Topic
freight
Logistics CMA CGM Moves to Acquire Aircraft Maintenance Specialist Crystal Aero Solutions
CMA CGM has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire Crystal Aero Solutions, a French aircraft maintenance company that supports its freighter fleet. The acquisition aims to strengthen CMA CGM's air cargo operations, with Crystal continuing as an independent provider. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Logistics Truckload Market Upswing Prompts Driver Pay Hikes as Regulatory Enforcement Tightens Capacity
Truckload carriers GP Transco and Hirschbach announced driver pay increases, reflecting tightening capacity driven by heightened regulatory enforcement. The moves come as publicly traded carriers report that contract rates set earlier this year are no longer valid, with potential double-digit rate increases expected.
Logistics Freight Distress Report: More Carriers Shut Down, Logistics Firms Cut Jobs Across US
A new wave of bankruptcies and layoffs swept through US transportation and logistics from June 5 to June 15, 2026. Notable filings include Triple RRR Carriers (Chapter 7) and Expeditors International cutting ~230 technology jobs. The distress underscores elevated operating costs and financing challenges.
Logistics Europe needs 65 CO2 carriers and 33 ports by 2050 to meet carbon storage goals, Xodus report says
A new report by energy consultancy Xodus finds that Europe's carbon capture and storage ambitions will require a dedicated fleet of around 65 CO2 carriers and 33 ports by 2050. Captured emissions are forecast to rise from 70 mtpa in 2030 to 320 mtpa by 2050, with shipping volumes more than doubling to 79 mtpa. Logistics operators need to prepare for a new market in CO2 transport, including vessel construction, port infrastructure, and multimodal connections.
Logistics Euroseas Expands Feeder Containership Orderbook with Two Additional 1,800 TEU Vessels
Euroseas has exercised options for two additional 1,800 TEU feeder containerships at Nantong CIMC Sinopacific, continuing its fleet renewal. The vessels are scheduled for delivery in December 2028 and March 2029, at a cost of about $32.26 million each. The order brings Euroseas' total newbuilding backlog to 12 vessels.
Logistics Routing Guides Crumble as Truckload Rates Surge: ‘It Is Different This Time’
Routing guides are failing as truckload contract rates set in early 2026 bid season don't hold, sparking mini-bids and rebids. Carriers at the Wells Fargo Industrials & Materials Conference attribute the shift to heightened regulatory enforcement, including cabotage rules and a Supreme Court ruling, implying a structural capacity crunch that will keep rates elevated for longer.
Logistics Cass Report: Freight Volume Recovery On Track for Second Half of 2026
The Cass Freight Index multimodal shipments component fell just 1.2% year over year in May, the smallest decline in 18 months, signaling a volume recovery in the second half of 2026. Expenditures jumped 7.5% YoY and the TL linehaul index rose 6.9% YoY, the largest gain in nearly four years. Supply constraints from tighter enforcement of driver rules are pushing rates higher.
Logistics Pan Ocean linked to four-VLCC order at Hanwha Ocean in $524m deal
Pan Ocean has been identified as the buyer behind a four-vessel VLCC order at Hanwha Ocean, valued at KRW800.1bn ($524m). The order follows a $700m VLCC acquisition from SK Shipping and highlights Pan Ocean's continued expansion into crude tanker shipping, complementing its core dry bulk operations.
Logistics Capital Tankers Expands VLCC Fleet with Three Newbuilds from Marinakis Affiliate
Capital Tankers, backed by Evangelos Marinakis, is acquiring three VLCC newbuilding contracts from parent company Capital Maritime & Trading Corp. The vessels are under construction at China's Hengli Shipbuilding for delivery in late 2027. The transaction involves an upfront payment of $111.8 million by end of June, with remaining balances due upon delivery, and is expected to strengthen the company's orderbook.
Logistics FreightWaves Today: Mergers, Fraud Rings, and the Mid-June Rate Pause Impact Operations
FreightWaves Today covers key logistics developments: a bipartisan push for rigorous review of the Union Pacific-Southern Pacific merger; Rock-It Cargo's management of 1,500 daily shipments for the 2026 FIFA World Cup; eight indictments in a $4.49M carrier impersonation ring; FedEx's strategic MOU with China Southern Airlines; the FMCSA's new carrier registry failing to register any carrier in three weeks; and the mid-June spot rate dip deemed a seasonal pause, not a systemic drop.
