In episode 34 of The Freight Buyers' Club (https://www.thefreightbuyersclub.com/), produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group (https://dimerco.com/), we dive into the critical factors shaping this year's ocean freight contract negotiations. As the transpacific contracting season approaches at TPM25 to be held at Long Beach at the start of March, we examine how spot rates, minimum quantity commitments, new carrier alliances, and US trade policy are influencing shipper strategies. With spot rates tumbling, uncertainty around tariffs, and the emergence of the Gemini Cooperation shipping alliance promising improved schedule reliability, what should freight buyers consider when planning their 2025 contracts?

Host Mike King speaks with industry veterans Jon Monroe of Jon Monroe Consulting, Mark Szakonyi from Journal of Commerce, and maritime law expert Lauren Beagen to unpack these market dynamics and explore how regulatory changes at the Federal Maritime Commission could impact shipping contracts and detention and demurrage policies.

Guests

Mark Szakonyi, executive editor, Journal of Commerce

Jon Monroe, founder, Jon Monroe Consulting

Lauren Beagen, maritime lawyer and host of ‘By Land and By Sea Podcast’