Tag: journal of commerce

Montreal longshore arbitration expected to conclude in Q1 2026 While the conclusion of arbitration should provide more stability to shippers using Montreal, Canada’s other East Coast gateways will soon face their own contract negotiations. Go to journal of commerce

Black Friday demand tightens trans-Pacific air cargo capacity, elevates rates Rising e-commerce volume out of Vietnam is being piled on top of sustained and heavy demand for high-tech shipments, with space on freighters in short supply. Go to journal of commerce

Low truckload rates putting pressure on traditional RFP process Key cost elements for brokers are the amount of time they spend assembling bid responses, and the lack of coordination between pricing analysts and sales teams that interact with shippers. Go to journal of commerce

Zim CEO sees ‘likely’ return to Suez Canal transits soon The ocean carrier said it still needs approvals from insurers and others, but the cease fire in Gaza appears to be holding. Go to journal of commerce

OOCL adds Halifax call to trans-Atlantic Med service The carrier’s first direct service to Halifax comes as Canada looks to pivot its trade networks and as low water levels affect Montreal’s container business. Go to journal of commerce

Steadier capacity in November adds to India-USEC ocean pricing pressure As a result of that heightened overcapacity, spot rates on the trade lane are at their lowest since February while exports to the US East Coast fell sharply in October. Go to journal of commerce

Asia-Europe carriers to levy yet another rate hike on Dec. 1 A series of freight-all-kinds increases since Oct. 1 has held up the spot market on the trade, with carriers aiming to sustain the pricing momentum through Q4 contract talks. Go to journal of commerce

DCSA broadens reach with identity exchange for shipping industry The consortium of nine liner carriers has launched its first product to facilitate the adoption of electronic bills of lading and other digital standards it is developing. Go to journal of commerce

CMA CGM to expand Abu Dhabi terminal as capacity maxes out ‘Spectacular’ growth at the Persian Gulf terminal has brought forward expansion plans that will increase handling capacity by almost 50%. Go to journal of commerce

Widening China import-export imbalance soaking up container capacity The yawning imbalance between China’s imports and exports is another way functional ocean capacity, like with port congestion, is being sapped by forces beyond the control of ocean carriers. Go to journal of commerce

CEO Edwards leaving Port of Virginia at end of year Stephen Edwards’ five-year tenure at Norfolk is marked by major capacity expansions at its two marine terminals, along with new vessel and rail services. Go to journal of commerce

BNSF, CSX launch faster cross-country intermodal service The move represents the latest effort by the two railroads to jointly convince shippers to shift more truckload freight to rail by addressing intermodal’s slower transits. Go to journal of commerce

Shippers split as Gemini floats premium charge on reliability Cargo owners typically balk at paying more for ocean transport, but the significantly improving schedule reliability from the Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd partnership is getting the attention of the market. Go to journal of commerce

White House rolls back tariffs on broad list of food and ag imports The move comes less than two weeks after Democrats were overwhelmingly successful on Election Day, winning a number of key state and local races where affordability and the rising cost of every day products were key issues. Go to journal of commerce

Robust Asia, Europe trade drives up Hamburg’s container volumes Europe’s third-largest port offset a sharp drop in US trade with solid increases in imports from China, Malaysia and India, while seeing big gains in intra-Europe volumes. Go to journal of commerce

APM Terminals to build Bangladesh’s deepest container terminal at Chittagong Current plans call for the development of a 600-meter quay and a 49-acre backup ecosystem able to handle 800,000 TEUs annually. Go to journal of commerce

White House rolls backs tariffs on broad list of food and ag imports The move comes less than two weeks after Democrats were overwhelmingly successful on Election Day, winning a number of key state and local races where affordability and the rising cost of every day products were key issues. Go to journal of commerce

CMA CGM expects softer 2026 due to trade, rate and Red Sea uncertainties Remarks from the group’s CFO came as the carrier’s third-quarter financials showed year-over-year declines. Go to journal of commerce

Former CSX CEO denies that UP came to him first on potential merger The comments from Joe Hinrichs follow a report that CSX’s board of directors was displeased that UP allegedly contacted Hinrichs first about a potential UP-CSX combination and only turned to Norfolk Southern after receiving a tepid response. Go to journal of commerce

Capacity cuts support series of rate hikes on Asia-Europe ocean trade As contract tendering season on the European trades gets underway, carriers are stepping up capacity management efforts to elevate spot rates and better match supply with demand. Go to journal of commerce

UP, CSX give priority loading to Schneider’s new intermodal service The new details clarify the role the two railroads will play in Schneider’s just-launched Fast Track product, which comes with a 95% on-time guarantee. Go to journal of commerce

