Newsletter – May 4, 2023

AIR FREIGHT UPDATES

Chinese Airlines Allowed To Operate 12 Weekly Round-Trip US Flights

simpleflying.com
The US-China relationship has witnessed a slight thaw, with the US transportation department allowing Chinese carriers to up their weekly flight count to 12. American carriers have been concerned that the situation with Russia puts them at a disadvantage compared to airlines in Asia. However, the latest decision is being viewed by many as a step forward in stabilizing the political relations between the two countries. Read more here.

The Philippines Will Close Its Airspace For 6 Hours To Replace Old Equipment

simpleflying.com
After three separate power outages caused significant air travel disruptions, the Philippines decided to close the whole country’s airspace for approximately six hours to replace some old electrical equipment. To prepare for the airspace closure, the Philippines has instructed airlines to prepare by rescheduling their affected flights and arranging alternative options for affected passengers. Read more here.

OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES

Asia-US sea freight price hike, as firm claw back profits

supplychaindigital.com
The cost of sea freight from Asia to the US is rising as container lines attempt to offset a drop in rates ahead of the so-called US ‘importing season’ in the autumn.
The average spot-market price to ship a 40-foot container from Asia to the US West Coast rose 34% over the past two weeks, to $1,659, according to Norway-based transport data firm Xeneta. Read more here.

MSC leads a standalone charge, but most carriers need their VSAs

theloadstar.com
Ocean carriers are opting for more standalone services or slot-swop agreements, with capacity operated under vessel-sharing alliance agreements falling to a three-year low.
The independent charge is led by MSC, with its aggressive market share growth strategy and launch of a raft of new services. Read more here.

GROUND AND RAIL REIGHT UPDATES

CN Quebec Spring Thaw Update

ciffa.com
CN issued information on Tuesday for customers shipping to and from Quebec, noting that Transports Québec has provided dates for the lifting of spring thaw restrictions.
Payload weights in equipment to be delivered by CNTL can now be loaded per the normal requirements for shipments planned to arrive after the start dates noted below.
Official dates for the lifting of the weight restrictions at this time are:
•   Spring thaw Zone 1: April 28
•   Spring thaw Zone 2: May 19
•   Spring thaw Zone 3: May 26