Updated: 5/25/2023 “Limited capacity and volatile rates” was the main headline for much of 2020 where the air freight market was concerned. As airlines canceled passenger flights and orders for PPE and essential supplies spiked, the cost to send goods via air freight hit new highs—and held firm for quite some time.   At the start of 2023, we’re seeing a different picture emerge. Capacity is recovering. An analysis from CLIVE Data Services revealed that, in February 2023, air cargo capacity finally rose above pre-pandemic levels. Volume in February 2023 was still below pre-pandemic levels, though—7% less in chargeable weight, as compared to 2019. And...

With more than 80% of international goods estimated to move by sea, ocean freight fuels our global economy.i In fact, the industry has been on a long-term track to growth, with volume nearly tripling since 1990.ii  Since ocean freight is clearly here to stay, many have become concerned about its environmental impact. The industry faces several challenges along the road to sustainability, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  However, thanks to advances in green technology, many shipping companies are successfully reducing their environmental footprint.   Whether you're a company looking to embrace sustainability or simply curious about sustainability, we'll give you a run-down of the latest green tech solutions for ocean freight. While some have become established practices, others are still in development—truly on the cutting edge of "what's next" for the shipping...

Sustainability has become a hot topic in the world of logistics and supply chain management. Some companies embrace this value for ethical reasons.   Others are leveraging sustainability measures to appeal to consumers, who are increasingly aware of environmental practices. In fact, a recent Forrester study published in Forbes revealed that 32% of U.S. consumers "prioritize companies that are actively reducing their impact on the environment."i   Finally, many companies are pursuing sustainability measures to stay compliant with regulations. For example, the International Maritime Organization's low-sulfur mandate required many companies to reduce sulfur oxide emissions by changing fuels or adopting new technology. One of the trends we're seeing in sustainability is a move toward liquified natural gas (LNG)-fueled ships....

Before Hurricane Maria tore across the island of Puerto Rico in September 2017, few Americans had heard of the Jones Act. If you 1) don't work in the shipping industry or 2) don't live in a destination impacted by this law, you might not think much about this  sub-section of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. The Jones Act requires that all ships carrying goods between two U.S. destinations be built, owned, and operated by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. During Puerto Rico's recovery from Hurricane Maria, the Jones Act made headlines nationwide as President Donald Trump issued a temporary waiver for the territory. The goal? To expedite relief, aid, and supplies to the people...

Eliminating unnecessary costs is a crucial aspect to supply chain optimization. If you're seeing a significant amount of freight damage in the shipments you send, it might be time to focus in on this potentially expensive area.  Although reliable industry-wide statistics are hard to come by, the National Cargo Security Council (NCSC) estimated at one point that the global financial impact of cargo loss exceeded $50 billion annually. Additionally, Packaging Digest estimates that as many as 11% of loads arrive with some kind of damage, with the average sitting at about 2%.  In addition to the obvious cost of damaged goods that you can no longer sell, freight damage also creates a ripple effect throughout your operation:   First, there's the cost of replacing the shipment for your customer, which might also include paying for expedited freight. Additionally,...

Although last year’s scramble for household items has mostly passed, supply chain challenges continue to crop up in 2021. The backup at US ports, semiconductor chip shortages, and other supply issues have affected industries across the board. Even national chains like Starbucks and Chick-Fil-A are feeling the pinch.  We’ve seen our customers face several supply chain challenges of their own this year, and we’ve helped them create solutions that kept their businesses moving forward. To share some of these solutions with you, we called on our Approved experts who have been navigating supply chain issues alongside our clients. Below, you’ll find their top tips for surviving the supply chain challenges of 2021.  #1: It Might...