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 entire supply chain can be thrown off balance. That’s why forwarders are turning to partners who can anticipate disruption and offer clarity, especially when regulations change.
Hazardous cargo rules are becoming harder to follow
Across global supply chains, regulatory scrutiny has increased, particularly for dangerous goods. According to Casper Alexandersen, Shipco’s Regional Manager for the U.S. West Coast, more countries and carriers are tightening restrictions. “We are seeing more and more restrictions on hazardous cargo, both in terms from the IMDG, but also various carriers are coming out with their own house rules. It’s a very, very complex situation because it’s constantly unfolding,” he explains.
He describes one product category which has drawn special attention. “We’re seeing lithium batteries – batteries in general – also under scrutiny from various countries,” Casper says. That extra layer of compliance adds to the already challenging environment many forwarders are navigating.
Understanding which rules apply, how they differ by country or carrier, and what documentation is required has become harder for local teams to manage on their own. As Casper notes, “It’s another layer of complexity in our industry.”
Freight forwarders need real-time compliance support
`Regulatory uncertainty is prompting an increasing number of clients to seek assistance. “We’re seeing many of the customers turning to us for help in understanding these regulations,” Casper explains, “and also finding solutions that they can offer to their customers.”
Shipco is prepared to support those requests, not only through experience but also with specialized internal teams. “We have very knowledgeable people on any desk that can help,” Casper says.
That includes teams focused exclusively on high-risk freight. “For example, with hazardous materials, we have a dedicated team. They know everything there is to know about hazardous materials,” he adds.
This support isn’t limited to smaller customers. Even large forwarders often lack internal capabilities to stay up-to-date with rule changes across multiple jurisdictions. As Casper explains, “It is a fantastic way for customers, a local forwarder, but even the bigger forwarders that don’t always have this kind of access within their own company, to reach out for various kind of scenarios to help to understand what’s going on in the industry.”
Risk management starts with regulatory clarity
The truth is that no freight operator can fully control delays or disruptions. However, they can reduce risk by making compliance part of the planning phase, not a last-minute adjustment.
Shipco’s ability to help forwarders understand and act on evolving regulations has become a competitive advantage. It ensures that cargo moves with fewer surprises and that each party involved understands what is required across the chain.
“With all these challenges and disruptions in the industry, it’s really difficult to accurately predict when something is going to be there or not,” Casper says. And in that kind of environment, predictability begins with knowledge.
