This week on News in Brief, host Charlotte Goldstone is joined by The Loadstar's managing editor Gavin van Marle and publisher Alex Lennane for a wide-ranging look at the stories that shaped global freight markets over the last seven days. 

From the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and yet another round of ocean carrier surcharges to allegations of a container manufacturing cartel and fresh takeover rumours involving MSC and Hapag-Lloyd, Mr van Marle breaks down the latest developments in container shipping. 

Meanwhile, Ms Lennane examines the fallout from a major CargoWise outage, the shifting balance between ecommerce and general cargo following US de minimis changes, India's growing importance as an airfreight hub, and what shippers are really thinking about rates, capacity and contracts in today's uncertain market. 

All you might have missed from the news cycle recapped in under 20 minutes! 

In this episode, host Charlotte Goldstone is joined by two leading industry voices to unpack the biggest stories shaping global supply chains. 

First, Charlotte speaks with James Hookham, director of the Global Shippers’ Forum, about growing shipper frustration over ocean freight pricing, opaque carrier surcharges and the shifting balance of power between carriers and cargo owners. They discuss increasing market concentration among container lines, what it means for competition and resilience, and the potential impact of new US customs enforcement measures on importers. 

Later, Loadstar publisher Alex Lennane joins the podcast to explore why Europe continues to struggle to produce freight-tech giants despite a thriving innovation ecosystem. They also examine how artificial intelligence is transforming freight forwarding operations, the rapid growth of pharmaceutical air cargo services, and why AI-related shipments are becoming one of air freight’s most important growth drivers. Finally, Ms Lennane shares his early thoughts on the latest escalation of tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the implications for global supply chains. 

Tune in for expert analysis of the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping logistics, shipping and air cargo markets worldwide. 

In this episode of The Loadstar Podcast News in Brief, we bring you the latest developments shaping global supply chains, from rising tensions in the Middle East to renewed controversy over ocean freight pricing and the key takeaways from TIACA's Executive Summit.

First, Loadstar Managing Editor Gavin van Marle joins us for an update on the container shipping market that examines growing criticism from shippers over carrier pricing practices, as accusations of opportunistic rate increases and "price gouging" resurface amid tightening capacity and market uncertainty. We also take a look at where ocean freight rates are heading and explore the worsening port congestion affecting both China and Europe.

Later in the episode, we turn our attention to air cargo. TIACA Director General Glyn Hughes joins us to recap the major talking points from TIACA's Executive Summit and share the findings of the association's latest sustainability survey. We discuss the industry's progress on environmental goals, the challenges that remain, and the key trends shaping the future of air freight.All that and more in this week's episode!

This week on The Loadstar Podcast, Charlotte Goldstone is joined by Noatum Logistics’ Stephanie Loomis to unpack the shifting dynamics in ocean freight, from the disappearance of traditional peak season patterns to evolving carrier behaviour amid persistent overcapacity. They also discuss how tariff-driven supply chain adaptations are reshaping global trade routes — and which changes may be here to stay.

Later, Alex Lennane returns to examine the latest fallout from Middle East disruption, including the growing pressure on air cargo from the AI boom and helium shortages, why jet fuel fears have eased but costs remain elevated, and the safety allegations facing cargo handler AGI at New York airports.

Plus, a roundup of this week’s premium stories.

In this episode of The Loadstar Podcast, Charlotte Goldstone is joined by Container Trade Statistics (CTS) CEO Nigel Pusey and Loadstar Managing Editor Gavin van Marle to unpack one of the most turbulent starts to a year the container shipping industry has ever seen.

From the fallout of the US Supreme Court ruling against Trump’s IEEPA tariffs to the escalating Middle East conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the trio explores how geopolitics, reroutings, fuel costs and shifting sourcing strategies are reshaping global trade flows in real time.

Using CTS Q1 2026 data, they discuss:

Plus, Nigel and Gavin revisit the predictions they made earlier this year, share what surprised them most in the numbers, and look ahead to what Q2 could bring — including whether the Red Sea return is officially off the table.

Listen now for a data-rich deep dive into the volatility redefining global shipping in 2026.

