Topic
cargo
Logistics Freight Rates Soar on Capacity Crunch, Not Demand: Q2 Earnings Confirm Tight Market Through 2027
Major carriers' Q2 earnings reports indicate the freight market is tightening due to capacity constraints rather than surging demand, with spot rates at $3.53 per mile and contract rates up 18% year-over-year. Regulatory pressures and high barriers to entry are keeping capacity tight, while Brent crude oil at $100 per barrel adds fuel cost pressure. FreightWaves analysts expect the cycle to persist through at least 2027.
Logistics Qantas Launches First All-Cargo Flight From Western Sydney Airport's New 24-Hour Cargo Campus
Qantas Freight operated its first commercial all-cargo flight from Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) for Australia Post, inaugurating a 258,000-square-foot cargo terminal. The new facility has no curfew, increasing air cargo capacity for New South Wales by 33% and supporting next-day delivery of e-commerce parcels.
Intermodal Rail Volume Surges 7.2% as Carload Freight Slips in Weekly AAR Data
The Association of American Railroads reported intermodal traffic jumped 7.2% year-on-year in the week ending July 18, while carloads declined 1.2%. Total combined volume rose 3.4%. Year-to-date intermodal units are up 3.8%, and carloads up 2.9%. Coal and motor vehicles led carload declines. The data, covering U.S. railroads and North American networks, shows intermodal continuing to outpace traditional rail freight.
Logistics ILWU Dockworker Walkout Over Sugar Strike Shuts Down Port of Oakland Terminals
Union dockworkers at the Port of Oakland walked off the job Wednesday in sympathy with striking employees at the C&H Sugar refinery, shutting down all terminals. The walkout, described as a coordinated labor activity, has halted container operations and is causing uncertainty for cargo flows through the port.
Logistics Alaska Air to Acquire 4 Cargo Jets, Base Some in Hawaii to Boost Freighter Fleet
Alaska Airlines will add four leased Boeing 737-800 converted freighters by first half 2027, effectively doubling its freighter capacity and enabling dedicated cargo operations in Hawaii. The news comes as the carrier reported $163M in Q2 cargo revenue, up 17% YoY.
Logistics Tropical Storm Bertha Crawls Along Gulf Coast, Threatening Freight Logistics Through Thursday
Tropical Storm Bertha is slowly moving along the Gulf Coast, threatening significant coastal flooding and heavy rainfall that could disrupt logistics and supply chains, according to FreightWaves. Despite a predicted quiet hurricane season due to El Niño, slow-moving storms like Bertha pose serious risks to freight operations, particularly from localized heavy downpours and storm surge. Carriers and logistics managers should remain vigilant through Thursday.
Logistics United Airlines Cargo Revenue Surges 23% on High Yields, Pandemic-Level Volumes Amid Iran Conflict
United Airlines reported a 22.6% increase in cargo revenue to $527 million in Q2 2026, driven by a sharp rise in air cargo rates related to disruptions from the Iran war. The carrier transported nearly 347 million pounds of cargo, the most for the period since the pandemic, as spot rates surged 35-40% year-over-year. Andrew Nocella, Chief Commercial Officer, attributed gains mainly to yields and expects the trend to continue into Q3.
Logistics CSSF Report: Containership Fires Rise for Third Straight Year as Battery Risks Grow
The Container Ship Safety Forum (CSSF) reports fire frequency rose for a third consecutive year among member fleets, even as other safety metrics improved. Engine room and machinery-space fires remain the largest category, but lithium-ion batteries hidden in cargo are an emerging risk. Navigational incidents, especially low-speed port contacts, also increased since 2022.
Logistics Air Transport Output in India Plunges 14% in April, ISP Data Shows Impact of West Asia Conflict
India's air transport sector output contracted nearly 14% in April, according to the NSO's maiden Index of Services Production (ISP) data. The decline is attributed to high airfare due to increased fuel prices from the ongoing conflict in West Asia, contrasting with a 4.5% growth in April 2025. Railways also posted a slight dip of 0.4%, while most other services sectors recorded double-digit growth.
Logistics Five Seafarers Killed in Black Sea Drone Attack on Merchant Ship in Odesa Region
A Russian drone struck a merchant vessel discharging fertilisers at a port in Ukraine's Odesa region, killing five seafarers and injuring 12. The attack is one of the deadliest on commercial shipping in the conflict, and it follows a weekend of strikes on Chornomorsk that forced Kernel to suspend operations. The International Maritime Organization has condemned the attacks, warning that seafarers should not be casualties of war.
