The Loadstar

In this epsiode of news in brief, hear how the one-year delay to the IMOs net-zero measures has set the stage for conflicting national rules, and how hopes of a return to Suez Canal transits threaten to swamp Europe’s ports with redirected cargo.  Gavin van Marle breaks down whether recent GRIs are holding and what the first Q3 earnings reports from forwarding giants reveal about a volatile year.   Then, Alex Lennane joins to unpack air cargo’s peak-season signals, the continuing fallout from the US de minimis exemption, and a spate of aviation incidents that underscore the sector’s safety challenges.  If you want a snapshot of all the goings-on in supply chains and where the news might be headed next, this is the podcast for you.

26 Okt 17min

The dust is only just beginning to settle in Europe’s ports after last week’s strikes — but the disruption is far from over. Host Charlotte Goldstone updates you on the ripple effects in Antwerp, Bruges and Rotterdam, before turning to the week’s biggest story: a tense MEPC84 meeting where the IMO’s net-zero framework faced an unexpected twist of US threats of sanctions agaisnt countries voting “yes”.  Meanwhile, Gavin van Marle chats about China expanding its own tit-for-tat port fees, how the alliances are fighting for capacity dominance, and why the market is bracing for softer contract rates despite a looming November GRI push.  In air freight, Alex Lennane joins to dissect UPS’s parcel backlog meltdown, Flexport’s AI-driven fix for logistics reliability, and a cyberattack that put DSV in the spotlight lats week. Plus, Ms Goldstone shares insights from Aviation Connect in Copenhagen.   If you’re following the global freight news cycle, this episode connects all the dots ahead of whatever this week has in store...

19 Okt 19min

Recent supply chain news has been all about disruption and adaptation. Europe’s biggest ports are hit by strikes, causing chaos in Rotterdam, Antwerp and Zeebrugge, while carriers raise charges at Chittagong and brace for new US port fees under the escalating trade war. Gavin van Marle breaks down how container volumes held up in August despite the tariff turmoil, and why some trade lanes are booming while others falter.  In air freight, Alex Lennane joins to unpack the ripple effects of the US government shutdown, a visa fee hike that could squeeze logistics workforces, and how forwarders are seizing opportunities in a still-strong ecommerce sector.  If you want the week’s essential supply chain headlines, expert analysis and a glimpse of what’s coming next, this is one you won’t want to miss.

12 Okt 23min

From tariffs to lawsuits, this week’s episode is packed with supply chain drama.  Host Charlotte Goldstone kicks off the episode with an update on another wave of US tariffs — a move that could drag transpacific rates even lower.   Gavin van Marle breaks down the latest freight rate moves, and why China’s Arctic shortcut isn’t tempting the likes of MSC.  Then, Alex Lennane joins to unpack the air freight story. A US government shutdown is already causing delays and disruptions for cargo, while new sanctions on Mexico’s aviation sector are rattling cross-border trade — and Europe’s regulators are firmly in Washington’s sights too.  We also dive into the legal frontlines: Flexport’s courtroom battle with Freightmate is heating up, and Maersk is staring down a class action over its pension plan. Plus, a few exclusive hints at what’s coming up on The Loadstar and what’s been on The Loadstar premium.   If you’re struggling to keep on top of constant supply-chain updates across modes, The Loadstar’s News in Brief will neatly round up all you might have missed from last week!   It’s only 16 minutes... Listen now!

5 Okt 15min

Are you looking for a quick round up of all that went down last week in logistics?   Typhoon Ragasa slams southern China, halting factory output just days before Golden Week. In Europe, Poland’s border closure with Belarus sparks airfreight rate hikes and rail disruptions, while Italian dock strikes target military shipments.   Host Charlotte Goldstone also unpacks how tariffs continue to reshape trade lanes, with insights from the Caspian Air Cargo Summit, plus Loadstar Publisher Alex Lennane reports on cyber-attacks at major EU airports and the rising threat AI poses to forwarding jobs.   In ocean freight, Cosco shrugs off USTR port fees, expands its India services, and eyes new port investments. Plus, Loadstar Editor Gavin van Marle brings you the very latest ocean freight rates, and insight on how one major carrier alliance is aiming to mitigate its losses.  Listen to this quick 20-minute podcast for an overview of all the important supply-chain news items from last week, plus a glimpse of what you can expect to see coming up!

28 Sep 18min

In this episode of The Loadstar Podcast, host Charlotte Goldstone dives into the world of artificial intelligence in logistics and customs with two industry insiders: James Coombes, co-founder and CEO of Raft.AI, and Michael Douglas, customs technology consultant at ALS Customs Services. Together, they unpack the reality behind the AI buzz – what’s hype, what’s real, and what’s already transforming global supply chains. The conversation offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at AI in action. You’ll hear how one of the world’s largest customs providers is integrating advanced AI tools to solve very human problems, with some surprising takeaways about data flows, where time savings truly happen, and why “saving on typing” is no longer the headline benefit. Whether you’re AI-curious or already deep in digital transformation, this episode offers a grounded, insightful, and surprisingly candid conversation that you won’t want to miss.

23 Sep 24min

Following London International Shipping week, host Charlotte Goldstone shares her highlights of the events and useful takeaways and is joined by Alex Lennane and Gavin van Marle from The Loadstar team, who recap the week’s main supply chain headlines.  In both air and ocean, freight rates have plummeted. The ocean freight market is dealing with the looming threat of USTR port call fees next month, while aviation battles with the reduced likelihood of a peak season.   Indian stakeholders, having recently been dealt a 50% tariff on their exports to the US, in particular are struggling. The region has seen airfreight demand down and one major digital forwarder cease operations.  Our journalists explore all of these topics and more in this brief episode – perfect for busy people who need a quick reminder of what’s been going on before the week ahead.   It’s only 20 minutes, listen now!

21 Sep 17min

Had a busy week? Join The Loadstar Team as they catch you up on the most recent supply chain news!  This 20-minute episode briefly recaps the hot-topics in logistics right now, including tariffs, the status of demand across major trade lanes, the looming USTR port call fees, and why DSV have announced major job cuts.   Both airfreight and ocean freight news items are covered in this episode - including the most recent rate levels - to give listeners an overall picture of the market in one convenient place.   So, whether you haven’t had time to stay up to date with the news, or you simply need a refresher going into next week, this podcast is perfect.  The episode also gives listeners a chance to get ahead of the curve, and details what might crop up on The Loadstar soon.

14 Sep 18min