Episoder
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This episode, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, focuses on what buyers need to know about the looming air cargo peak season as freight rates soar.
Host Mike King and guests examine the latest trade lane dynamics, with a particular focus on outbound rates from Asia to Europe and the U.S.
The discussion covers the unexpected demand surge this summer, security concerns affecting global supply chains, and the key drivers reshaping the market, including Suez Canal container shipping diversions and e-commerce growth.
Looking ahead to the air freight peak season, the conversation addresses capacity shortages, potential port strikes, and the impact on air freight rates. Broader issues such as U.S.-China tariffs, U.S. Presidential elections, long-term demand growth, and the increasing role of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) are also explored.
This episode provides essential analysis and expert perspectives on the challenges and changes facing the air cargo industry in 2025 and beyond, not least the potential capacity crunch.
Mike and his guests conclude by debating whether the current supply-demand balance reflects what we can expect in terms of capacity availability and pricing in 2025, or if the current market is a house of cards, vulnerable to geopolitical and policy changes that could lead to a rates collapse.
Guests
Glyn Hughes, Director General, TIACA
Kathy Liu, Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing, Dimerco Express Group
Peyton Burnett, MD, TAC Index
Episode in more detail:
Air cargo’s Indian summer (2.31)
Market drivers (3.40)
SE Asia wins (4.48)
Heightened security risk (6.02)
Suez diversions + e-tailers (10.14)
Capacity crunch and charters (13.46)
US dockworker strikes (15.32)
What price peak season rates (17.54)
U.S. tariff threat (22.20)
China+1 challenges and opportunities (30.53)
How to speed up air cargo (35.16)
Air freight’s wish list (41.47)
Supply, demand and rates in 2025 (43.07)
Solid foundations or house of cards? (47.42)
The state of SAF (54.24)
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In this clip from EP 24 of the Freight Buyers' Club, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, Torsten Hartmann, Senior Director Trade Management for the Transpacific at Hapag-Lloyd explains what US shippers can expect next year from the Gemini Cooperation.
#SupplyChain #GlobalTrade #Logistics #SportsIndustry #FreightBuyersClub
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Manglende episoder?
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In this clip from EP 24 of the Freight Buyers' Club, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, Chris Rogers, Head of Supply Chain Research at S&P Global Market Intelligence, explains why there has been a downturn in the global trade in sport equipment.
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In this extended clip from EP24 of The Freight Buyers' Club, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, host Mike King is talking to Chris Rogers, Head of Supply Chain Research at S&P Global Market Intelligence, about upcoming US President elections and the disruptive element policy uncertain on tariffs brings to supply chain planning.
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In this special two-part episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, we tackle some of the most pressing issues in global trade and supply chains. First, we dive deep into the container shipping markets with Torsten Hartmann, Senior Director of Trade Management for the Transpacific at Hapag-Lloyd.
Torsten provides critical insights on the disruptions in North American freight due to recent rail worker lockouts in Canada and looming dockworker strikes on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts.
We also explore how Hapag-Lloyd is navigating the complex challenges of balancing capacity, demand, and service reliability amidst global market upheavals, not least the Red Sea crisis.
And Torsten outlines the carrier’s high Transpacific service reliability ambitions when its new partnership with Maersk – Gemini Cooperation – begins operations next year.
In the second part (from 30 mins onwards), we shift our focus to the sports industry. Chris Rogers, Head of Supply Chain Research at S&P Global Market Intelligence, joins host Mike King to discuss the surprising decline in sports clothing and equipment demand, despite a summer of high-profile sporting events.
Chris unpacks the latest data, examining trends in U.S. and global demand, the impact of supply chain disruptions, and the shifting landscape of sports product sourcing.
Guests
Torsten Hartmann, Senior Director Trade Management, Transpacific, Hapag Lloyd
Chris Rogers, Head of Supply Chain Research, S&P Global Market Intelligence
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In this extended clip from #EP23 of The Freight Buyers' Club, hosted by industry veteran Mike King and produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, Lars Jensen, one of the world’s foremost container shipping and supply chain analysts, explains why any union action at US East Coast and Gulf Coast ports will have global ramifications.
