Category Archives for Industry News

Panama Canal draft restrictions offer sustained challenge for carriers Carrier executives and others say the draft limitations imposed due to a shortage of rainfall are creating a more difficult economic rationale for the so-called all-water route to the East Coast of North America. Panama Canal draft restrictions offer sustained challenge for carriers Journal of Commerce

Dynamics behind Flexport’s leadership change signal digital forwarding’s natural endpoint Much criticism has been leveled at the digital forwarding model, but steep declines in topline revenue during a year of weak demand are a sign that digital forwarders have had trouble differentiating themselves from the pack. Dynamics behind Flexport’s leadership change signal digital forwarding’s natural […]

GPA-sponsored transload facility opens in Savannah The facility will offer a unique option to transfer ocean containers into domestic equipment without the need for outside drayage or pool chassis. GPA-sponsored transload facility opens in Savannah Journal of Commerce

Rising fuel costs driving US LTL, truckload costs higher Cuts in oil production and increased fuel use globally are pushing up trucking fuel surcharges and, in turn, transportation costs for US shippers. Rising fuel costs driving US LTL, truckload costs higher Journal of Commerce

Maersk, CMA CGM join forces in drive to accelerate shipping decarbonization The two carriers will work together to develop alternative fuel standards, scale up the production of green fuel and ensure its supply at key bunkering ports around the world. Maersk, CMA CGM join forces in drive to accelerate shipping decarbonization Journal of Commerce

Largest US ports record 20%-plus declines in trans-Pacific imports The top four US ports, which accounted for 68.2% of US imports from Asia through August, experienced greater than 20% declines in Asian imports in the first eight months of 2023 whereas imports through Houston, the dominant port on the Gulf Coast, declined only 3.7%. Largest […]

Lower demand from China, high prices stunting US ag exports West Coast ports are bearing the brunt of a steep decline in US agriculture exports, as are carriers like CMA CGM that pivoted to serving exporters amid weaker import demand. Lower demand from China, high prices stunting US ag exports Journal of Commerce

Green fuel costs could make nuclear ships economically viable: experts Small onboard nuclear reactors could ultimately be the lowest-cost method of decarbonization as shipping competes with other thirsty industries for sustainable net-zero fuels, according to energy and investment analysts. Green fuel costs could make nuclear ships economically viable: experts Journal of Commerce

Ocean carriers will look to ‘chokepoint’ assets for next wave of spending: analyst Owning and operating potential supply chain chokepoints is a competitive advantage, and we should expect to see major carriers – flush with cash post-pandemic — be very active in attempting to secure such assets, writes analyst Lars Jensen. Ocean carriers will look […]

Lack of cargoes holding down MPV rates in near-term: analysts Despite having fewer cargoes for which to compete, some bulk operators are beefing up their staff of project cargo specialists, implying that those carriers are sensing opportunities ahead. Lack of cargoes holding down MPV rates in near-term: analysts Journal of Commerce