Global container shipping reliability has improved in 2025, but the gains are fragile. In this episode, we examine what’s really driving the numbers, why performance is already slipping, and what shippers should expect as they plan for 2026. In this episode, produced with the support of OntegosCloud (https://www.ontegos.cloud/), we break down the latest reliability data from Sea-Intelligence and Xeneta, analyse the widening performance gap between carriers and alliances, and look at how capacity growth, orderbooks, freight rates and potential Suez Canal routing changes could affect service consistency in the months ahead. Industry experts Nils Roche (Solvens Advisory; ex-CMA CGM, Maersk, PIL) and Kathy Liu (VP Global Sales & Marketing, Dimerco Express Group) share their insights on shipper concerns, possible congestion scenarios, and the risks of renewed market volatility. In this episode: Current global schedule reliability trends How much of the improvement is driven by demand versus capacity Carrier-by-carrier and alliance reliability performance The impact of the Gemini Cooperation (Maersk + Hapag-Lloyd) Orderbook growth and what it means for supply/demand Red Sea/Suez Canal routing and congestion risks How falling rates could trigger blank sailings and reliability deterioration What shippers should prepare for in 2026 This is essential viewing for importers, exporters, freight forwarders and supply chain professionals who rely on stable ocean schedules and need clarity on the risks ahead. #ContainerShipping #OceanFreight #ScheduleReliability #SupplyChain #Logistics #FreightMarket #ShippingIndustry #Maersk #HapagLloyd #SuezCanal
Paul Berger of The Wall Street Journal’s Logistics Report joins the Freight Buyers’ Club to break down the biggest supply chain stories to watch in 2026 — from tariff battles and port policy shifts to the deepening US trucking recession, the crane crackdown, EV trucking setbacks, Canada–US trade flows, and what reopening the Suez Canal could mean for global shipping. We cover the forces reshaping global trade, why supply chains remain so volatile, and how policy moves out of Washington and Beijing could impact shippers, forwarders, carriers and cargo owners through 2026. This episode was produced with the support of OntegosCloud, the freight forwarder profitability specialists. #SupplyChain #Logistics #GlobalTrade #FreightMarket #WSJ
A deep dive into the 2026 freight outlook, the return of Suez routes, China+1 manufacturing shifts, capacity risks and what shippers must prepare for next year. Produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group [https://dimerco.com/]. It’s the Freight Buyers’ Club Holiday Special — a festive wrap-up of a year that delivered more plot twists than a Christmas soap marathon. From tariff shocks to China+1 shifts, Red Sea detours, booming Vietnam factories and air cargo refusing to behave “normally”… 2025 kept shippers on their toes and clutching their eggnog. To make sense of it all, Mike King is joined by a top-tier panel of industry heavyweights: Kathy Liu, VP Global Sales & Marketing, Dimerco Express Group Nils Roche, Founder, Solvens Advisory (ex PIL-Maersk, CMA CGM) Peter Sand, Chief Analyst, Xeneta Together they break down the winners, losers and big surprises of 2025 — and offer a straight-talking look at what freight buyers must prepare for in 2026. Expect sharp insights, a bit of humour, and just enough holiday spirit to take the edge off another volatile year in global logistics. In this special we cover: Tariffs, Trump and the year’s biggest policy whiplash China+1 shifts: what moved, what didn’t and why Vietnam won big Air cargo’s strange but spectacular 2025 Suez, Red Sea and the looming capacity reset Carrier behaviour: orderly alliances, chaotic markets Contracting for 2026: reliability, risk and when to go short vs long Why “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” might be the perfect theme for freight next year If you're planning your 2026 strategy, pour yourself a holiday drink and plug in — this is your end-of-year sanity check. Special thanks to Dimerco Express Group for supporting this holiday edition of The Freight Buyers’ Club. Download Dimerco’s China+1 Logistics Playbook Master International Growth A Legal and Logistical Playbook for Global Expansion Success, with Expert Legal Insight From Addleshaw Goddard https://dimerco.com/ebooks/global-business-expansion-playbook/ #FreightBuyersClub #2026FreightOutlook #SupplyChain #Logistics #ContainerShipping #SuezCanal #ChinaPlusOne #China1 #Tariffs #AirCargo #VietnamManufacturing #GlobalTrade #FreightRates #Dimerco #ShippingIndustry #SupplyChainStrategy #MaritimeLogistics