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In this episode of The Freight Buyers' Club, hosted by industry veteran Mike King and produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, Mike interviews Lars Jensen, one of the world’s foremost container shipping and supply chain analysts. As CEO of Vespucci Maritime, Lars brings his unparalleled expertise to the table to discuss the pressing issues facing shippers.
Topics covered include:
What next for container spot and contract freight rates?The ongoing Red Sea Crisis and its long-term impact on global shipping routesComparisons with past disruptions such as the Ever Given blockage of the Suez CanalThe looming threat of strikes by ILA longshoremen at US East and Gulf Coast portsThe influence of upcoming US elections and threat of tariffs on international trade relationsStrategies of major carriers like Hapag-Lloyd, MSC and Maersk, and the formation of new alliancesPredictions for market demand amidst economic volatility and upcoming political electionsThe rapid growth in container shipping capacity and the risks of overcapacityThe potential for long-term diversions around the Cape of Good Hope and their implications for shippersThe Federal Maritime Commission’s (FMC) enhanced enforcement powers and what they mean for shippers and carriersJoin us as we explore these critical issues and more, providing you with the knowledge you need to navigate the complexities of the shipping industry. Subscribe to The Freight Buyers' Club on your preferred platform, including YouTube for additional video content, or visit www.thefreightbuyersclub.com.
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In this extended clip from Episode 21 of The Freight Buyers' Club, Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Daniel Maffei explains the latest D&D rule changes, how shippers can protect themselves from unfair fees, and how the FMC is SMEs. FBC is produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group and is available on all podcast platforms and YouTube.
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In this extended clip from EP 22, Mike King is talking to Jason Miller, Eli Broad Professor in Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University, and Jessica Dankert, Vice President Supply Chain, Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) about the economic and trade implications of a ramping up of US tariffs. Who pays for this and what does it mean for the US economy?
Mike and guests also discuss whether decoupling the US economy from China's is feasible.
Big thanks to Dimerco Express Group for supporting independent journalism.#logistics #containers #ports #strikes #podcast #freightmanagement #cargo #redseacrisis #shipping #supplychains #tariffs #trump #tradewar #bidenomics
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In this episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, host Mike King and his guests Jessica Dankert, Vice President Supply Chain at the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), and Jason Miller, Eli Broad Professor in Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University, examine the complexities and challenges of today's supply chain landscape.
The conversation starts with the latest on US tariffs and the ongoing trade tensions with China, exploring potential impacts on the US economy and global trade and the feasibility of a total economic decoupling of the US and Chinese economies.
Mike and guests also explore the numerous disruptions that have taken supply chains by surprise in 2024, from freight rate surges to logistical chaos caused by geopolitical events. They also provide insights from the retail sector and offer a broader analysis of how these disruptions are reshaping logistics networks.
They also examine conflicting economic indicators and the debate around restocking strategies, discussing whether the current trends reflect a shift towards 'Just In Case' supply chain management. Are retailers building up safety stocks, or is consumer demand driving the surge in imports?
Finally, they address US domestic freight market dynamics, potential port delays, and the looming threat of union strikes and natural disasters on logistics. They also share thoughts on building resilience in supply chains amid rising costs and ongoing disruptions.
Guests:
Jessica Dankert, Vice President Supply Chain, Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA)
Jason Miller, Eli Broad Professor in Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University.
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In this episode of The Freight Buyers' Club, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, host Mike King addresses the most critical issues impacting the global supply chain. An exclusive interview with Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Daniel Maffei reveals the potential effects of the forthcoming U.S. presidential elections on the FMC’s powers. The conversation also explores why U.S. legislators are targeting the Shanghai Shipping Exchange and what U.S. shippers can do to safeguard their operations amid unexpected challenges such as unseasonally strong Q2 demand and Red Sea diversions.
Mike is also joined by Edwin Lopez, Managing Editor of Supply Chain Dive & Trucking Dive, to discuss the supply chain implications of Mexico's recent presidential election, ongoing strikes in Canada, and the relentless nature of global logistics blockages. Additionally, the U.S. crackdown on Chinese e-retailers and its impact on international trade are covered.
