The Strait of Hormuz is not only one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints — it is also the single greatest structural vulnerability in Gulf logistics. That is the conclusion of a new analysis by Drewry, which argues that decades of underinvestment in bypass infrastructure mean no realistic short-term alternative...
A U.S. federal appeals court has rejected a controversial labor policy known as the Cemex standard, dealing a significant setback to union organizing strategies that bypass traditional secret ballot elections. The ruling, issued by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, determined that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) exceeded its authority...
The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has confirmed it is closely monitoring the impact of the Iran conflict on ocean freight markets, particularly conditions affecting vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. With the regional war disrupting supply chains across the Middle East, the regulator said it is using its statutory authority...
Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services is preparing to join the WebCargo by Freightos digital booking platform at the end of March, marking another step in the accelerating digitalisation of the air freight industry. The integration will make capacity across Ethiopian Cargo’s vast network digitally accessible to freight forwarders worldwide. Headquartered in...
Elbe Flugzeugwerke has signed a deal with Hong Kong-based lessor Asia Pacific Aviation Leasing Group for the conversion of an Airbus A330-300 from passenger to freighter configuration. The aircraft will enter conversion in the second quarter of this year at one of EFW’s partner sites, while technical planning and certification work...
BlueBox Systems has launched Tradelane Intelligence, a new analytics platform designed to help freight decision-makers compare carrier performance and improve planning across supply chains. The Bonn-based company said the platform goes beyond traditional visibility by offering advanced reporting tools that support both operational and strategic decision-making. It is built on airfreight...
The disruption to oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz is forcing Maersk to take the unusual step of transporting fuel from Europe and the United States to Asia in order to keep its vessels operating. Karsten Kildahl, the carrier’s chief commercial officer, said several of Maersk’s bunker suppliers across the...
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has so far had only limited direct impact on the multipurpose vessel (MPV) sector, although shipping executives warn that longer-term risks remain if the situation escalates. Arthur English, chief executive of Norway-based MPV operator G2 Ocean, said both spot and forward freight rates remain...
The US trucking market is showing early signs of emerging from a freight downturn that has lasted nearly four years. However, new pressures are now pushing rates upward again — particularly rising diesel costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Spot trucking rates in the United States have...
The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has announced it is closely monitoring new surcharges introduced by ocean carriers as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global shipping networks. In a statement issued Wednesday, the agency urged shippers to carefully review their freight invoices for any charges related...
