Guide to the NMFC Changes Effective July 19, 2025 The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is set to implement a significant overhaul of the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system on July 19, 2025. The NMFTA is shifting to a density-based classification system, meaning how much space your shipment takes up will matter more
A new study from Sea-Intelligence revealed that the size and connectivity of ports are not correlated to their reliability. Examining over 14 years of vessel call data from 202 major deep-sea ports, the study ranked port performance based on schedule reliability. It placed greater emphasis on data from recent years, as a better indicator of
The World Shipping Council’s (WSC) latest annual report on containers lost at sea reveals that 576 containers were lost in 2024. This figure is more than double the 221 containers lost in 2023, although it remains below the 10-year average of 1,274 containers lost. The increase in losses is primarily attributed to trade rerouting around
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 fell -13.4% and exports fell -18.6%, while empty containers rose slightly by 3.2%. The Port of Los Angeles also saw a
Rising tensions in the Middle East have sparked new warning 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 significant congestion with delays mounting at key gateways like Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, and Bremerhaven. As of mid-June, the situation remains severe, driven by a combination of labor strikes, rail service closures, carrier alliance shifts, and low inland water levels. Rotterdam has been hit particularly hard, with barge delays exceeding two
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. Industry platforms such as SONAR and Freightos report a surge in container rates from Asia to the U.S. West Coast. Ocean
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
Airlines have reported a renewed interest in block space agreements (BSAs) as forwarders prepare for a potential spike in airfreight rates later this year. While some in the industry remain cautious due to ongoing trade uncertainties, others are locking in rates now as a measure of security against price surges down the line. Many airfreight
Insights from Mary Ann Chua, Shipco’s Director, Regional Accounts, Asia Pacific & India Subcontinent (APAC & ISC) Not all forwarders operate the same way. While some focus on airfreight and others on ocean, the real differences often lie deeper: in how they scale, where they operate, and how they respond to shifting demands. As these