Air cargo wasn’t supposed to look this strong. Tariffs, the end of de minimis, political whiplash, war, and supply chain reshuffles all pointed to a difficult year. But the opposite happened. In this Freight Buyers Club air cargo special — produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group — Mike King breaks down why the market held up, how shippers and carriers adapted, and what the data really says about the year ahead. We hear from industry leaders on: • Why air cargo defied expectations • The impact of US tariffs and the end of de minimis • China vs Southeast Asia sourcing shifts • E-commerce, AI hardware demand and capacity rerouting • Anchorage and Miami’s record volumes • The 2026 market outlook: risks, growth drivers and unknowns Featuring: Glyn Hughes, Director- General, TIACA Andrea Nicole Wilson, VP, Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association Sean Dolan, CEO, Northlink Aviation Dimitrios “Jimmy” Nares, Section Chief, Cargo Development, Miami International Airport Brandon Fried, Executive Director, The Airforwarders Association Jaime Alvarez, Director of Cargo, Copa Airlines If you want straight-talking analysis on air cargo and global trade, this one’s for you. Subscribe to Freight Buyers Club for more interviews and explainers. Reach out to Dimerco Express Group here: https://dimerco.com/ #AirCargo #AirFreight #SupplyChain #Logistics #GlobalTrade #FreightForwarding #EcommerceLogistics #TradePolicy #AviationCargo #CargoAirlines #SupplyChainNews
Hamburg is gearing up for a turbulent few years in global container shipping. In this episode, Mike King speaks with Mathias Schulz, Director of Communications at Port of Hamburg Marketing, about the port’s major 2025–26 investment programme — including the enlarged turning basin, terminal expansion, and Hamburg’s push to speed up mega-ship operations. Schultz explains how Hamburg is managing congestion, the impact of strikes across the Northern Range, and why a potential reopening of the Suez Canal to container traffic could trigger fresh chaos. We also dig into shifting trade flows: Asia booming, the transatlantic lane slumping, and the Baltic region surprising on the upside. With rail bottlenecks, digitalisation plans, and the uncertainty facing European consumers, Hamburg is preparing for a complex 2026. Schultz lays out what shippers, forwarders, and carriers should expect next. This episode is sponsored by Ontegos Cloud. #HamburgPort #ContainerShipping #OceanFreight #SupplyChain #PortCongestion #MegaShips #SuezCanal #ShippingNews
TIACA Director General Glyn Hughes joins Mike King in Miami on the sidelines of transport logistic Americas for an after-hours beer and a straight-talking look at the state of global air cargo. Fresh from TIACA’s first Air Cargo Forum in Abu Dhabi, Hughes breaks down why the sector keeps outperforming despite tariffs, geopolitics and chaotic trade policy. He explains how shifting e-commerce flows, China+1 production, and a new “US+1” consumption trend are reshaping supply chains. We get into freighter tightness, belly shortages, spot-rate behaviour, and why yields look set to hold steady into 2026. Hughes also gives the inside track on TIACA’s new partnership with a startup incubator, the rise of Middle Eastern hubs, and how regulatory and geopolitical messiness is now baked into global trade. Plus: why flexibility is air cargo’s secret weapon, which airports to watch, and the one policy change that could transform the industry overnight. Another straight-talking episode of the Freight Buyers’ Club — sponsored by Dimerco Express Group [https://dimerco.com/]. #AirCargo #AirFreight #Logistics #SupplyChain #Freight #TIACA #GlynHughes #EcommerceLogistics #GlobalTrade #FreightBuyersClub #DimercoExpressGroup
Freight buyers are entering 2026 with a rare advantage — a genuine buyer’s market. In this clip from Container Shipping 2026: Strategies Every Freight Buyer Needs Now, host Mike King speaks with Mark Chadwick (President, Global Shippers’ Association) and Chantal McRoberts (Director, Drewry Supply Chain Advisors) about how shippers can negotiate smarter, reduce risk, and secure stronger Transpacific contracts for the year ahead. ⚓ Produced with the kind support of Dimerco Express Group Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/ERHtDwtarOg #ContainerShipping #FreightBuyersClub #FreightContracts #FreightRates #ShippingMarket #FreightStrategy #DimercoExpressGroup #SupplyChain #Logistics #TranspacificTrade
South Africa’s logistics system is fighting for its life — corruption, collapse, and political paralysis have left ports and railways in chaos. But could a real turnaround finally be underway? Host Mike King has just returned from a fact-finding tour of South Africa to uncover the good, the bad, and the ANC. In this hard-hitting explainer, Mike dives deep into: How Transnet fell apart under state capture and political cronyism The catastrophic impact on ports, rail, and exporters The reforms under new Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips ⚙️ The $7 billion recovery plan — and early signs of genuine progress How government and industry are finally pulling in the same direction Why South Africa is now looking East, not West, for trade growth Featuring insights from South Africa’s leading logistics experts — Peter Besnard, CEO of SAASOA, representing the nation’s ship operators and agents; Jacob van Rensburg, Head of Research and Development at the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF); and Shabnum Dawood, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding South Africa — this episode is essential listening for anyone moving freight in or out of Africa. ️ Presented by Mike King In partnership with freight forwarding profitability specialists OntegosCloud Subscribe for straight-talking freight intelligence — without the spin. Credit: Jacob Zuma by Ashraf Hendricks/GroundUp. #SouthAfrica #Logistics #Transnet #FreightBuyersClub #Shipping #Ports #SupplyChain #AfricaTrade #OntegosCloud #MikeKing #FreightForwarding #Corruption #Ramaphosa
