacks, raising concerns about wider […]
Read MoreChina’s consumer prices remain stagnant and factory-gate prices continue to decline, indicating persistent deflationary pressures in the world’s second-largest economy. The consumer price index (CPI) remained unchanged in September from a year earlier, falling short of the expected 0.2% gain. Core inflation, excluding food and fuel prices, held steady at 0.8%. The producer price […]
Read MoreBelgian authorities are planning to increase container scanning using artificial intelligence (AI) at its ports, focusing on shipments from high-risk areas like Latin America to combat drug smuggling. Currently, only 5% of containers entering the country’s ports are scanned, according to Belgium’s customs chief, Kristian Vanderwaeren. The measure is part of a broader effort to […]
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