Logistics Laredo Summit Debates Driverless Freight Corridors and B-1 Trucker Alternatives for US-Mexico Cross-Border Trade
At the 9th Annual Modernization of Cross-Border Trade conference in Laredo, Texas, a panel debated two potential solutions to cross-border trucking challenges: a pilot program allowing U.S. truck drivers to deliver freight into Mexico, and a privately funded 165-mile driverless freight corridor linking Laredo and Monterrey. The discussions come amid regulatory and operational pressures, including the revocation of over 300 B-1 visas for Mexican drivers using the Colombia-Solidarity International Bridge.
Logistics LTL's All-In Rate Hits Multi-Year High, but Fuel Surcharge Masks Base Rate Cuts
LTL all-in revenue per hundredweight has reached its highest level in five years, but the gain is entirely driven by fuel surcharges. Base rates remain flat to negative, with carriers cutting rates across freight classes to compete for volume. The Yellow liquidation in mid-2023 created a floor for LTL pricing, while the recent recovery in truckload contract rates signals a broader freight cycle turn.
Logistics Shipping faces talent crisis as aging workforce threatens global maritime operat
The global shipping industry is grappling with a severe talent shortage, as an aging workforce and recruitment gaps threaten operations. At a BIMCO seminar in Athens, leaders warned that around 20,000 seafarers remain stuck in the Persian Gulf, highlighting the human cost of geopolitical conflicts. Industry experts called for collective action to attract young talent, retain experienced personnel, and address seafarer welfare and criminalization issues.
Logistics Brake failures plague fireworks logistics as Fourth of July approaches
A June 6 fireworks truck fire on I-75 near Chattanooga, Tennessee, uncovered severe hazmat compliance failures. FreightWaves analysis of FMCSA data shows over 1,400 brake violations among fireworks carriers, with Evans Delivery Company and ContainerPort Group accounting for most. Nearly a third of fireworks loads move on hotshot equipment, raising safety concerns as the Fourth of July demand peaks.
The DVIR: The Hidden Compliance Risk in Your Trucking Operations
Read the full story for in-depth analysis.
Logistics Truckload carriers eye multiyear rate upcycle as capacity tightens
The truckload market is entering a multiyear rate upcycle as capacity constraints tighten due to regulatory enforcement and cost inflation. Carriers like J.B. Hunt, Schneider National, and Werner Enterprises report accelerating contract renewals and double-digit rate hikes, while routing guides crumble and spot rates surge. Shippers face urgent need to secure sustainable carrier partnerships to mitigate rising costs.
Logistics Freight's Security Shift: Speed Alone No Longer Enough as Fraud Threats Rise
The freight industry faces rising cargo theft and identity fraud, forcing a shift from trust-based operations to verified processes. Malcolm Harris of What the Truck and Verisk CargoNet highlight the need for structured verification combining technology and human judgment.
Logistics Emotional Toll on Seafarers Poses Structural Risk to Global Shipping
A growing body of research, including surveys by Nautilus Federation and ISWAN, reveals that family separation and relationship strain among seafarers are becoming structural risks to the shipping industry. Nearly one in three seafarers has experienced a serious relationship breakdown linked to time away from home, and divorce rates are 20–30% higher than the national average. Welfare organisations report rising calls for relationship support, and experts warn that emotional distress affects concentration, retention, and operational safety.
Amazon's LTL Gap: Buying Forward Air Could Solve Expedited Tier
Amazon launched a national economy LTL network, but lacks a premium expedited tier. FreightWaves argues that acquiring Forward Air — which operates a scheduled, airport-centric road feeder network — would instantly fill that gap and create a formidable competitor to incumbents like Old Dominion and FedEx Freight.
Logistics He Walked Away From Barber Chair for Box Truck: Lessons for Logistics Operators
Victor Newton left a 28-year barber career to become a box truck owner-operator after a YouTube headline claimed $20,000 in a month. Five years in, he discusses the 90% failure rate, the difference between truck ownership and business ownership, and niche strategies like partial loads that can change the math for small carriers.
Logistics Structural Flaws in Crew Travel Budgets Exposed
Crew travel budgets in the shipping industry are plagued by structural inefficiencies, leading to unmanaged costs. The lack of competitive re-tendering and visibility into decision-making processes are key issues.
Logistics Rail Traffic Surge Signals Industrial Growth
Rail traffic has increased significantly, indicating a robust industrial economy. Rail carload traffic rose by 2.5% and intermodal traffic by 8% year-over-year, according to FreightWaves.
Logistics Amazon's LTL Entry Unlikely to Disrupt Market
Amazon's expansion into the less-than-truckload (LTL) market is not expected to significantly disrupt existing carriers, according to analysts. Despite Amazon's asset-light model and extensive network, the market's high barriers to entry and established players' strong service offerings limit immediate impact.