Guests
Daniel Maffei, Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission
Edwin Lopez, Managing Editor, Supply Chain Dive & Trucking Dive
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In this clip from EP19 of The Freight Buyers' Club podcast, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, host Mike King is chatting to Hua Joo Tan, Founder of Linerlytica, about the 2025 restructuring of the container shipping alliance system.
In this clip they also discuss the pros and cons of the Gemini Cooperation partnership between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd.
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This episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, hosted by Mike King and supported by Dimerco Express Group, delves into current trans-Pacific shipping trends and challenges, particularly in relation air cargo and supply chain dynamics.
It features insights from Eric Kulisch, Air Cargo and Supply Chain Editor at FreightWaves and American Shipper, and Kathy Liu, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, Dimerco Express Group.
They discuss unseasonal demand and rate increases in air cargo, the impact of geopolitical issues like the Red Sea conflict on shipping, the burgeoning role of e-commerce, particularly companies like Shein and Temu, and strategies for navigating the complex logistics and supply chain disruptions facing freight buyers today.
Additionally, the conversation touches on the global economic outlook, strategic shifts in manufacturing to avoid tariffs, and the potential impacts of political and economic changes on the freight industry.
Guests
Kathy Liu, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, Dimerco Express Group
Eric Kulisch, Air Cargo and Supply Chain Editor, FreightWaves and American Shipper
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The current global container shipping landscape, viewed through the lens of freight buyers, rivals the complexity seen during the Covid era. Threats of new US tariffs, shipping and geopolitical risks spanning the Middle East and beyond, and substantial shifts in the liner shipping alliance system are casting significant shadows.
In the US market, challenges such as the temporary closure of the port of Baltimore, potential dockworker union actions at Gulf and east coast ports, and low water levels on the Panama Canal add further layers of complexity.
Amidst these dynamics, freight buyers find themselves negotiating transpacific contracts with carriers.
This episode, sponsored by Dimerco Express Group, delves into strategies for effectively categorizing and navigating these turbulent waters, while also pondering the potential container shipping-demand balance under less disruptive circumstances.
Guest
Hua Joo Tan, Founder, LINERLYTICA
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In this episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, host Mike King delves into the current state of global trade amidst geopolitical tensions and disruptions with renowned economist, historian, and journalist, Marc Levinson. They explore the long-term implications for importers, exporters, carriers, and the entire transport ecosystem.
From the impact of recent events on supply chains to the shifting dynamics of globalization, in this episode, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, Marc shares valuable insights into the future of trade and logistics.
Mike and Marc also discuss the regionalization of supply chains, the delicate balance between efficiency and risk management, and how to best navigate the complex landscape of global trade in an ever-changing world.
Episode in more detail:
A fractured trading environment (02.18)
Deaton and the merits of globalisation (04.45)
Has trade growth peaked? (09.31)
Products<Services (12.59)
Technology implications for trade volumes (16.12)
Do we have the right ships and freighters? (18.37)
Container lines as integrators (21.24)
Competitive advantage and geopolitics (24.54)
Sourcing diversification (26.00)
Trade and security policy (29.13)
A new cold war? (32.41)
SMEs and protectionism (35.05)
Net zero or ground zero (38.12)
About Marc Levinson
Marc is an economist, historian, and journalist with a long track record of writing and speaking about economic and business issues. His book The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger, which explains how a seemingly simple innovation made globalization possible, received many awards. The Great A&P and the Struggle for Small Business in America, which explores the fascinating history of government efforts to crack down on chain stores to protect mom-and-pop retailers, won praise across the ideological spectrum and was published in a second edition in 2019.
His 2016 book, An Extraordinary Time, is an unusual take on the miserable decade of the 1970s, showing how the sudden end of the postwar boom led voters in many countries to choose leaders who promised to cut government down to size — Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, Helmut Kohl, and others. But they couldn’t bring back the good times, because rapid productivity growth, the critical ingredient in higher living standards, is something political leaders can’t deliver.