Data shows US intermodal has a long-term growth problem Intermodal needs to put itself in a position where it can perform against trucking through all the stages of the economic cycle, writes analyst Larry Gross. Go to journal of commerce

HMM to chase high-yield freight, new shipping routes after slump in Q3 profits Responding to market weakness that resulted in an 83% year-over-year decline in third-quarter profits, the carrier said it is “optimizing operations by adjusting port calls and vessel deployment across trade lanes.” Go to journal of commerce

Uber Freight pushes deeper into last-mile freight market Partnering with Better Trucks, Uber is building a “middle-mile” network for last-mile deliveries as shippers seek lower-cost transportation solutions. Go to journal of commerce

Hapag-Lloyd refining Gemini network to improve efficiencies: Habben Jansen The carrier’s CEO also confirmed Gemini is mulling a price premium, which he forecast would be a “small three-digit number per TEU” to reflect the inventory cost savings customers achieve through the alliance’s consistent on-time delivery. Go to journal of commerce

Mobile taps its chief engineer to lead port through 2027 Doug Otto will serve a 17-month term at the helm of the port due to previous plans to retire in early 2027, but will oversee projects that aim to position Mobile as a gateway for reaching inland US markets. Go to journal of commerce

Houthi pause on shipping attacks lowers tensions, but risk remains The rebels are incentivized to keep up some level of threat in the Red Sea because they are loathe to give up leverage that generates financial and military support, according to an S&P Global analyst. Go to journal of commerce

Project cargo forwarders in the space race prepare for liftoff A predicted annual growth rate of 9% for the space economy to 2035 will intensify the demands on cargo handlers. Go to journal of commerce

Overcapacity, slack season pressures push India-Europe rates to two-year lows With typical seasonal lulls setting in after a slower-than-usual peak season, forwarders generally do not expect India-Europe rates to show any sort of an uptick until January. Go to journal of commerce

European shippers bemoan data impact of truckload carrier onboarding challenge Shippers using truckload visibility platforms need accurate data to run their supply chains, but face hurdles in onboarding carriers in Europe. Go to journal of commerce

Gemini delivers cost savings as it mulls a path to premium pricing While premium pricing has long been elusive for ocean carriers, the cost benefits from the Maersk-Hapag-Lloyd alliance may prove to be enough to justify overhauling the network. Go to journal of commerce

Schneider launches premium intermodal service with 95% on-time guarantee The product, known as Fast Track, is the latest effort by an intermodal carrier to attract customers who depend on precision and dependable service, qualities that railroads have often struggled to deliver. Go to journal of commerce

LA-LB emissions agreement with AQMD sets realistic timelines: stakeholders The South Coast Air Quality Management District governing board has approved an emissions reduction plan that requires the ports to develop and implement charging and fueling infrastructure and invest in zero or near-zero-emission trucks, locomotives and cargo handling equipment. Go to journal of commerce

Penalties for pests found in project cargo packing add to shipper woes The wood packaging materials that are meant to protect project cargoes during their journey can be contaminated with pests, and that means importers face significant financial risks. Go to journal of commerce

Rise in Arctic MPV transits comes despite challenges of ice navigation Lured by shorter voyage times and commensurate cost savings, shipping companies have dipped their propellers into the frigid Arctic waters since the northerly routes became commercially viable due to warmer conditions about 15 years ago. Go to journal of commerce

USTR port fee pause broadly welcomed, but labor decries ‘free pass’ for China The United States Trade Representative also confirmed in a statement Sunday that planned 100% tariffs on China-built ship-to-shore cranes and other cargo handling equipment, due to take effect Monday, have also been suspended for a year. Go to journal of commerce

US retailers throttle back on imports amid uncertain consumer sentiment The latest Global Port Tracker report warns of double-digit declines in imports for the rest of the year and no growth in early 2026. Go to journal of commerce

Trump support likely to get UP-NS deal approved: ex-STB chairman Daniel Elliott III told a webinar that the proposed $85 billion merger is “leaning more toward approval” because of the White House’s support. Go to journal of commerce

Vehicle carriers, ro/ro operators relieved to be included in pause on US port fees Car carriers and ro/ro operators had been left in limbo since the deal to postpone reciprocal US and Chinese port fees was announced during the meeting of presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in South Korea on Oct. 30. Go to…

Value unlocked by Gemini will clear path for premium charge: Maersk CEO With its unit costs falling in the aftermath of its alliance with Hapag-Lloyd, the carrier is becoming more confident in discussions with customers on charging a premium for services that in Q3 came with schedule reliability of around 90%. Go to journal of…