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 SONAR's New Index Tracks Accepted Truckload Volumes
SONAR has launched the Accepted Truckload Volume Index (ASTVI) to provide a clearer view of freight that moves through the market. This index helps distinguish between tendered and accepted freight, offering valuable insights for logistics professionals.
Logistics Hong Kong Firm Synelysia Orders Eight Feeders at Xinle
Synelysia Limited, a new Hong Kong company, has ordered up to eight feeder containerships at Xinle Shipyard. The vessels are expected to be delivered starting in 2028, with each ship costing approximately $32 million.
Logistics Amazon Expands LTL Network to All Businesses
Amazon has expanded its less-than-truckload (LTL) network to serve all businesses, offering a full-scale logistics solution. This move positions Amazon as a competitor to traditional LTL carriers.
Logistics Purus Expands LNG Fleet with New Samsung Order
Purus Marine is linked to a new LNG carrier order at Samsung Heavy Industries, expanding its fleet. The $252m contract for a 174,000 cu m vessel is set for delivery in January 2029.
Logistics Huaxia Financial Leasing Seeks Yard Slots for Six Newcastlemaxes
Huaxia Financial Leasing is seeking yard slots for six newcastlemax bulk carriers, marking a significant expansion in the dry bulk sector. The Beijing-based company has launched a tender for vessels with a price cap of $79.5 million each.
Logistics Exmar's Ammonia-Powered Vessel Marks New Era in Shipping
Exmar has launched the world's first oceangoing vessel powered by a dual-fuel ammonia engine, marking a significant milestone in sustainable shipping. The vessel, named Antwerpen, is part of a series of four ships designed to operate with low emissions.
Logistics ICS Endorses Onboard Carbon Capture for Shipping Emissions
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) endorses onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) as a viable near-term solution for reducing vessel emissions. The ICS report highlights OCCS's potential amidst limited availability of green fuels.
Logistics PV Drilling Expands Fleet with New Jackup Rig Acquisition
Petrovietnam Drilling and Well Service Corporation (PV Drilling) has expanded its fleet with the acquisition of a new jackup drilling rig, increasing its total to eight. The rig, named PV Drilling X, will be transported to Vietnam for upgrades and is expected to enter service in 2027.
Logistics Samsung Heavy Secures $2.9bn Contract for US FLNG Project
Samsung Heavy Industries has signed a $2.9 billion contract to construct the Delfin FLNG Unit 1, the first floating liquefied natural gas unit in the United States. The project, involving Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Delfin Midstream, is set to begin production in 2030.
Logistics Moscow's Shadow Fleet: A Secret Network of Watchmen
An investigation reveals a network of Russian watchmen aboard tankers carrying sanctioned oil, ensuring compliance and evasion of Western authorities. These individuals, often with military backgrounds, play a crucial role in Russia's shadow fleet operations.
Logistics MSC Achieves Record 21.6% Global Market Share
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has set a new record by capturing 21.6% of the global container market. This achievement surpasses Maersk's previous high and highlights MSC's aggressive expansion strategy.
Logistics SplashTech: Navigating Shipping's Digital Transformation
SplashTech magazine offers a comprehensive guide to the technological changes in the shipping industry. It targets shipowners and operators, providing insights into digital advancements and strategic investments.
Logistics Diesel Prices Drop as Spot Demand Rises Amid Contract Failures
The average diesel price has dropped to $5.21 per gallon, marking a significant decrease. Meanwhile, RXO reports a rise in spot demand as contract routing guides fail, highlighting stress in traditional freight networks.
Technology SONAR's Hackathon to Tackle Driver App Shortage
FreightWaves SONAR is launching a virtual hackathon to develop apps for truck drivers. The event aims to address the lack of driver-focused software in the trucking industry.
Logistics AI Agents Transforming Freight Operations
AI is revolutionizing freight operations by automating tasks and enhancing decision-making. A survey by FreightWaves and Trimble highlights current AI adoption, challenges, and future expectations in the industry.
Logistics Amazon Relay Enhances Safety and Prepares for Prime Day
Amazon Relay is implementing measures to combat freight fraud and enhance safety, including a new safety rewards program. These initiatives come as the company prepares for increased demand during Prime Day.
Logistics Pingtan Minghui Ventures into Tanker Market with New Orders
Pingtan Minghui Shipping, traditionally a dry bulk carrier, has ordered two LR2 tankers, marking its entry into the tanker sector. The vessels, built by Taizhou JianXing Heavy Industry, are set for delivery in 2028.