Logistics Savannah opens Brampton Road Connector, final piece in $126M port truck traffic project
The Port of Savannah has completed the Brampton Road Connector, the final piece of a multi-project effort to improve truck access and reduce congestion. The four-lane highway links gate 3 at the Garden City terminal directly to Interstate 516, eliminating the need for trucks to use local roads with railroad crossings and multiple turns. The project is part of a series that also includes the Jimmy Deloach Parkway, I-16/I-95 interchange rebuild, Highway 307 overpass, and Grange Road upgrade.
Logistics Indiana State Police Recover 12 Stolen Truckloads Worth Over $11 Million in Cargo Theft Operation
Indiana State Police's Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division has recovered about 12 semi-trailer loads of stolen cargo worth more than $11 million since April 2026. The agency detailed fraud methods including chameleon carriers, forgery, and fraudulent ELD data. Troopers completed specialized cargo theft training and are using investigative techniques and emerging technologies.
Logistics New IATA Airway Bill Rules Shift Liability Risk to Freight Forwarders
Effective July 1, IATA's revised direct airway bill framework shifts liability for misdeclared goods, concealed dangerous goods, and unsafe packaging from shippers to freight forwarders. Logistics providers and trade associations warn of increased risk exposure, citing a rushed process and inconsistent airline-specific regimes.
Commodities MRPL becomes first Indian state refiner to charter Iraqi crude cargo since Hormuz blockade
Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) has chartered the Aframax tanker Jasmin Joy to load crude oil from Iraq's Basrah oil terminal on July 19-20, becoming the first Indian state-owned refiner to secure a west-of-Hormuz cargo since the Strait of Hormuz partially reopened after disruptions from the Israel-Iran conflict. The move highlights ongoing shipping challenges for Indian state refiners. MRPL operates a 300,000 barrel-per-day refinery in Karnataka.
Logistics China Southern Airlines to lease 3 Boeing 777-300 converted freighters for intercontinental routes
China Southern Air Logistics has signed a long-term lease agreement with AerCap for three Boeing 777-300 converted freighters, scheduled for delivery starting October 2027. The move follows the airline's recent order of two production 777 freighters and five 777-8 cargo jets, part of an aggressive fleet expansion. The converted freighters offer 110 tons of payload and 28,600 cubic feet of volume, a 25% increase over the 777-200 freighter.
Logistics Eight Indicted in $10 Million International Cargo Theft Conspiracy Targeting U.S. Freight
Federal prosecutors in New York have indicted eight individuals in an alleged $10 million international cargo theft conspiracy that targeted commercial freight across the United States from March 2023 to present. The group allegedly impersonated legitimate carriers, diverted shipments, and sold stolen goods, including electronics, liquor, meat, eggs, clothing, and cryptocurrency mining machines. Arrests were made in California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New York, with one defendant still at large.
Technology How to Maximize Your Ebike's Hauling Capacity: Family and Cargo Accessories Guide
A WIRED writer shares how he tricked out his Radwagon 4 ebike to replace a family car, detailing accessories for safely carrying kids and hauling cargo. The article outlines two configurations: the Family Wagon for child transport and the Grocery Getter for heavy loads, emphasizing modular accessories and safety gear.
Logistics DHL Global Forwarding Signs Up for Vela's Wind-Powered Transatlantic Cargo Service
DHL Global Forwarding has partnered with French startup Vela to offer wind-powered transatlantic cargo services starting in 2027. Vela's 67-metre aluminium trimarans can carry 415 tonnes per voyage, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 99% compared with air freight and 90% versus conventional ocean shipping. The service targets high-value, time-sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and luxury goods.
Logistics More FedEx MD-11 cargo jets return to service, others are retired
FedEx has reinstated four McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighters since aviation authorities cleared the type to resume flying seven weeks ago, while also retiring five MD-11s and other aircraft last quarter. The remaining 25 MD-11s are expected to be ready by peak season. The moves are part of a broader fleet modernization and strategic shift toward deferred air cargo.
Logistics Three Indian-Flagged Oil Tankers Cross Strait of Hormuz, Head Home with 94 Crew
Three Indian-flagged crude oil tankers — Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor, and Sanmar Herald — successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz on June 20, carrying over 8.6 lakh metric tonnes of cargo and 94 Indian crew members, according to Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The transit follows the US lifting its blockade on Iran under a tentative truce. The vessels are scheduled to arrive at Vadinar, Sikka, and Paradip ports between June 24 and July 1. Commercial shipping traffic through the strait increased, with 55 vessels and 17 million barrels of oil moving on June 20, per US Central Command.
