Matson Lines has immediately halted all shipments of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids due to lithium-ion battery risks, following recent maritime fires. No timeline for resumption.

Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and other carriers have announced August freight rate adjustments. Maersk will impose PSS on China to South Africa/Mauritius routes ($1,000/20’, $1,600/40’ dry containers), while Hapag-Lloyd adds $300/TEU on Far East-Australia routes. US West/East rates rebound, while Europe-Asia rates may rise further due to tariffs.

The OECD warns that rising deglobalization, driven by trade wars and reshoring, may cut global trade by 18%, with GDP losses up to 12%. Shipping firms face volatility as tariffs reshape supply chains, while trans-Pacific freight rates surge and crash amid uncertain demand.

A U.S. federal court halted Trump’s April 2 tariff order, ruling it unconstitutional. The administration must suspend collections within 10 days, but an appeal is underway. Businesses brace for uncertainty as the White House vows to fight.

Nine carriers—including ZIM, ONE, HMM, and newcomers like KMTC—are scrambling to add new routes, revived services, and extra loaders on the U.S. trade lane after tariff cuts triggered a cargo surge. Key upgrades target West Coast ports like L.A. and Long Beach.

Container shipping rates on U.S. routes soared by up to 31% in a week, driven by urgent demand as importers rush to beat the 90-day tariff suspension window. Analysts warn of prolonged hikes due to capacity shortages, while Europe-Asia trade remains sluggish.

Proper container loading ensures cargo safety, compliance, and efficiency. This guide covers essential tips—mixing different goods, weight distribution, mechanical vs. manual loading, and avoiding common mistakes like overloading or imbalance. Master these skills to prevent damage, customs delays, and costly errors.

The recent U.S.-China tariff reductions have sparked a massive wave of orders from American buyers, causing a sudden spike in shipping demand. Logistics companies report a 3-4x increase in bookings, with U.S.-bound vessels nearing full capacity. Cross-border sellers are rushing to ship goods within the 90-day tariff relief window, fearing future policy changes.

Major carriers have announced steep rate hikes on US routes, with June rates reaching $6,000+/FEU as peak season demand collides with tariff uncertainty.Confirmed Carrier IncreasesCarrierEffective DateRate Hike (40’)New Total Rate (40’)MatsonMay 22+$1,5005,200–5,200–5,800 (China→US)MSCJune 1+1,600–1

Extended Free Storage for North America-bound Export ContainersPeriod: May 15 – July 31, 2025Eligible Cargo: Standard dry containers (excludes hazardous goods, reefers, OOG, and heavy-lift cargo)Benefit: Free storage period extended to 30 days at Nansha PortFlexible Container Entry & StorageNo time

Key Developments:Major GRIs Announced:$1,000/FEU: ONE$2,000/FEU: CMA CGM, Yang Ming, ZIM$3,000/FEU: COSCO, HMM, Hapag-Lloyd, EvergreenEffective May 15:June 1: All 7 carriers will reapply identical GRIs.Tariff-Driven Demand Spike:US-China tariff cuts (115% reduction) + 90-day grace period trigger ear

US-West Coast rates hold at 2,790/FEU while Europe plunges to 2,130/FEU—a 52% vs 8% drop since January. Trump's tariffs and blank sailings reshape global freight dynamics.

President Trump declared a US-Houthi ceasefire on May 6, potentially reopening Red Sea routes. If confirmed, this could release 1-2M TEU of capacity currently diverted via Africa.

A catastrophic explosion at Iran's Shahid Rajaee Port (handling 55% of non-oil trade) has killed 14, injured 750+, and triggered emergency shutdowns. Critical updates on chemical risks, China casualties, and global supply chain impacts.

During French President Macron’s visit to Egypt, CMA CGM announced the acquisition of a 35% stake in October Dry Port, strengthening its logistics network. The move complements its existing operations in Alexandria and the upcoming Sokhna terminal.