Newsletter – January 24, 2024

OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES

THE Alliance carriers move to calm customer nerves after Hapag defection
theloadstar.com
Following Hapag-Lloyd’s shock resignation from THE Alliance last week, its partners today reaffirmed their “unwavering commitment to maintaining a robust cooperation throughout 2024” – an announcement that included Hapag.
Since Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk announced that, from February 2025, they would form a new vessel-sharing alliance, the Gemini Cooperation, on the major east-west tradelanes, there has been intense speculation over the future of THEA. Read more here (login required).

Middle East land bridge offers ‘express’ solution to extended shipping transits
theloadstar.com
As shippers and forwarders consider a switch to sea-air and airfreight solutions in response to the Cape detours resulting from the Red Sea crisis, another alternative has emerged – a land bridge across the Middle East.
Israeli digital freight marketplace Trucknet Enterprise has teamed up with UAE-based PureTrans, which operates a landline transit network, its partner, DP World, Cox Logistics (Bahrain) and Egypt-based logistics firm WWCS to provide trucking services connecting the Dubai port of Jebel Ali and the port of … Read more here (login required).

GROUND FREIGHT UPDATES

FMCSA Checklist: A Freight Broker’s Guide to Spotting Fraud
freightwaves.com
As a freight broker, you are on the front lines of ensuring safe, efficient and compliant transportation of goods. One critical aspect of your role involves conducting thorough Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration checks. However, this process has risks, especially with the increase in fraud across the industry.This article provides a checklist for spotting fraud, which is increasing across the industry. Read more here.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS – GOVERNMENT UPDATES

Re-shoring in these days of geopolitical tension carries risks
theloadstar.com
Domestic political tension across almost 75% of emerging manufacturing markets has raised major question marks over the diversion of global supply chains away from China.
Analysing five-year trends across 40 markets making up the ‘near-shoring/friend-shoring arena, Verisk Maplecroft discovered that 27 countries were facing issues of civil unrest, government instability, exposure to conflict or terrorism, and more. Read more here (login required).

Will shippers’ confidence change when carriers regain pricing power?
freightwaves.com
Will 2024 bring a definitive end to the current freight recession?
That’s certainly the hope of the freight market writ large. Many carriers and brokers hobbled through 2023, and those still operating are anxiously awaiting any sign that pricing power is swinging back in their favor. Read more here.