In this episode of News in Brief, The Loadstar team delves into the latest developments in the world of tariffs and refund issues, rail mergers, ecommerce and ocean rate dynamics.  In under 20 minutes, our award-winning journalists provide insights into how these topics - and many more -  could affect supply chains and consumer prices.  So, tune in now for a comprehensive overview of the week's most significant shifts, and to hear what to keep an eye on for the week ahead!  All the stories mentioned in this episode can be found on The Loadstar's website.

New CTS data shows just how deeply tariffs have hit US trade and Indian airfreight volumes, as Southeast Asia surges ahead under the China + 1 strategy. The Loadstar team unpacks the numbers — and what they mean for rates, resilience, and rerouted cargo. As the US Supreme Court takes on Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy, tension builds over whether refunds will ever materialize. Meanwhile, signs of peace in the Red Sea have carriers eyeing a return to Suez — but with overcapacity already looming, could that just make the freight picture murkier? And what will this mean for airfreight? Plus, we look at booming trade through Southeast Asia, MSC’s fruit-fueled pivot to South Africa, and the EU’s new vote to end de minimis. All that and the best of Loadstar Premium — from California trucking chaos to “Wonder Jim” at Union Pacific — in this packed global round-up.

This week, the shipping industry hits new highs and new headaches.   MSC’s record 7m teu fleet cements its dominance, while Maersk eyes fresh megaship orders amid warnings of a looming capacity glut that could stretch to 2030. Gavin van Marle breaks down the latest rate moves, the growing talk of rate wars, and what Q3 results reveal about carriers’ financial standing  While in air cargo, Alex Lennane reports from TIACA’s Air Cargo Forum in Abu Dhabi with exclusive insights from Etihad Cargo.  She also digs into Europe’s latest ecommerce crackdown with France grounding Shein imports and Cainiao pausing expansion in Liège, plus how a prolonged US government shutdown could soon clip flight capacity.  From ocean overcapacity to airfreight uncertainty, this week’s episode keeps you up to date with the latest news across global logistics. 

It’s been a week of turmoil — and tentative relief — across global trade. Hurricane Melissa brought chaos to the Caribbean but spared Jamaica’s vital Kingston terminal, while in Asia, the fallout from Dhaka’s cargo village fire continues to snarl Bangladesh’s garment exports. Meanwhile, hopes for Red Sea stability were dashed as Israel resumed airstrikes in Gaza.  Host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone brings you the most important points of these stories to get you up to date with the news ahead of a new week.   And there’s a flicker of good news: Washington and Beijing have agreed to suspend their port call fees for a year, softening trade tensions and cutting “fentanyl tariffs” by 10%. Gavin van Marle joins to unpack the toll tariffs have already taken on US port volumes and whether rate rises can last after weeks of GRI-driven recovery.  Alex Lennane steps in to discuss the latest in air cargo, from Chicago Rockford’s new partnership with Liège to the early signs of the Christmas peak and a new US plan to ban belly cargo from Mexico City. She then chats to Ms Goldstone about UPS’s mixed earnings,   All that, plus a look ahead to a pivotal week as the US Supreme Court tackles tariffs and The Loadstar team hits the road for the Air Cargo Forum in Abu Dhabi. 

In this epsiode of news in brief, hear how the one-year delay to the IMOs net-zero measures has set the stage for conflicting national rules, and how hopes of a return to Suez Canal transits threaten to swamp Europe’s ports with redirected cargo.  Gavin van Marle breaks down whether recent GRIs are holding and what the first Q3 earnings reports from forwarding giants reveal about a volatile year.   Then, Alex Lennane joins to unpack air cargo’s peak-season signals, the continuing fallout from the US de minimis exemption, and a spate of aviation incidents that underscore the sector’s safety challenges.  If you want a snapshot of all the goings-on in supply chains and where the news might be headed next, this is the podcast for you.   

