Will anyone make a move—or are we all just watching and waiting?

In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen welcome Don Davis, SVP Commercial at ZIM, for a frank discussion on how the new wave of tariffs is paralyzing the industry. In a combined 60 years our hosts have in the industry, they've never seen volatility like this.

From 145% shocks out of China to strategic blank sailings, and ripple effects no one’s fully prepared for, this conversation digs into:

-Why front-loading isn’t always the answer
-How exporters are being squeezed
-What’s stalling long-term planning
-And how IMO’s latest emissions ruling barely made a blip in the chaos

If you're trying to make smart supply chain decisions in the fog of tariff uncertainty, this episode gives you perspective—and permission to pause.

This week on Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down the turbulent state of global trade. From weakening spot rates to dramatic drops in U.S. exports, Lars explains what’s behind the numbers—and what they mean for shippers.

We dive into the ripple effects of escalating tariffs, the cautious (and at times chaotic) responses from governments and shippers alike, and why many are choosing to “wait and see” instead of making bold moves.

Plus, Lars offers clarity on TEU miles, export competitiveness, and the political tightrope that global shipping companies now face. Despite the chaos, there’s a sliver of optimism: new alliances are rolling out with improved service reliability.

Topics covered:

• What’s behind the recent export slump
• The real risk of supply chain yo-yoing
• How shippers are reacting to trade policy whiplash
• Why long-term supply chain shifts aren’t happening—yet
• Positive trends in carrier reliability

Is peak season coming early—again? Global shipping expert Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver unpack market weakness, carrier capacity decisions, and the ripple effects of upcoming tariffs. From reliability improvements to geopolitical curveballs, get ahead of what’s shaping Q2 and why an April surge may already be underway. 

Want to be a part of the show? Register to attend a live episode at nyshex.com/podcast

What’s Really Driving Rates? Global Market Signals, Front-Loading Trends & Red Sea Fallout.

In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen dive into what’s happening behind the headlines—from softening spot rates and post–Chinese New Year seasonality to the real impact of front-loading and the latest on Red Sea routing.

Lars breaks down why demand data might be misleading, how inventory levels are shaping up, and what the declining cost of marine fuel could mean for shippers. Plus: What’s happening with the USTR's proposed vessel fees on Chinese-built ships, and why smaller ports and niche carriers may be hit hardest.

We wrap with a hard look at Red Sea disruption, asymmetric conflict risk, and why stability—not speed—is top of mind for global carriers right now.

Join the conversation and stay informed—subscribe, listen, and watch at nyshex.com/podcast

Port congestion—it’s a phrase thrown around in logistics, but what does it actually mean? In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, hosts Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down the layers of port congestion, from bottlenecks at the quay to inefficiencies in inland infrastructure. They discuss how factors like crane productivity, labor dynamics, chassis availability, and even customs staffing shortages all play a role.

Plus, they unpack the latest industry shakeups, including the Hutchison terminal sale in China and the ongoing Red Sea crisis. Tune in to understand where the real choke points are and what businesses can do to mitigate disruption.

In this hot-off-the-press episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down the biggest takeaways from TPM 2025—including the USTR 301 proposal that could impose a $1M+ fee per vessel per US port call for Chinese-built ships, a move that could reshape shipping as we know it.

This jam-packed episode also covers:
*Recently announced carrier infrastructure investments
*The evolving geopolitical landscape—From Red Sea disruptions to shifts in global trade policy
*What shippers need to do now to stay ahead of major industry shifts

Want to be a part of the show? Register to attend a live recording here and ask your questions in real time!

https://nyshex.com/attend-podcast-live

Missed TPM25? Our latest Supply Chain Secrets episode was taped live on Day 1—straight from the crowd, no studio polish! Lars, Caroline, and Don Davis dive into 2025-26’s unpredictability and sharp fixes for shippers and NVOs.

Loved the index-linked contract take? Join us April 30th at the NYSE for the NYSHEX Indices beta launch—details at nyshex.com/indexday

In this special episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and logistics legend Lars Jensen break down what to expect at TPM25, the premier conference for global container shipping. Whether you're attending in person or following from afar, this episode gives you an insider’s view of the key topics driving the industry this year.

Lars shares insights on contract negotiations, market uncertainty, and the critical role of relationships in navigating disruptions. Will rates collapse if the Red Sea reopens? Should importers rethink their carrier strategies with the new alliances? And how should shippers balance risk in their long-term contracts?

Join us as we tackle these questions, plus a live audience Q&A. And if you're at TPM, don’t miss our live podcast session at the NYSHEX booth on Monday at 3 PM Pacific!

🔗 Register for future live episodes: nyshex.com/podcast

In this second episode on the topic of how supply chain may be impacted by the change in US presidential administrations, Lars and Caroline tackle tariffs, headhaul and backhaul trade dynamics, and the latest news regarding the Ukraine and Red Sea crises.  

Want to be a part of the live audience? Register to attend live at https://nyshex.com/podcast

In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, hosts Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down shifting tariff policies, hot topics such as Ships for America, and what it all means for global trade. With real-time updates and expert insights, they discuss how businesses can navigate uncertainty, potential market impacts, and the future of U.S. shipping policies. Tune in for a timely and insightful discussion on the forces shaping ocean freight today!

Tune in for a timely and insightful discussion on the forces shaping ocean freight today! Register to attend the show live at nyshex.com/podcast/attend-live