Freight buyers face another wild year ahead. Mike King speaks with Mark Chadwick and Chantal McRoberts about the 2026 container shipping market — contracts, rates, and risk management for those who want to stay one move ahead. Produced with the kind support of Dimerco Express Group. Freight buyers are heading into 2026 facing a container shipping market full of volatility — from emissions uncertainty and patchwork regulation to rate swings and fragile carrier contracts. In this episode, Mike King gets straight answers from two of the industry’s most experienced voices: Mark Chadwick, President of the Global Shippers’ Association, representing some of the world’s biggest cargo owners — from energy and healthcare giants to major manufacturers. Chantal McRoberts, Director at Drewry Supply Chain Advisors, who helps global shippers interpret market data and build smarter strategies after years working inside major carriers. Together, they unpack what’s next for global shipping, how to manage freight risk, and what smart buyers are doing now to secure value, service, and stability for the year ahead. In this episode: How emissions policy deadlock could shape shipping costs and contracts in 2026 What’s really driving rate swings on Transpacific and Asia–Europe trades When to lock in long-term contracts — and when to stay flexible The new balance of power between shippers and carriers Smart strategies to manage freight risk, surcharges, and service reliability What the data says about supply, demand, and rate trends for 2026 If you want to understand the container shipping market outlook for 2026 — and how to plan, contract and negotiate smarter — this episode is for you. Produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group [https://dimerco.com/] More episodes, transcripts, and resources: https://www.thefreightbuyersclub.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Meet the Guests — Mark Chadwick & Chantal McRoberts 02:49 IMO MEPC: The Emissions Deadlock 08:25 Transpacific Market Mayhem 19:54 Contracting Season — Freight Buyer Strategy 27:44 Surcharges — The Love–Hate Relationship 34:05 Global Container Market Analysis 43:27 Outlook 2026 — Overcapacity, Alliances & Risk 48.55 Quick-Fire Forecasts #ContainerShipping #FreightBuyersClub #ShippingMarket #FreightRates #SupplyChain #Logistics #DimercoExpressGroup #FreightContracts #GlobalTrade #Shippers #MaritimeIndustry #ShippingOutlook2026
Global trade is booming again in 2025 — the fastest growth since 2010. In this episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, supported by Ontegos Cloud, Mike King talks with DHL Express CEO John Pearson about the new DHL Global Connectedness Tracker and what it reveals about today’s trade surge. From China’s export expansion and Africa’s growing trade power, to tariffs, de-minimis changes, and shifting supply chains, Pearson explains how global commerce is evolving and why globalisation is far from dead. Essential listening for anyone in freight forwarding, logistics, or international trade. Full Description DHL’s latest Global Connectedness Tracker shows global trade growth at its fastest pace since 2010. In this episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, supported by Ontegos Cloud, the freight forwarder profitability specialist, host Mike King speaks with John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, about what’s driving the remarkable rebound in global trade and supply chains in 2025. They discuss China’s export boom, Africa’s rising influence in international logistics, and why globalisation is far from dead despite tariffs, shifting trade routes, and new supply chain pressures. Pearson explains how DHL is adapting to changing trade lanes, what record trade-lane deviations really mean, and why the world’s buyers and sellers are proving more creative and resilient than ever. Expect clear insights on: The fastest global trade growth in over a decade The new trade corridors shaping global logistics China’s 26% export surge into Sub-Saharan Africa The US retreat from trade vs. global expansion elsewhere How DHL is positioning for long-term supply chain growth The Freight Buyers’ Club — where the people who move the world’s goods talk straight about what’s really happening in global logistics and international trade.