The dust is only just beginning to settle in Europe’s ports after last week’s strikes — but the disruption is far from over. Host Charlotte Goldstone updates you on the ripple effects in Antwerp, Bruges and Rotterdam, before turning to the week’s biggest story: a tense MEPC84 meeting where the IMO’s net-zero framework faced an unexpected twist of US threats of sanctions agaisnt countries voting “yes”.  Meanwhile, Gavin van Marle chats about China expanding its own tit-for-tat port fees, how the alliances are fighting for capacity dominance, and why the market is bracing for softer contract rates despite a looming November GRI push.  In air freight, Alex Lennane joins to dissect UPS’s parcel backlog meltdown, Flexport’s AI-driven fix for logistics reliability, and a cyberattack that put DSV in the spotlight lats week. Plus, Ms Goldstone shares insights from Aviation Connect in Copenhagen.   If you’re following the global freight news cycle, this episode connects all the dots ahead of whatever this week has in store...  

Recent supply chain news has been all about disruption and adaptation. Europe’s biggest ports are hit by strikes, causing chaos in Rotterdam, Antwerp and Zeebrugge, while carriers raise charges at Chittagong and brace for new US port fees under the escalating trade war. Gavin van Marle breaks down how container volumes held up in August despite the tariff turmoil, and why some trade lanes are booming while others falter.  In air freight, Alex Lennane joins to unpack the ripple effects of the US government shutdown, a visa fee hike that could squeeze logistics workforces, and how forwarders are seizing opportunities in a still-strong ecommerce sector.  If you want the week’s essential supply chain headlines, expert analysis and a glimpse of what’s coming next, this is one you won’t want to miss.   

From tariffs to lawsuits, this week’s episode is packed with supply chain drama.  Host Charlotte Goldstone kicks off the episode with an update on another wave of US tariffs — a move that could drag transpacific rates even lower.   Gavin van Marle breaks down the latest freight rate moves, and why China’s Arctic shortcut isn’t tempting the likes of MSC.  Then, Alex Lennane joins to unpack the air freight story. A US government shutdown is already causing delays and disruptions for cargo, while new sanctions on Mexico’s aviation sector are rattling cross-border trade — and Europe’s regulators are firmly in Washington’s sights too.  We also dive into the legal frontlines: Flexport’s courtroom battle with Freightmate is heating up, and Maersk is staring down a class action over its pension plan. Plus, a few exclusive hints at what’s coming up on The Loadstar and what’s been on The Loadstar premium.   If you’re struggling to keep on top of constant supply-chain updates across modes, The Loadstar’s News in Brief will neatly round up all you might have missed from last week!   It’s only 16 minutes... Listen now! 

 Are you looking for a quick round up of all that went down last week in logistics?   Typhoon Ragasa slams southern China, halting factory output just days before Golden Week. In Europe, Poland’s border closure with Belarus sparks airfreight rate hikes and rail disruptions, while Italian dock strikes target military shipments.   Host Charlotte Goldstone also unpacks how tariffs continue to reshape trade lanes, with insights from the Caspian Air Cargo Summit, plus Loadstar Publisher Alex Lennane reports on cyber-attacks at major EU airports and the rising threat AI poses to forwarding jobs.   In ocean freight, Cosco shrugs off USTR port fees, expands its India services, and eyes new port investments. Plus, Loadstar Editor Gavin van Marle brings you the very latest ocean freight rates, and insight on how one major carrier alliance is aiming to mitigate its losses.  Listen to this quick 20-minute podcast for an overview of all the important supply-chain news items from last week, plus a glimpse of what you can expect to see coming up! 

In this episode of The Loadstar Podcast, host Charlotte Goldstone dives into the world of artificial intelligence in logistics and customs with two industry insiders: James Coombes, co-founder and CEO of Raft.AI, and Michael Douglas, customs technology consultant at ALS Customs Services. Together, they unpack the reality behind the AI buzz – what’s hype, what’s real, and what’s already transforming global supply chains. The conversation offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at AI in action. You’ll hear how one of the world’s largest customs providers is integrating advanced AI tools to solve very human problems, with some surprising takeaways about data flows, where time savings truly happen, and why “saving on typing” is no longer the headline benefit. Whether you’re AI-curious or already deep in digital transformation, this episode offers a grounded, insightful, and surprisingly candid conversation that you won’t want to miss.