In search of the disconnect between freight rates and charter rates The ability to redeploy ships means that no trade operates in a bubble, but in the short term at least, each trade has its own supply and demand dynamics, notes Jeremy Masters. Go to journal of commerce

Large US truckload carriers trim tractor counts to control capacity The Journal of Commerce Truckload Capacity Index hit an all-time low of 72.4% in the third quarter as big carriers culled trucks, expecting a “challenging” end to 2025. Go to journal of commerce

Increased capital investment to accelerate project cargo demand Renewed interest in oil and gas-related projects, as well as power generation infrastructure for data centers, will boost breakbulk cargo volumes. Go to journal of commerce

Tariffs, energy policy changes force US ports to rethink project cargo strategies Ports that previously had been able to count on more predictable planning and certain cargo types, such as wind project equipment, are finding themselves having to take stock of their capabilities and recalibrate accordingly. Go to journal of commerce

Matson Q3 results beat expectations despite weak trans-Pacific market The Jones Act carrier said pricing for expedited ocean freight stayed firm in the quarter despite lower overall volumes from China amid the trade dispute between Washington and Beijing. Go to journal of commerce

Belly freight shouldering airlines’ CO2 emissions burden: forwarders With calculations based on weight, the burden of CO2 emissions generated by passenger aircraft is being unfairly placed on the freight carried below decks, forwarders say. Go to journal of commerce

Maersk boosts earnings guidance on higher container volume growth But the revision comes as the carrier saw sharp declines in third-quarter revenues and profit amid the slump in freight rates. Go to journal of commerce

US LTL ‘land rush’ reaches its end amid long-term freight decline LTL carriers are reining in capital spending on property, holding new terminals and doors in reserve as they await a hoped-for turnaround in freight demand in 2026. Go to journal of commerce

Expeditors’ Q3 earnings beat forecast on air freight, customs gains But the forwarding and logistics company said its ocean freight business dropped amid low demand and high vessel capacity. Go to journal of commerce

Air freight growth remains solid as verticals support nonstop momentum Even another round of US tariffs and ongoing geopolitical concerns would be unlikely to blunt the growth, with airlines able to rapidly adjust capacity to support shifting trade flows, delegates at a global air cargo forum were told. Go to journal of commerce

SAL Heavy Lift, Intermarine combine under a single brand With a combined fleet of about 80 ships, the new structure unites SAL’s services under one integrated brand specializing in heavy-lift, ultra heavy-lift, multipurpose, offshore, semi liner shipping and bulk transport. Go to journal of commerce

US manufacturing projects drive momentum for global industrial gas companies Shippers Linde and Air Liquide are leaning on their project backlogs for future cargoes, bucking talk of an “industrial recession.” Go to journal of commerce

Intermodal savings rose in Q3, but might not yield high rates in ‘26 While intermodal savings remain above 20%, according to the latest Intermodal Savings Index, there is not enough pressure yet in the trucking market to drive up rates across the US on intermodal rail. Go to journal of commerce

Australian shipper groups call for legal curbs on terminal operator fee hikes The fresh price increases vary between terminal operators and by export and import cargo, with most ranging between 5% and 15%, although running as high as 47% in one case. Go to journal of commerce

ONE halves full-year net profit forecast on projected H2 loss “Significant uncertainties” due to US tariffs and a capacity oversupply amid ongoing new vessel deliveries prompted the Singapore-based carrier to sharply reset performance expectations for the balance of its fiscal year. Go to journal of commerce

MSC agrees to reflag 12 container ships in India in diversification push The migration of European carriers away from their traditional foreign “flags of convenience” to India’s emerging market is seen as a major maritime boost for New Delhi as it vigorously seeks private investment to drive economic growth. Go to journal of commerce

Increased supply chain scrutiny at odds with customs enforcement capability Trade software vendor Altana released a tool this month designed to help US Customs and Border Protection match its ability to screen import goods at a level on par with new US regulations. Go to journal of commerce

Year-long pause on US port fees targeting China vessels to start Nov. 10 Beijing is expected to soon announce the start date of its own 12-month pause on reciprocal port fees on US ships, a deal that was agreed to last week as part of a broad trade framework hammered out by the two superpowers.…

Trade deal could boost short-term China imports, but uncertainty lingers An immediate bump in cargo is likely in the wake of this week’s deal between Washington and Beijing, but it’s too early for US retailers who are tied to China to make supply chain decisions for 2026 spring and summer imports. Go to journal of…

US port capacity lagging ahead of potential volume growth: MSC The carrier, as it seeks with BlackRock to acquire the majority of Hutchison Port Holdings, is developing a mega-terminal in New Orleans and another terminal in Baltimore. Go to journal of commerce

