Insights from Felipe Grijalba, Trade Lane Manager – LATAM Latin America’s logistics landscape encompasses a diverse range of markets, communication styles, and cargo behaviors. Freight flows can change direction overnight, but customers still expect predictability. For Shipco, maintaining this balance is the responsibility of Felipe Grijalba, Trade Lane Manager for Latin America, who also oversees
Schedule changes. Blank sailings. Air capacity constraints. Evolving market dynamics. Forwarders deal with unpredictable conditions every day. Yet, their clients’ expectations remain the same: on-time delivery without surprises. While the market often focuses on price or speed, consistency is what builds long-term confidence. Predictable service allows forwarders to plan, communicate clearly with customers, and protect
Following high-level discussions between the presidents of the United States and China in South Korea on October 30, both nations have agreed to suspend their respective port call fees for a one-year period. As reported by The Loadstar, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) confirmed a pause on Section 301-related port fees.
A recent report by splash247 highlighted that more than 100 attacks on commercial vessels have been attributed to Houthi forces since late 2023. The tentative ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has brought cautious optimism for the maritime sector. French ocean carrier CMA CGM has scheduled two containerships to transit the Suez Canal on their return
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, made direct passage over Western Jamaica, leaving extensive damage in its wake. In a press briefing released through the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) on October 30, Minister of Energy and Telecommunications, Daryl Vaz, stated that over 70% of the country remained without power. A ShippingWatch report published days before the
Interline solutions play a strategic role in global airfreight. Interlining comes into play when one carrier cannot accommodate a shipment all the way from the origin to the final destination. The carrier might not serve both origin and destination, or they might not have the equipment to accommodate a large shipment. In this conversation, John Menendez, Shipco’s Airfreight Development
Following a period of rate declines, recent developments in global ocean shipping suggest a more optimistic outlook for carriers. While uncertainty persists, several indicators point to strengthening conditions across major trade lanes. Container shipping rates on Trans-Pacific Eastbound routes have reversed their downward trend. According to data reported by FreightWaves, the Freightos Baltic Index shows
Airfreight capacity between China and the U.S. remains tight as importers accelerate shipments ahead of a proposed additional 100% tariff on Chinese imports set to take effect on November 1. The announcement has intensified demand for services, especially in North China, where limited space is available. As a result, rates remain elevated and the pressure
The shipping industry faces another year of uncertainty over the global shipping carbon tax. Negotiations at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) concluded without agreement on the Net-Zero Framework, resulting in a year-long adjournment. The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) session, held in London, ended without consensus or a vote on proposed amendments to MARPOL Annex
On October 14, 2025, both the United States and China began enforcing reciprocal port charges aimed at each other’s maritime interests. China’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) announced its levy on October 10, targeting vessels affiliated with the U.S. The measure is widely seen as a direct response to the Section 301 tariff measure introduced by