Following London International Shipping week, host Charlotte Goldstone shares her highlights of the events and useful takeaways and is joined by Alex Lennane and Gavin van Marle from The Loadstar team, who recap the week’s main supply chain headlines.  In both air and ocean, freight rates have plummeted. The ocean freight market is dealing with the looming threat of USTR port call fees next month, while aviation battles with the reduced likelihood of a peak season.   Indian stakeholders, having recently been dealt a 50% tariff on their exports to the US, in particular are struggling. The region has seen airfreight demand down and one major digital forwarder cease operations.  Our journalists explore all of these topics and more in this brief episode – perfect for busy people who need a quick reminder of what’s been going on before the week ahead.   It’s only 20 minutes, listen now! 

 Had a busy week? Join The Loadstar Team as they catch you up on the most recent supply chain news!  This 20-minute episode briefly recaps the hot-topics in logistics right now, including tariffs, the status of demand across major trade lanes, the looming USTR port call fees, and why DSV have announced major job cuts.   Both airfreight and ocean freight news items are covered in this episode - including the most recent rate levels - to give listeners an overall picture of the market in one convenient place.   So, whether you haven’t had time to stay up to date with the news, or you simply need a refresher going into next week, this podcast is perfect.  The episode also gives listeners a chance to get ahead of the curve, and details what might crop up on The Loadstar soon.  

This episode of The Loadstar Podcast explores the current dynamics in the ocean freight market, with a deep dive into major trade lanes and the contextual factors impacting supply, demand, and rates.  Special guest, Container Trade Statistics’ CEO Nigel Pusey, offers the very latest data for teu volumes and pricing, while he and The Loadstar’s Charlotte Goldstone and Gavin van Marle discuss what the numbers might indicate.   Mr Pusey and Mr van Marle also give listeners their best ‘crystal balling’ and give some predictions on what might happen over the next quarter.  So, sit back and enjoy the next 26 minutes of up to date-data-driven analysis on the most influential market factors and what they mean for your supply chain!  If you’d like to discuss any topics you heard on today’s podcast, or suggest questions for the next episode, please get in touch!  Nigel Pusey, CEO, Container Trade Statistics: nigel@containertradesstatistics.com  Gavin van Marle, Managing Editor, The Loadstar: gavin@theloadstar.com  Charlotte Goldstone, News Reporter, The Loadstar: charlotte@theloadstar.com 

In this week’s episode of The Loadstar’s News in Brief Podcast, host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone recaps the week’s supply chain news and gives you a heads-up on what to look out for next week.       Ms Goldstone lists some government policies that are having an impact on supply chains, including ICS2 and a ban for Israeli vessels in Turkey.   She is joined by Alex Lennane who details the latest on the air freight market post-de minimis exemption and what this turbulent time means for rates and capacity across major trades.   Ms Lennane then gives the latest update to the proposed merger between major US railroad companies Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific.   The Loadstar’s managing editor Gavin van Marle joins a conversation on the dynamics influencing ocean freight rates, including expected blank sailings and the growing order book.  He also reveals the winners and losers of H1 port throughput figures around the world.  The episode ends with a brief round-up of what has been on Premium this week.    So, what are you waiting for? This bite-sized news podcast will catch you up on anything you might have missed this week in under 20 minutes! 

In this week’s episode of The Loadstar’s News in Brief Podcast, sponsored by Etihad Cargo, host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone recaps the week’s supply chain news and gives you a heads-up on what to look out for next week.      The episode begins with a recap of the recent flight attendant strike at Air Canada and the current status of relations between the airline and its employees.   Then, Ms Goldstone discusses the widened scope of US tariffs on steel and aluminium as well as a comment from the CBP on those trying to doge tariffs.   She also covers recent Chinese export figures and details of how one carrier could be looking to capitalise on the European ecommerce import rise.  Ex-Loadstar writer, chartered shipbroker and owner of MJW Consulting Mike Wackett. discusses ocean rates, Zim’s Q2 results and how the Israeli carrier’s H2 expectations might compare to actual demand.   The episode ends with a brief round-up of what has been on Premium this week.   So, what are you waiting for? This bite-sized news podcast will catch you up on anything you might have missed this week in under 13 minutes! 