DP World lines up $5 billion investment program for India expansion The company’s spending push is another sign that shipping and logistics multinationals are increasingly betting on India’s potential as an alternative maritime hub. Go to journal of commerce

CPKC-CSX target 2026 as big year for Mexico-Texas-East Coast trade The railroads will make a harder play to capture Dallas-to-East Coast freight after track upgrades come online along the Gulf Coast early next year. Go to journal of commerce

CPKC slams UP, NS on Meridian congestion, merger plans Recent tensions involved CPKC’s opposition to the UP-NS merger, but the battle has morphed into a larger disagreement about poor service on a 300-mile stretch of track in Louisiana and Mississippi known as the Meridian Speedway. Go to journal of commerce

Top LTL carriers maintain profit while planning paths to freight recovery ODFL, XPO and Saia reported annualized declines in third-quarter shipments, but are positioning themselves for a stronger freight market in 2026. Go to journal of commerce

Rising MSI belies heightened uncertainty in multipurpose vessel sector While some carriers reported a positive outlook for freight stemming from power generation and mining projects, others noted that demand for offshore wind has been dented by regulatory upheaval. Go to journal of commerce

US, China suspend reciprocal port fees as part of wider trade deal But there was no indication when the pause would take effect or what would happen to the port fees already paid by ship operators in the two weeks since the US and China imposed the reciprocal levies on Oct. 14. Go to journal…

Cosco cites falling freight rates, tariff woes for 56% drop in Q3 net profits China-based Cosco’s latest earnings came as Beijing and Washington announced a one-year pause in their reciprocal port fees as part of a broader trade framework that included a reduction in US tariffs on Chinese imports. Go to journal of commerce

Green fuel funding slowed by IMO decarbonization delay: Hapag-Lloyd CEO A limited supply of alternative fuels will not be helped by the one-year adjournment of the net-zero framework, Rolf Habben Jansen says. Go to journal of commerce

Asia-Europe ocean imports drive up Rotterdam’s nine-month volume Europe’s busiest container port has maintained its growth so far this year despite persistent congestion, intermittent strikes and growing geopolitical tensions. Go to journal of commerce

Oilfield service giants banking on windfall from data center power projects The companies are exploring opportunities to tap into the rapidly growing data center market, which could result in more project cargo activity from the power generation projects needed to support the centers. Go to journal of commerce

CMA CGM revives talks for ownership stake in Hamburg terminal: Alphaliner A share in Eurogate’s CTH facility would give the carrier a firm foothold in Europe’s third-largest container port. Go to journal of commerce

UPS volumes grow overseas in Q3 as China-to-US shipments drop 27% International lanes that don’t touch the US are growing package volumes faster as higher US tariffs disrupt established patterns, UPS said in its latest earnings report. Go to journal of commerce

New Charleston CEO seeks to regain container growth ‘momentum’ Micah Mallace said SC Ports needs to return its focus to serving cargo owners and carriers after recent below-market volume growth. Go to journal of commerce

Shrinking capacity pushing up US reefer truck rates Growth in spot refrigerated (reefer) truck pricing is accelerating, especially for loads originating in Florida and Mexico, amid tougher licensing and immigration enforcement. Go to journal of commerce

Maersk joins CMA CGM in reflagging container ships in India amid antitrust pressure The Indian government has been wooing global shipping and logistics conglomerates to invest beyond port-to-port shipping operations in the country through liberalized policy and tax frameworks. Go to journal of commerce

WiseTech Global offices raided over insider trading allegations The investigation by Australian authorities involves alleged share sales activity in late 2024 and early 2025 by Chairman Richard White and three employees. Go to journal of commerce

Panama’s twin terminal project attracts interest from 22 carriers, operators A meeting of the interested parties kicked off what will likely be a year-long process to select developers to design, build and operate the two terminals at Corozal on the Pacific side of the canal and Colón on the Atlantic that will cost a combined…

MPV operators adapt to congestion by shifting to alternative ports, digital tools Congestion at Rotterdam and other North European ports such as Hamburg has been exacerbated by the increase in breakbulk and project cargo volumes from industrial and energy projects, which leaves ports struggling to cope. Go to journal of commerce

Cosco, OOCL incurred over $40 million in initial US port fees The early estimates coincide with prior forecasts of how much of the new port fees would fall on the two carriers, with their combined fee burden potentially reaching $2 billion in a year’s time should no changes be made to the fee structure. Go…

