Freight
Matson disclosed during its earnings call that in the second quarter, customers replenished inventory early and front-loaded seasonal goods, boosting export demand from China and Southeast Asia, with demand for its China express services CLX and MAX continuing to exceed capacity. Trans-Pacific container volumes grew 15.2% year-on-year, with the Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles, and Port of New York and New Jersey all reporting strong volumes, widely attributed by the industry to front-loading shipments amid tariff and geopolitical uncertainties.
The Port of Virginia has added direct service to Indianapolis via CSX rail, with a five-day transit time. The service aims to offer Midwest importers an alternative route that bypasses Chicago congestion and strengthens the port's market reach into traditional manufacturing and population centers.
Amazon Business announced the launch of branded delivery trucks in 13 states, providing centralized unloading and palletized delivery services for organizational customers. The service leverages Amazon's fulfillment network, which achieved 500 million deliveries in 2023.
According to Xeneta's Air Cargo Outlook Update released in July, slowing global economic growth, continuously rising freight rates, and surging demand for AI hardware will profoundly impact the air cargo market over the next six months. This article outlines three key factors: slowing demand and capacity growth, upward revisions in freight rate expectations, and AI's continued role as the strongest growth engine.
Steel producer Outokumpu, by adopting collapsible containers to transport steel between Mexico and the Port of Mobile, Alabama, effectively reduces transportation costs, lowers emissions, and promotes the recycling and reuse of stainless steel scrap.
Canadian National and Union Pacific reached a memorandum of understanding, committing not to oppose the latter's merger with Norfolk Southern, subject to approval by the Surface Transportation Board (STB). In exchange, Canadian National will gain access to certain facilities and line operating rights to enhance its connectivity in the U.S. Midwest and cross-border corridors.
Facing ongoing market volatility, logistics teams often fall into the trap of tool stacking. Uber Freight argues that the key to supply chain stability lies in connecting people, processes, and technology through a unified operating model, with a single accountable partner responsible for end-to-end execution. This article analyzes the pain points of fragmented networks, the value of a unified operating model, and how multi-shipper collaboration enhances network resilience.
The ongoing drought in the Panama Canal has caused water levels to drop, leading Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and CMA CGM to successively announce adjustments to Panama Canal surcharges. MSC has introduced a new surcharge of USD 100 per TEU, effective August 19; CMA CGM has increased its surcharge from USD 40 to USD 100, effective July 25. The Canal Authority also plans to further reduce the maximum vessel draft and is considering limiting daily booking slots.
During the online event 'Supply Chain Outlook: 2026 Trends and Risks' held on July 15, multiple logistics executives pointed out that in 2026, the logistics industry is facing multiple challenges including trade policy volatility, capacity tightening, cargo theft, and geopolitical conflicts. Although industry resilience has been tested, maintaining agility and flexibility remains crucial in the future.
At a media briefing on July 15, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka noted that businesses are moving away from traditional seasonal shipping patterns and toward flexible transportation at favorable times. In June, the Port of Los Angeles handled over 1 million TEUs, its best performance for that period in 118 years, while the Port of Long Beach grew 10.6% year-over-year. Tariff policies, the Iran war, and rising fuel costs have increased uncertainty, and July cargo volumes are expected to remain strong.