In this Freight Buyers’ Club interview, produced with the support of Ontegos Cloud, host Mike King speaks to Rainer Haag, CEO of DHL Supply Chain Europe, at the grand opening of DHL’s new European Innovation Center in Troisdorf, Germany. They discuss how DHL is turning innovation into action — applying AI, automation, and digitalisation to make supply chains more resilient, sustainable, and efficient — while navigating the trade and tariff shifts reshaping global freight. Rainer shares insights on: How DHL decides which technologies to pilot and scale The impact of robotics and automation on people and performance Why “digital by default” is central to DHL’s operations How European trade flows are adapting to disruption and nearshoring The next wave of technology transforming logistics ️ Hosted by Mike King, The Freight Buyers’ Club Supported by Ontegos Cloud — the freight forwarder profitability specialist Recorded at the DHL Innovation Center, Troisdorf, Germany #FreightBuyersClub #DHL #SupplyChain #Logistics #Trade #Freight #Automation #AIinLogistics #Warehousing #Innovation #LogisticsNews #OntegosCloud
Shipping analyst Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime, explains to host Mike King how carriers are responding to new US port fees on Chinese-built vessels, the reshuffling of fleets, and why global ship orders aren’t shifting away from China despite the new policy. This extended clip is from The Big Interview – Freight Buyers Club EP54, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group. https://dimerco.com/ #LarsJensen #FreightBuyersClub #ContainerShipping #USPortFees #CarrierStrategy #ChineseShips #ShipOrders #GlobalTrade #MaritimeLogistics #DimercoExpressGroup
DP World’s John Trenchard explains how one of the world’s largest port and logistics operators is cutting supply chain emissions and shaping the future of sustainable logistics in the UK and worldwide. Recorded at Sustainable Logistics LIVE in London, this interview features Mike King, host of The Freight Buyers’ Club, in conversation with John Trenchard, Vice President for Sustainable International Supply Chains at DP World. They discuss: • How DP World is making its UK ports among the lowest-carbon in the world • Practical steps to decarbonise freight and support retailers and shippers • Real-world emission savings and cost impacts • Plans to expand these sustainability initiatives globally • Advice for procurement teams on achieving verified carbon reductions This interview was produced with the support of Ontegos Cloud. [https://www.ontegos.cloud/] #DPWorld #SustainableLogistics #SupplyChain #FreightBuyersClub #OntegosCloud #Decarbonisation #GlobalSustainability #Shipping #Ports
Join Mike King at DHL’s brand-new European Innovation Center (EPIC) in Troisdorf, Germany, for an exclusive conversation with Katja Busch, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Customer Solutions & Innovation. Discover how DHL is using robotics, AI and digitalisation to transform supply chains, warehousing and last-mile delivery — and what the future of logistics could look like over the next decade. This content is produced with the support of Ontegos Cloud. [https://www.ontegos.cloud/] #DHL #KatjaBusch #Logistics #FreightBuyersClub #AI #Robotics #SupplyChain #Innovation #ontegoscloud
Global liner shipping expert Lars Jensen joins Mike King on the Freight Buyers Club to break down new US port fees, tougher IMO rules and the 2026 container shipping outlook.They discuss:• How carriers are reshuffling fleets in response to US port fees• The impact of IMO carbon charging and green fuels• Transpacific, Asia–Europe, Africa & Australasia trade trends• What happens if the Suez Canal fully reopens Produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group [https://dimerco.com/]#FreightBuyersClub #LarsJensen #ContainerShipping #ShippingForecast #LogisticsPodcast #DimercoExpressGroupChapters00:00:00 Cold Open – US Port Fees, IMO Rules, Suez & 2026 Outlook (Produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group – https://www.dimerco.com/)00:01:00 Intro, Credits & Guest – Lars Jensen joins Freight Buyers Club (+ events & sponsor)00:02:20 US Port Fees Explained – Who pays, when it starts, and how carriers are reshuffling fleets00:05:00 USTR Uncertainty – COSCO/OOCL tactics, China–Mexico shifts, and Seaspan reflagging00:06:20 Competitive Impact – Can carriers pass costs on? COSCO $1.5bn hit and surcharge reality00:09:00 Transpacific Snapshot – Demand, inventories & spot rates00:15:00 Beyond Transpacific – Africa/South America/Europe growth; “cargo finds a way”00:18:00 Asia–Europe Rates – Not ‘free fall’: normalization, capacity via Cape, GRIs & CNY timing00:23:00 IMO MEPC Carbon Charging – Why the October vote matters for green fuels & ship orders00:27:00 2026 Playbook – Recession risk, schedule reliability ~65%, Suez reopening scenario to 2027
Where is air cargo headed next? In this Freight Buyers Club air cargo special, host Mike King is joined by Tom Crabtree, Managing Director at Transport Research Advisors and former Boeing air cargo analyst, and Robert van de Weg, CEO of ‘mas’ Cargo Airline. Together they cut through the noise to explain today’s air cargo market outlook: ✈️ Global demand and capacity shifts across major trade lanes Why air cargo rates are holding up better than many expected The impact of e-commerce growth, tariffs, and de minimis changes Which regions and commodities are driving opportunities How airlines and shippers can pivot for the next peak season This is essential listening for freight buyers, forwarders, and supply chain professionals who want straight-talking insights into the future of air cargo and air freight. Episode 53 of the Freight Buyers Club is produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group [https://dimerco.com/]. .
