The U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on imported heavy-duty trucks, aiming to revitalize domestic manufacturing and safeguard national security. However, this could lead to higher truck prices, increased transportation costs, and potential trade retaliation. Opinions are divided, with truck manufacturers, transportation companies, and shippers actively seeking coping strategies. The future impact remains uncertain.
The Prologis IBI Index indicates a turning point in logistics real estate demand, with the Q3 activity index reaching 53. Net absorption, new lease signings, and project pipelines all show healthy growth. E-commerce and large enterprises are driving the increase, but trade volatility introduces uncertainty. The market recovery is non-linear, and businesses need to pay close attention to international trade developments.
The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index reveals mixed trends in the US freight market for Q3. Unprecedented discounts in parcel shipping offset rising fuel surcharges. LTL pricing remains stable, but per-shipment weight is declining. Truckload faces continued headwinds from weak demand and excess capacity, with limited near-term improvement expected. This index provides valuable insights for businesses developing their freight strategies.
The Hamburg Port Authority of Germany has announced multiple railway closures starting from August 2025 due to the renovation of the Finkenwerder Bridge, which will affect major container terminals at Hamburg Port. Additionally, there are plans for closures at northern ports, and shippers should arrange shipments in advance and pay attention to congestion at the ports.
This article provides a detailed overview of the requirements for filling out bills of lading at major ports in South and Central America, including specific regulations for countries like Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Chile. It aims to help shippers avoid common mistakes and penalties. Understanding these requirements is crucial for ensuring the smooth execution of cross-border transactions.
This article details the nine key steps of export sea freight, including inquiry and quotation, order placement, booking, container loading, inspection and customs declaration, bill of lading (B/L) verification and confirmation, B/L issuance, reconciliation and payment settlement, and release of cargo. It aims to help shippers understand the sea freight process, reduce transportation costs, and improve efficiency.
CN, UP, and Ferromex have launched the 'Falcon Premium' intermodal service, connecting Canada, the United States, and Mexico. This initiative challenges CPKC by emphasizing speed, extensive reach, and competitive pricing. The new service aims to provide a faster and more cost-effective option for shippers moving goods across North America, potentially reshaping the landscape of cross-border rail freight.
The current shipping market crisis isn't attributable to a single party, and capacity isn't the sole bottleneck. Historically, carriers have faced downturns. Supply-demand imbalances and port congestion are primary drivers. Collaboration is essential. Shippers should optimize loading, while governments and industry invest in infrastructure and technology. Together, we can build an efficient, stable, and sustainable maritime transport system.
International freight forwarders play a vital role in cargo transportation, providing shippers and consignees with services like carrier selection, customs clearance, cargo pickup, and freight payment. They also act as multimodal transport operators, offering end-to-end solutions. Value-added services include shipment supervision and special cargo handling, ensuring logistics safety and efficiency - making them indispensable in global trade.
Maritime transport is a critical pillar of global trade, but its reliability has been increasingly challenged by factors such as the pandemic and climate change, leading to significant financial, operational, and reputational costs for shippers. This article explores the impact of this unreliability and strategies to address it, aiming to enhance the resilience and stability of supply chains.