His most recent project, Outside the Box, presents an unorthodox history of globalization. It shows that the international economic relationships we’ve known since the late 1980s, based on intricate long-distance value chains, are only a stage in the process of globalization — a stage that was waning long before Trump, Brexit, and COVID-19. But he contends that globalization is far from over; rather, it is moving into a stage in which the flow of ideas and services will be much more important than the flow of boxes filled with goods.
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Uncertainty and risk haunt supply chains right now, just as they shadow global politics and economics. Indeed, the future of trade and the musical chairs of international relations have possibly not been tethered so tightly since at least the Cold War, and perhaps even the Second World War.
From Guyana to Central Asia, the Middle East to the South China Sea and Black Sea, risk stalks trade and threatens supply chain resilience, while the outbreak of conflict is reshaping the logistics landscape.
And we also have a different type of risk in 2024 in the shape of billions of people heading to the polls, not least in the US where Americans are getting ready to elect a new President and trade policy – and the threat of new tariffs on US imports from China and elsewhere - is a key political battleground.
This episode, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, asks what all this means in practical terms for freight markets, the shippers that rely on international supply chains, and those in the business of making trade happen, both now and in the long-term.
Host Mike King and his guests also discuss whether technology and collaboration offer solutions to current supply chain inefficiencies and examine the pros and cons of China+1 options.
This episode also includes updates on ocean and air freight markets and rates, insight into the trans-Pacific contracting season, and more analysis of supply chain disruptions including Red Sea diversions, the threat of strikes at US East Coast ports later this year, and the ongoing closure of large swathes of air space to ‘Western’ airlines.
Guests:
Jon Monroe, President, Jon Monroe Consulting
Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association (AfA)
Episode notes:
‘Rethinking my economics’, Angus Deaton.
https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/fandd/issues/2024/03/Symposium-Rethinking-Economics-Angus-Deaton
Angus Deaton is the Dwight D. Eisenhower Professor of Economics and International Affairs, Emeritus, at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and the Economics Department at Princeton University. He is the 2015 recipient of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.
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In this deep dive into US logistics and international trade, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, host Mike King explores whether 2024 could see a major surge of cargo into US West Coast terminals.
Levi Strauss & Co said earlier this year that it had “already shifted some product to go through the West Coast instead of the East Coast". Clearly it is not alone. The share of US seaborne imports of apparel shipped from Asia to US West Coast ports rose to 59.1% in December 2023, up from 56.7% in December 2022, S&P Global Market Intelligence data shows. In the first 25 days of January, the ratio increased to 64.8%, the highest since October 2022.
As this episode explains, a number of factors are pushing cargo westwards, not least the Red Sea crisis and diversions of container ships around the Cape of Good Hope. Low water on the Panama Canal and the threat of dockworker union action at US Gulf and East Coast ports later this year are also considerations for shippers.
How deep and significant this trend is for container shipping and US ports and supply chain stakeholders will become clearer after the latest round of trans-Pacific annual contracts have been signed and sealed. A lot of those conversations will be taking place at Long Beach, California, in the first week of March when the city hosts TPM24.
As this podcast explores, many shippers will not just be looking at the cost/transit equation, they will also be asking whether West Coast terminals are ready to handle a surge in cargo.
Guests:
Noel Hacegaba, Chief Operating Officer, Port of Long Beach
Bjorn Vang Jensen, Executive Director for International Transport, Cummins
Alexander King, Branch Manager for New York and New Jersey, Dimerco Express Group
Jon Gold, VP for Supply Chain and Customs Policy, National Retail Federation
Matt Schrap, CEO, Harbor Trucking Association
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In this news insights episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, host Mike King is talking U.S. trucking, drayage, domestic freight demand and international trade with Matt Schrap, CEO of the Harbor Trucking Association.
Among other topics, they delve into:
The readiness of US West Coast truckers to cope with for an influx of import cargo due to disruptions in the Red Sea and Panama Canal.Whether LA and Long Beach ports have the processes, capacity and labour in place to handle a surge of cargo.Actions taken to improve the container return system, which had a significant detrimental impact on chassis supply during the pandemic.The advantages and disadvantages of various appointment systems that drayage operators serving western gateway terminals must navigate.The sluggish investment in non-diesel trucks despite the availability of subsidies and incentives. - Vis mere