Logistics International Seaways Orders LNG-Ready Tankers in South Korea
International Seaways has contracted two LNG-ready LR1 product tankers at K Shipbuilding in South Korea, with options for two more. This move aligns with their fleet optimization strategy, following recent vessel sales and platform expansions.
Logistics CM Energy Launches Innovative Meridian Class CSOV
CM Energy has introduced the Meridian Class CSOV, a next-generation vessel designed for the offshore wind industry. This vessel offers low-carbon propulsion options, aligning with sustainability goals.
Logistics Thenamaris Expands Tanker Fleet with New Orders
Thenamaris has expanded its tanker fleet by ordering new vessels in South Korea and China. The company has confirmed orders for MR2 product tankers and aframax/LR2 tankers, enhancing its market presence.
Logistics Freight Analyst Donald Broughton Passes Away Suddenly
Donald Broughton, a prominent figure in freight market analysis, has died suddenly at home. Known for his insightful market forecasts, Broughton's passing leaves a significant gap in the logistics industry.
Logistics VLCC Orderbook Reaches Record High Amid Fleet Renewal
The VLCC orderbook has reached a record high, with 262 units on order, driven by fleet renewal needs. This surge in orders could impact freight rates and market dynamics, as older vessels are phased out.
Logistics Suez Canal Hikes Transit Surcharges from Mid-July
The Suez Canal Authority will increase transit surcharges for most vessel classes from July 15. This move affects crude oil carriers, LPG carriers, and containerships, among others, with surcharges rising significantly.
Logistics Mermaid Maritime and DS Global Revive Offshore Vessel
Mermaid Maritime has partnered with DS Global Offshore Engineering to reactivate the Mermaid Commander DSV. The joint venture, DS Mermaid, will manage the vessel's reactivation and future operations.
Logistics Containership Orderbook Reaches 39% of Global Fleet
The containership orderbook has reached 39% of the global fleet, marking a post-2010 high. This surge is driven by strong market conditions and includes plans to convert bulk carriers into container vessels.
Logistics BP Secures Noble Semisub for UK Drilling Campaign
BP has contracted Noble Corporation's semisubmersible for a UK drilling campaign. The contract, valued at up to $72.2 million, will precede a major project in Norway.
Logistics Sincere Navigation Sells VLCC Maxim to Sinokor
Sincere Navigation has sold its 2011-built VLCC Maxim to Sinokor, marking its second VLCC sale this year. This transaction highlights Sinokor's active role in the VLCC market.
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 DHT Expands VLCC Fleet with New Hanwha Order
DHT Holdings has placed an order for a new Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) with Hanwha Ocean, continuing its fleet renewal strategy. The new vessel will be delivered in August 2028, following the successful delivery of two sister ships earlier this year.
Logistics Shipmanagement Sector Faces New Wave of Consolidation
The shipmanagement sector is experiencing a shift from scale-driven consolidation to a focus on technology and expertise. Industry leaders highlight the need for smarter operations to manage regulatory and technical complexities. This change impacts global shipping lanes and requires strategic adjustments.
Logistics AI's Impact on Shipping: Navigating the Hype and Reality
The integration of AI in shipping is reshaping logistics, yet it comes with challenges. Industry leaders discuss the balance between innovation and practical application.
Logistics Container Newbuild Delivered Amid Panama Canal Draft Cuts
The Behram Box, a containership stranded since the 2008 crisis, has finally been delivered and entered service, highlighting the strong demand for feeder tonnage. Meanwhile, the Panama Canal Authority has announced draft restrictions due to water level concerns, potentially impacting global shipping routes.
Logistics Heung-A Expands Fleet with Six New Chemical Tankers
South Korea's Heung-A Shipping has ordered up to six new chemical tankers from China's Wuchang Shipbuilding, marking a significant fleet expansion. This move reflects competitive pricing and strategic capacity growth in the chemical shipping sector.
Logistics BGN Expands LPG Fleet with New HD Hyundai VLGCs
BGN has ordered two new VLGCs from HD Hyundai, expanding its LPG fleet to 19 vessels. This move strengthens BGN's position in the LPG shipping sector.
Logistics Pleiades Expands Fleet with New MR Tanker Order in China
Greek owner Pleiades Shipping has placed an order for two MR tankers at Guangzhou Shipyard International, with deliveries set for late 2028. This move is part of a broader trend in the MR sector, with significant global orders impacting fleet capacity.