Logistics Big Boxships Flood into Mediterranean Trades as Vessel Sizes Nearly Double
The number of containerships exceeding 8,000 TEU in Mediterranean trades has risen from nine to 16 over the past year, a 78% increase, according to Alphaliner. MSC operates nine of these large vessels, while COSCO and Hapag-Lloyd also increase deployments. The 9,962 TEU Maersk Sirac now holds the record as the largest boxship in the region.
Logistics Antwerp-Bruges Port Targets Bigger India Share as Cargo Volumes Slip
Cargo volumes between India and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges declined to 6.3 million tonnes in 2025 from 7.2 million tonnes in 2024, while container traffic dropped to 330,000 TEUs from 358,000 TEUs. The port's chairman, Johan Klaps, is examining why India's export growth has not translated into higher flows to Europe. The port is betting on green hydrogen to boost future trade.
Logistics Sea Cargo Charter Signatories Hold Emissions Line Amid 2025 Shipping Turmoil
The Sea Cargo Charter’s 2025 annual report shows signatories maintained climate performance, averaging 11.6% behind IMO’s minimum decarbonisation trajectory, an improvement from 12.2% in 2024. Despite geopolitical turmoil and shifting trade patterns, 20 of 29 reporting companies lowered carbon intensity. Operational optimizations remain the primary tool, with growing interest in low-carbon fuels and wind propulsion.
Logistics U.S. Rail Freight Surges with 7.8% Volume Increase
U.S. rail freight volumes have surged by 7.8% for the week ending June 6, 2026, with significant growth in intermodal traffic. Key commodities like grain and metallic ores are leading the charge, while coal and chemicals see declines.
Logistics Van Hui Shipping Expands into Capesize Market
Van Hui Shipping has acquired the 181,000 dwt Ehime Queen for $57.5 million, marking its entry into the capesize segment. This move comes amid a historically firm capesize market, driven by strong Guinea bauxite exports.
Logistics Cargo Giants Support Splash Singapore's Inaugural Event
Splash Singapore's debut event attracts major cargo interests, including Rio Tinto and Vale, aiming to become a key Asian shipping conference. The event will feature discussions on global shipping demand drivers.
Logistics Fujian Shipping Expands Fleet with Heavylift Newbuilds
Fujian Shipping Group has ordered four new multipurpose heavylift vessels from Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding. This move aims to enhance their capacity in the growing project cargo market. The vessels will feature significant lifting capabilities and are part of a broader fleet renewal strategy.
Logistics Trucking Boosts Rail Freight Growth Amid Capacity Squeeze
The U.S. rail freight sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by shifts in the trucking market. Intermodal volumes have surged as shippers seek alternatives amid trucking capacity constraints.
Supply Chain Cold Storage Bottlenecks as Gulf Cargo Diverts to India
The diversion of Gulf cargo to India has led to significant cold storage bottlenecks, affecting supply chain operations. This disruption has caused inventory challenges and increased costs for companies relying on timely imports.
Logistics GlobalX Airlines Faces Cargo Disruption Amid Shareholder Dispute
GlobalX Airlines accuses Ascent Global Logistics of breaching a cargo brokerage agreement, impacting its air freight operations. The dispute centers on Ascent's alleged preferential treatment of its subsidiary, USA Jet Airlines.
Logistics Atlas Air Expands with Air Atlanta Stake and Aircraft Purchase
Atlas Air is set to acquire a 49% stake in Air Atlanta, enhancing its freighter capacity amid global demand. This strategic move involves purchasing Air Atlanta's aircraft fleet, which will be leased back to Air Atlanta.
Logistics Inchcape Expands US Logistics with NVOCC Launch
Inchcape Shipping Services has launched a new NVOCC service in the US, enhancing its logistics capabilities. This move allows Inchcape to issue house bills of lading and negotiate directly with ocean carriers.
Logistics The Strategic Advantage of Third-Party Shipmanagement
Third-party shipmanagement offers shipowners a way to outsource complexity while maintaining control. This approach provides expertise, cost savings, and operational efficiency, crucial in today's complex shipping environment.
Logistics Ocean Freight Rates Surge as Peak Season Nears
Ocean freight rates are climbing as the peak shipping season approaches, driven by increased fuel costs and geopolitical tensions. Shippers should anticipate higher costs and potential delays.
Logistics U.S. Rail Freight Volumes Surge with Intermodal Gains
U.S. rail freight volumes have increased by 7.2% year-over-year, with intermodal units leading the growth. This surge is attributed to strong performances in grain and metallic ores.
Logistics Cathay Pacific, Air China Expand Airbus A350 Freighter Orders
Cathay Pacific and Air China Cargo have expanded their orders for Airbus A350 freighters, enhancing their long-haul cargo capacity. This move is set to influence air freight dynamics, with potential impacts on capacity and emissions.