The Digital Ghost in the Supply Chain: Why Traditional Vetting Fails Against Modern Cargo Fraud
European logistics face a $40 billion annual cargo loss, with EU fraud costing about $9 billion. The shift from physical theft to digital impersonation exploits the spot‑capacity market, where dispatchers use unverified channels under time pressure. Traditional vetting relies on static PDFs, leaving a verification gap that organized crime exploits. Experts argue continuous, automated credential checks are needed to turn cargo fraud into a boardroom‑level risk management issue.
‘Pay to Play’ Is Back as Shippers Face a ‘Brutal Shipping Environment’
Forwarders warn that spot container rates on transpacific and Asia‑Europe trades are climbing sharply, with some carriers posting fixed‑at‑kind prices of $6,000‑$6,500 per 40‑ft container. The surge is driven by high demand, tight capacity, and the imminent reset of bunker...
Rates Spike on Horizon as Pressures on Liner Networks Tighten
South African Association of Freight Forwarders researcher Jacob van Rensburg warns that freight rates could rise sharply in the coming weeks as the Global Supply Chain Pressure Index (GSCPI) climbs and carriers regain pricing power. Historical data show carrier profits...
Habib Turki Elected Next IRU Secretary General
Habib Turki was confirmed as the International Road Transport Union's next secretary general at its Geneva AGM, taking over from Umberto de Pretto on 1 August. Turki arrives from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, where he led the Tourism Services Department...
Conestoga vs Flatbed Shipping for Weather-Sensitive Cargo
Choosing between a flatbed and a Conestoga trailer hinges on whether weather exposure is acceptable. Flatbeds offer maximum loading flexibility at the lowest rate but leave cargo vulnerable to rain, dust and road debris unless manually tarped. Conestoga trailers retain...
STB Accepts UP-NS Merger Application for Consideration, Requires Supplemental Information
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has formally accepted Union Pacific’s and Norfolk Southern’s revised merger application for consideration, but it has asked the railroads to provide supplemental information. The filing, which touts a transcontinental network and estimates $3.5 billion in annual...
Premier Alliance to Drop Algeciras Calls in Asia-N Europe Restructure
The Premier Alliance is eliminating its Algeciras calls on both the FE1 and FE3 Asia‑North Europe services. FE1 will now route through Le Havre as the final European port, while FE3 will start in Felixstowe, dropping the Algeciras stop that...
Atlas Expands Its Global ACMI Footprint with Air Atlanta Stake
Atlas Air Worldwide has purchased a 49% stake in Icelandic ACMI operator Air Atlanta, while its leasing subsidiary Titan Aviation will acquire and lease back Air Atlanta’s fleet. The transaction grants Atlas access to 14 widebody freighters—including Boeing 747s and...
Capacity Boost as Box Trade Grows Between India and China
Container capacity on the India‑China lane is expanding rapidly as demand resurges, prompting new entrants like Ningbo Ocean Shipping (NOS) to launch services via X‑Press Feeders. Established carriers such as CULines and Sinolines are also adding intra‑Asia routes and ordering...
IATA vs FIATA (Again): The Battle for Control of Air Cargo
IATA has proposed sweeping changes to the Direct Air Waybill (DAWB) framework, prompting FIATA to file a formal objection. FIATA argues the rushed revisions could shift legal liability onto freight forwarders, creating market instability. The dispute revives a long‑standing power...
Intermodal Growth Raises Spectre of Congestion at Rail Ramps
Intermodal traffic in the United States saw a marginal 0.04% decline in Q1, falling to 4.54 million loads, while domestic volumes rose 3.6% to 2.3 million 53‑ft containers as trucking rates surged and driver shortages tightened capacity. CSX reported a 6% year‑over‑year...
Carriers Still Chase ‘Healthy Deals’ for Open Tonnage Despite Smaller Idle Fleet
The global container fleet is nearly fully employed, with Alphaliner reporting only 59 vessels (189,285 TEU) idle outside the Persian Gulf. Charter rates remain robust, highlighted by $25,000‑per‑month two‑year deals and $30,000‑per‑year contracts. Smaller, fuel‑efficient ships such as Bangkokmaxes (1,700‑1,900...
Digital Forwarders Split: Should Tech Sit Above Freight, or Inside It?
The digital freight forwarding market is fracturing as firms choose opposite paths for technology integration. UK‑based Beacon has abandoned physical forwarding to become a pure‑tech platform that aggregates supply‑chain data into an AI‑driven context layer. In contrast, Zencargo argues that...
CHB-Powered Expeditors – Boring Surely Does It
Expeditors emerged as a top performer in Q1 2026, largely thanks to its customs house brokerage (CHB) offering. The CHB mix acted as a defensive revenue stream amid a wave of refunds, new claims, court orders and tightening regulations. Competitors such...
Already Stretched Barge Services Now Threatened by Falling River Levels
Europe’s inland waterways are under pressure from falling river levels and mounting congestion. The Rhine’s Kaub gauge sits at 110 cm and is expected to dip to 100 cm, prompting low‑water surcharges similar to the €75 per TEU and €90 per FEU...