Knight-Swift combining LTL subsidiaries to form one carrier under ACT brand The combination of AAA Cooper Transportation, Midwest Motor Express and Dependable Highway Express covers the US LTL market coast-to-coast, except for the Northeast. Go to journal of commerce

Asia-Europe spot rates defy carrier efforts to lift prices above contract levels Slowing demand from sluggish European economies and excess ocean capacity on the Asia-Europe trade lane are frustrating liners’ attempts to raise rates. Go to journal of commerce

Trans-Pacific air cargo to be driven by ‘vertical’ markets: forwarders Markets such as high tech and perishables are showing strong growth and, combined with shifting trade patterns in Asia, will help offset the lack of a traditional air peak season this quarter, forwarders say. Go to journal of commerce

Wind cargo helps Virginia port lay groundwork for more heavy-lift business The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project has been a test case of sorts for the Port of Virginia’s heavy-lift capabilities for future cargo opportunities. Go to journal of commerce

MSC flexing its north-south muscle, particularly on US-Africa trade It would be foolish to extrapolate the road ahead based on one new service, but the fact that MSC brings so many things to bear and can move so quickly implies that others will have to be at the top of their game to compete, writes…

LTL carriers push general rate hikes despite lackluster US freight demand Some of the largest less-than-truckload carriers are announcing non-contract GRIs, but the state of the freight market argues against substantial rate increases. Go to journal of commerce

FMC nominees pledge level playing field for US shippers The Trump administration’s two nominees to fill open positions on the Federal Maritime Commission say ongoing enforcement of existing law can help bring more efficiency to commercial shipping. Go to journal of commerce

No halt to rate declines on India-US trade amid tariff headwinds Average spot rates from West India to the US East Coast have dropped by $400 to $500 per container over the last three weeks, according to new data from freight forwarders. Go to journal of commerce

Rival Kuehne + Nagel circles DSV customers as ocean tender season nears Tender season is a time when shippers traditionally look to switch forwarders, so signing them to new contracts will be the real test of the DSV-DB Schenker integration, DSV CFO Michael Ebbe says. Go to journal of commerce

UP CEO pushing to file formal NS merger application by Dec. 1 Union Pacific’s application seeking federal approval to acquire Norfolk Southern will be 4,000 pages long and provide the first detailed look at how the railroads believe customers would benefit from the $85 billion deal. Go to journal of commerce

Delay in IMO decarbonization plans robs green fuel investors of certainty The absence of a framework on how global shipping can pass on the higher operating costs of using low- or zero-emission fuels to cargo owners will likely stall investment in the sector. Go to journal of commerce

Industry group calls for tougher licensing, better training amid trucker crackdown The Owner-Operator Independent Driver’s Association is urging Congress to codify new regulations aimed at tightening oversight of commercial driver licensing and to support more training for new drivers. Go to journal of commerce

LA-LB saw ‘small to moderate’ rise in emissions despite record volumes in 2024 Record container volumes resulted in greater port activity amid an increase in calls by vessels, trucks and trains, as well as increased use of cargo-handling equipment. Go to journal of commerce

US tariffs dent China import volumes, but not global container growth Amid tariffs of up to 130%, US laden imports from China for the six months between April and September fell to levels not seen since 2013. Go to journal of commerce

Intra-Europe emissions exposure affected by feeder services selection: report The financial risks to shippers are rising as the increasing costs of EU carbon tax and fuel intensity regulations are passed on by Mediterranean carriers, a report from maritime technology company OceanScore has found. Go to journal of commerce

AI agents proliferate in logistics despite skepticism Companies large and small — from C.H. Robinson to ShipAngel — are unveiling new suites of AI agents to augment their customers’ capacities and help them organize unstructured data. Go to journal of commerce

Maersk considering investment in Panama’s new terminals The ocean carrier and logistics provider already has big investments in Panama but may lack dedicated berth space for ships if MSC swoops in on two big container terminals there. Go to journal of commerce

CMA CGM inks auto logistics joint venture with Slovenian Port of Koper The partnership is part of a broader effort to advance the development of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor via the Adriatic’s main port. Go to journal of commerce

Delay in IMO decarbonization plans robs green fuels investors of certainty The absence of a framework on how global shipping can pass on the higher operating costs of using low- or zero-emission fuels to cargo owners will likely stall investment in the sector. Go to journal of commerce

Cargo surge congests Colombo as some carriers avoid The top ocean carriers serving Colombo have kept their calls intact while others are skipping calls. Go to journal of commerce

China air freight demand, rates surge on new 100% US tariff But freighter operators were prepared for the frontloading, and no capacity shortages are being reported on China-US routes, according to Tiaca. Go to journal of commerce