Newsletter – January 5, 2021

AIR FREIGHT UPDATES

With ‘global vaccine corridor’ a priority, air cargo in India is under new pressure

theloadstar.com
Vaccine distribution in India is putting new pressure on air cargo rates and capacity.
With the largest vaccine manufacturing capacity in the world, the country is expected to play a major role in the production and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines, both at home and abroad. Read more here.

UK Lockdown Prompts Flight Cancellations From Many Carriers

simpleflyling.com
Following Monday’s lockdown announcement, several UK airlines have begun scrapping flights. Most are in the process of reviewing schedules and aiming to maintain essential connectivity. Meanwhile, leisure carrier TUI has already canceled all flights out of England until mid-February. Read more here.

A New COVID Problem: US ATC Centers Are Closing For Cleaning

simpleflying.com
COVID-19 has had a massive impact on commercial aviation. Over the last few weeks, a new problem has started to develop. As the virus spreads and impacts those in aviation, air traffic control centers in the US are closing for facility cleaning, creating a bit of an operational issue for airlines and airports. Read more here.

Shanghai’s Third Airport – What Is The Latest?

simpleflying.com
For a couple of years now, speculation has floated around regarding Shanghai’s proposed third airport. While there’s not a lot of official information on any new airport, media reports suggest the 20 square-kilometer airport will likely be located at Haimen in Nantong, north of Shanghai, and able to handle 50 million passengers annually. Read more here.

OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES

Container shortage and high prices hamstringing supply chains in Thailand

theloadstar.com
and’s container shortage is playing havoc with supply chains as carriers prioritise capacity in neighbouring China and Vietnam, say cargo owners.
The Thailand board of trade estimates the country had a shortage of 1.5m containers in 2020, according to the Bangkok Post, prompting the government to intervene by promising to subsidise import fees for empty boxes for up to six months. Read more here.

GROUND AND RAIL FREIGHT UPDATES

Disruptive snowstorms continue for Northwest truckers

freightwaves.com
A series of snowstorms that began in the Northwest several days ago keeps trucking across the region. Drivers will have to keep chaining up this week as they head through high elevations of the Cascades and northern Rockies. Be prepared for occasional road closures. Read more here.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS – GOVERNMENT UPDATES

5 predictions for retail supply chains in 2021

freightwaves.com
Rather than recapping 2020, I’d rather look onward. There have been a ton of retail supply chain changes this past year. Some will last, others will not. Let’s collectively lick our wounds and look forward. Here’s 5 predictions for the retail supply chain in 2021. Read more here.

EU firms refuse UK deliveries over Brexit tax changes

bbc.com
Bicycle part firm Dutch Bike Bits said from now on, it would ship to every country in the world except the UK.
“We are forced by British policy to stop dealing with British customers,” it said on its website.
Another firm, Belgium-based Beer On Web, said it was now shunning the UK “due to the new Brexit measures”. Read more here.

BIFA publishes post-Brexit Standard Trading Conditions

theloadstar.com
BIFA has published a new edition of its Standard Trading Conditions (STC), replacing its 2017 issue.
The new edition reflects the changes made by the UK’s exit from the EU, as well as changes to direct/indirect representation with HMRC. Read more here.