In this week’s episode of The Loadstar’s News in Brief Podcast, host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone recaps the week’s supply chain news and gives you a heads-up on what to look out for next week.      The episode begins with a look at the recent blaze abord Marie Maersk and an update to the June ship-fire on the Wan Hai 503.  Ms Goldstone is then joined by Macro Bloemen, Managing director of Aviation consultancy Aevean, to discuss how current tariff levels, the US-China tariff extension and the pending end of global de minimis, are impacting the air freight industry.   Ms Goldstone then gives a brief round-up of the latest ocean and air freight rates and reveals what has been on Premium this week.   So, what are you waiting for? This bite-sized news podcast will catch you up on anything you might have missed this week in 11 minutes! 

In this week’s episode of The Loadstar’s News in Brief Podcast, host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone recaps the week’s supply chain news and give you a heads-up on what to look out for next week.     The episode begins with a tariff rate update, and an explanation from Ms Goldstone about how the uncertainty has impacted the European and US road freight markets. Ms Goldstone is then joined by ex-Loadstar writer, chartered shipbroker and owner of MJW Consulting, Mike Wackett. They discuss Maersk’s Q2 earnings result and how this compares with the global container market growth and another major carrier’s report.   Ms Goldstone then gives a brief round-up of the latest ocean and air freight rates and reveals what has been on Premium this week, including Alex Lennane’s exclusive long-read article on what it’s like to be taken over by DSV.   So, what are you waiting for? This bite-sized news podcast will catch you up on anything you might have missed this week in under 15 minutes! 

In this week’s episode of The Loadstar’s News in Brief Podcast, the team recaps this week’s supply chain moves and give you a heads-up on what to look out for next week.    Host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone kicks off the episode with a summary of where tariff negotiations sit, then is joined by publisher Alex Lennane to discuss the air cargo impacts.   Ms Lennane then summarises the latest M&A news, including the merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, and how states how Flexport has “bucked the trend”.   Ms Goldstone is then joined by managing editor Gavin van Marle, who gives the highlights of Q2 earnings season, including DSV, UPS and CMA CGM, and rounds up the latest ocean freight rates. They then discuss what has been on Premium this week, and detail one article on the ageing feeder fleet.  So, what are you waiting for? This bite-sized news podcast will catch you up on anything you might have missed this week in under 20 minutes! 

In this week’s episode of The Loadstar’s News in Brief Podcast, The Loadstar team recap this week’s supply chain news and give you a heads up on what to look out for next week.   Host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone kicks off the episode with a summary of where tariff negotiations sit and is joined by publisher Alex Lennane to discuss the air cargo impacts.  Ms Lennane then explains the confusing and disruptive US restriction on Mexican airlines and the reaction from stakeholders, plus the details of a US Government investigation into its Department of Transport.   Ms Goldstone is then joined by managing editor Gavin van Marle who offers listeners the latest updates on the bid for a terminal at the Port of Santos and highlights the key takeaways from Kuhne+Nagel’s H1 results.  He also, as always, rounds up the latest ocean freight rates and analyses what they indicate.   So, what are you waiting for? This bite-sized news podcast will catch you up on anything you might have missed this week in under 19 minutes! 

In this episode of The Loadstar’s News in Brief Podcast, host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone recaps last week’s supply chain news and lets you know what to look out for this week.   She is joined first by The Loadstar’s publisher Alex Lennane to discuss a few impacts of continued tariff chaos on the supply chain last week, including a demand surge from India and a trade shift for Brazil.   Ms Lennane then gives an overview of the picture in airfreight, including supply, demand and rates.   The Loadstar managing editor Gavin van Marle is up next to talk about the impact that congestion has had at one major European port.  Mr van Marle and Ms Goldstone conclude the episode by discussing the state of the ocean freight market by examining the emerging overcapacity, scrappage and what OOCL's Q2 rates could indicate.   Mr van Marle also gives listeners an update on the latest ocean freight rates.  So, what are you waiting for? This bite-sized news podcast will catch you up on anything you might have missed this week in under 20 minutes!