Insights from Diane Kaiser, Shipco’s General Manager, USA Sales In freight forwarding, most problems do not arise from major events but rather from minor issues, such as missed updates, slow responses, and a lack of clarity when delays occur. Over time, these gaps erode trust. At Shipco, the focus on customer experience is centered around
Airfreight capacity in the Middle East has declined sharply since the Israel-Iran conflict began, leading to a global reduction in available space. According to data provider Rotate’s database, widebody capacity for both belly and freighter has fallen by 100% in Iran and Syria. Iraq is down by -84%, Israel by -78%, Jordan by -43%, and
Cargo delays continue at Mexico’s Port of Manzanillo more than a month after a four-day customs strike. Despite measures such as longer weekend hours and increased customs staffing, congestion has not improved. Ships are now waiting 1.8 days to dock – the longest delay recorded this year, according to Vizion and Dun & Bradstreet. One
Cargo volumes dipped sharply at Southern California’s container ports in May, reflecting continued disruption from tariff policies and shifting global trade patterns. The Port of Long Beach handled 639,160 TEUs, down -8.2% year-over-year. Imports dropped -13.4% to 299,116 TEUs, while exports fell -18.6% to 82,149 TEUs. The only growth came from empty containers, which rose
Rising tensions in the Middle East have sparked new warnings for the global shipping industry. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which monitors and delivers maritime security information, has advised vessels to use caution when passing through the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz. The UKMTO advisory follows the
Ports in Northern Europe are facing their worst crisis since the pandemic. Key gateways like Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, and Bremerhaven are overwhelmed with congestion and delays. As of June 13, 2025, the situation remains critical. Several problems are stacking up at once. Strikes, rail closures, carrier alliance shifts, and low inland water levels have combined
Trans-Pacific container rates climbed sharply over the past week as the industry prepares for an early peak season. Shippers are frontloading goods to get ahead of potential changes to tariffs in July and August. SONAR and Freightos both report that container rates from Asia to the U.S. West Coast have surged in recent days. At
Insights from Casper Alexandersen, Shipco’s Regional Manager, U.S. West Coast Most people outside logistics do not realize what it takes for a container to move from origin to destination. Transport is just one aspect; equally crucial is the coordination between numerous stakeholders, all working together seamlessly. When one part of the process is disrupted, the
Shippers moving cargo from Asia to the East Coast of South America (ECSA) are facing significant peak season disruptions, as container spot rates have nearly doubled in recent weeks. The sharp rise in rates is being driven by port congestion, equipment shortages, blank sailings, and carriers reallocating vessels to the Asia-U.S. trade. Ports in Brazil
Labor tensions at Canada’s West Coast ports have eased following a new agreement between port employer, the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA), and ILWU Local 514, the union representing longshore foremen. The deal covers about 700 longshore foremen working at the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert. It retroactively starts from April 2023 and
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