shipping route guide News

Shipping Firms Idle Fleets Amid Weak Global Freight Demand

The global ocean freight market is facing weak demand, prompting shipping companies to increase blank sailings to combat falling freight rates. While blank sailings offer temporary relief, they cannot resolve the fundamental supply-demand imbalance. Moving forward, shipping companies need to optimize strategies and improve services, while shippers must strengthen supply chain management. Collaborative efforts are crucial to navigate market challenges and achieve long-term stability in the ocean freight market. The key is addressing the core issues beyond short-term fixes like blank sailings.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights

FIATA Updates Dangerous Goods Manual for Safer Global Shipping

FIATA has released the 3rd edition of its "Safe Handling and Transport of Dangerous Goods Regulations" manual to improve industry awareness and provide guidance on the safe transportation of dangerous goods. The manual compiles expertise from various authoritative bodies, covering all modes of transport. It emphasizes the standardization of safety practices and responsible communication, helping freight forwarders reduce risks, ensure safety, and improve operational efficiency. This updated edition aims to provide practical tools and knowledge for compliance and safe handling throughout the supply chain.

01/16/2026 Logistics

Shipping Industry Faces Downturn Hapaglloyd CEO Urges Survival Plans

Hapag-Lloyd's CEO warns the container shipping industry faces a challenging three years due to overcapacity and plummeting freight rates. The company declined to participate in the acquisition of a stake in the Port of Hamburg, focusing instead on enhancing its own competitiveness. While the industry faces difficulties, the situation isn't as severe as the 2008 financial crisis. Lean operations, differentiated services, and digital transformation are crucial for navigating the challenges and achieving success in the future.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights

India Adjusts Trade Routes Amid Red Sea Shipping Crisis

The Red Sea crisis poses significant challenges to Indian trade, particularly impacting garment exports. The Indian government is actively responding by exploring diversified markets, while the garment industry seeks value chain restructuring and brand upgrades. Despite supply chain disruptions, India remains committed to increasing its export volume and reshaping the global trade landscape. The crisis necessitates a proactive approach to mitigate risks and capitalize on new opportunities for sustained growth and resilience in the face of global uncertainties.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights

Community Group Buying Boon or Bane for Drop Shipping

This paper delves into the application of the dropshipping model within community group buying, analyzing its suitable scenarios, channel selection, operational boundaries, and potential advantages and disadvantages. It emphasizes that dropshipping is a valuable tool for the initial stages of community group buying. However, for long-term sustainable development, building an independent and controllable supply chain system is crucial to maintain a competitive edge. A robust supply chain ensures resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving market dynamics and competitive pressures.

01/15/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia

New Predictive Freight Index Aims to Forecast Shipping Rates

Cowen and AFS have partnered to launch a freight index, forecasting LTL, truckload, and parcel rates. The inaugural index reveals an increase in truckload rates and a decrease in LTL weight. This index provides valuable insights into the current state of the freight market and offers predictive analysis for future trends. It aims to assist shippers and carriers in making informed decisions regarding pricing and capacity planning. The index will be updated regularly to reflect the dynamic nature of the logistics industry.