This week on News in Brief, Charlotte Goldstone and her guests break down the latest developments shaping the freight and logistics market. First, Xeneta senior market analyst Destine Ozuygur joins the podcast to unpack the ongoing Middle East conflict and what the latest developments around the Strait of Hormuz could mean for global supply chains.

The discussion explores growing speculation around an early Asia-Europe peak season, concerns over oil prices and blank sailings, carrier Q1 earnings, and the latest movements in ocean freight spot rates. 

Later in the episode, The Loadstar’s Alex Lennane discusses one of the week’s biggest industry stories: DSV’s confirmation that CargoWise will be replaced as the backbone of its operations by its in-house Tango platform. Alex also explains the latest leadership changes at Emirates SkyCargo, reactions from Cargolux to the Hormuz crisis, and how current disruption is influencing air cargo rates and capacity. 

Plus, a roundup of what caught readers’ attention on Premium this week. 

This week’s News in Brief dives back into the ongoing disruption in the Middle East, as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed and oil prices continue to ripple through global supply chains. But while uncertainty persists, there are signs of shifting strategy  with CMA CGM doubling down on Red Sea transits, raising the question of whether other carriers will follow and what that could mean for freight rates. 

Charlotte Goldstone is joined by Xeneta’s Peter Sand to break down the latest on ocean freight, from the risk of a renewed rate war to what improving schedule reliability really means beneath the surface. 

On the airfreight side, Alex Lennane unpacks a market still under pressure. Capacity is slowly returning, but jet fuel shortages and high prices are keeping rates elevated and operations tight. We also look at flight cuts in Chicago, Kuehne + Nagel’s latest earnings, and a deep dive into Cathay Cargo and the “cruel paradox” facing the carrier amid ongoing disruption. 

From Suez strategy to fuel strain, this episode maps the key forces shaping freight right now. 

This week’s News in Brief returns to the ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East, as a ceasefire extension fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz - leaving carriers scrambling for alternatives. 

Gavin van Marle breaks down the latest developments, from vessel incidents and rerouted services to softening spot rates into the Gulf and the growing role of land-side solutions.  

We also look at early Q1 port data from Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges, and what it reveals about underlying demand - as well as the bigger question hanging over the market: is overcapacity starting to bite? 

Later in the episode, Rotate’s Jonathan Mellink joins to unpack the airfreight picture. Capacity is beginning to return in the Gulf, but unevenly, as airlines chase higher yields and redeploy lift across stronger lanes. Meanwhile, fuel shortages and rising costs are forcing tough operational decisions, adding further volatility to an already unpredictable market. 

From Hormuz to hub capacity, this episode connects the key pressure points shaping freight right now. 

In a world where global trade is still growing but disruption is constant, traditional supply chain models are starting to show their limits. Built for scale and efficiency, “one-size-fits-all” logistics no longer reflects the very different risks faced by industries today.

In this episode, DP World COO Beat Simon explains why supply chains need to be designed around specific sectors - and what it means to “orchestrate trade” rather than simply move cargo.With specific examples of retail and healthcare verticals, he shares how small changes in routing and handling can bring products quicker to market, increase visibility, extend shelf life, reduce waste and protect margins  - offering a practical example of how logistics is becoming more tailored, integrated and value-driven.

Listen now to hear all about how DP World is utilising its Trade Platform 'toolbox' to tailor supply chains in an increasingly volatile market!

This week’s News in Brief takes stock of a fragile pause in Middle East tensions, as the US-Iran ceasefire enters its second week. But while the Strait of Hormuz remains open, uncertainty still hangs over global supply chains - and the impact on both ocean and air freight is far from resolved.

Charlotte Goldstone is joined by Drewry’s director of supply chain advisory Chantal McRoberts to break down the latest on container shipping, including scenario planning for how long the conflict could last, and what that means for capacity, rates and contract negotiations.

Alex Lennane brings the airfreight update, with markets showing signs of stabilisation rather than recovery. Capacity is returning in some regions, but fuel costs, disruption and uneven demand are keeping rates elevated and unpredictable. 

Also in this episode: what China’s revised Maritime Code could mean for international shipping contracts, and a long-awaited step forward in the US tariff refund process - though key questions remain unanswered. 

From geopolitics to pricing pressure, this episode unpacks a market still navigating uncertainty - even as tensions temporarily ease.

Have your say on the state of AI in the supply chain industry here!