Every 60 days, a container ship fire makes headlines — costing insurers, carriers, shippers and freight forwarders tens or even hundreds of millions. But who really pays when cargo goes up in smoke? In this episode of the Freight Buyers’ Club, recorded at London International Shipping Week and produced with the support of Ontegos Cloud, Mike King speaks with Chris Grieveson, Managing Partner at Wikborg Rein, about the rising threat of container ship fires, the role of misdeclared cargo, and why “cutting corners” on dangerous goods can come back to burn the entire supply chain. We dive into: Why container ship fires are increasing in frequency How liability, fraud, and general average affect shippers and forwarders What new screening tools and best practices are emerging The importance of insurance (and what happens when you don’t have it) Whether you’re a shipper, forwarder, insurer, or just want to understand the legal and financial fallout from these billion-dollar incidents, this is a must-listen. Subscribe for more straight-talking insights from the global freight industry. #Shipping #ContainerFires #FreightForwarding #MaritimeLaw
European trade is being reshaped by US tariffs, shifting supply chains and the EU’s push for customs reform. In this Freight Buyers’ Club clip, Stephen Tracey, Joint General Manager for Europe at WiseTech Global, outlines the impact of tariff shocks, border friction and fragmented systems, and explains how digitalisation and data reuse could change compliance across Europe. Key points: Ripple effects of US tariff policy on European importers and manufacturers Border friction and compliance costs for forwarders EU Customs Reform Package and ICS2 The role of technology and data reuse in trade #Tariffs #Customs #Europe #Trade #SupplyChain #logistics
Global trade is being reshaped as old institutions weaken, tariffs reset, and customs systems struggle under pressure. Mike King speaks with Cindy Allen (ex-CBP), Greg Nichols (DHL Global Forwarding), and Stephen Tracey (WiseTech Global) about: U.S. tariffs, bonds and enforcement Europe’s customs reforms and Brexit aftershocks Asia’s new trade blocs and China+1 strategies The rise of digitalisation and AI in compliance This is about the future of trade — the risks, the fractures, and the opportunities. 2:40 US tariff shocks and CBP under strain 6:20 Border friction and Brexit lessons 11:20 Industry adaptation — volatility, bonds, compliance 18:00 Import strategies, warehousing, front-loading 23:00 Enforcement challenges and risk management 28:20 Transhipment rules explained 32:00 De minimis removal and e-commerce impact 38:10 Geopolitics reshaping trade — WTO, RCEP, BRICS 47:00 Europe’s role — EU customs reforms and regulation 58:20 The digital shift and five-year outlook Guests: Cindy Allen – CEO, Trade Force Multiplier and former Executive Director at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Stephen Tracey – Joint General Manager, Europe, WiseTech Global Greg Nichols – SVP Global Customs Solutions, DHL Global Forwarding #GlobalTrade #Customs #Tariffs #Transhipment #Trade #supply chain
Global supply chains are under pressure — but is India really a viable “China+1” option? In this clip from Episode 51 of The Freight Buyers’ Club, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group [https://dimerco.com/], supply chain expert Renaud Anjoran explains why diversification isn’t as straightforward as it looks. From tariffs on Indian exports to differences in workforce, culture and manufacturing scale, he breaks down the risks companies face when trying to shift production away from China. Watch to learn why supply chain diversification in Asia is far more complex than a simple “copy-paste” move. #supplychain #china #india #manufacturing #globaltrade ️ Full episode here: Website: https://www.thefreightbuyersclub.com/podcast/how-asian-supply-chains-are-adapting-to-new-rules-freight-market-volatility-and-the-china1-reset/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uH02uY_F1o&list=PLFCqj9ETHQ-swMbhVd6fuMQD7UDAp5urc&index=1 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/72vtBpZw4NMwriOkGohNxl Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-asian-supply-chains-are-adapting-to-new-rules-freight/id1668766055?i=1000724790644