The Loadstar

In this episode of The Loadstar’s News in Brief Podcast, host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone recaps last week’s supply chain news, including which carriers would be most affected by the proposed 301 rule for China-built vessels calling at US ports.  Ms Goldstone concludes the episode with a preview of stories that might appear on The Loadstar this week.     She is joined by The Loadstar’s managing editor, Gavin van Marle, who gives the latest schedule reliability figures and the latest ocean freight rates.   Then, The Loadstar publisher Alex Lennane delves into what is to become of WestJet Cargo and a look at the airfreight news. She also offers the latest air rates.   All this, and way more. So, what are you waiting for? This bite-sized news podcast will catch you up on anything you might have missed last week and put you ahead of the curve on this week’s happenings, in just 20 minutes!

30 Mar 20min

In this episode of The Loadstar’s News in Brief Podcast, host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone recaps last week’s supply chain news and concludes the episode with a preview of stories that might appear on The Loadstar this week.     She is joined by The Loadstar publisher Alex Lennane who details where some major airlines are deploying their summer capacity, the possible impact of a USPS DOGE investigation and a recent bid for Air Belgium.  Ms Goldstone updates listeners on the current geopolitical tensions surrounding the Red Sea region and how Maersk responded to related shareholder concerns in its Annual General Meeting.  She also gives insight into how the Gemini partners are delivering on their promise of 90% schedule reliability with a brief summary of Hapag-Lloyd's full-year earnings.   Finally, Ms Goldstone and Ms Lennane offer the latest ocean and air freight rates.    All this, and more. So, what are you waiting for? This bite-sized news podcast will catch you up on anything you might have missed last week and put you ahead of the curve on this week’s happenings, in just 14 minutes!

23 Mar 13min

In this episode of The Loadstar’s News in Brief Podcast, host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone recaps last week’s supply chain news, including tariff updates and Cape Town congestion.   Ms Goldstone concludes the episode with a preview of stories that might appear on The Loadstar this week.    She is joined by The Loadstar’s managing editor, Gavin van Marle, who explains why a resumption of Houthi attacks makes little difference to ocean shipping and why Hapag-Lloyd wanted a share of Le Harve.  Then, The Loadstar publisher Alex Lennane delves into Flexport’s most recent lawsuit and M&A rumours swirling EV Cargo  Finally, Mr van Marle and Ms Lennane offer the latest ocean and air freight rates respectively.   All this, and more. So, what are you waiting for? This bite-sized news podcast will catch you up on anything you might have missed last week and put you ahead of the curve on this week’s happenings, in just 19 minutes!

16 Mar 19min

In this jam-packed episode of The Loadstar’s News in Brief Podcast, host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone recaps last week’s supply chain news, including her thoughts from TPM25.  After recapping tariffs and CMA CGM’s recent investment, Ms Goldstone concludes the episode with a preview of stories that might appear on The Loadstar this week.   She is joined by The Loadstar’s managing editor, Gavin van Marle, who explains what TiL’s acquisition of Hong Kong terminal operator Hutchison’s global operations will mean for the industry, and offers his highlights from TPM25.   Then, The Loadstar publisher Alex Lennane speaks about the impact that tariffs and removal of the de minimis exemption would have on the pharma and perishable markets and explains what this has done to the latest airfreight rates.  Finally, Mr van Marle offers the latest ocean freight rates and explains why they shouldn't be mistaken for a weak market.   All this, and more. So, what are you waiting for? This bite-sized news podcast will catch you up on anything you might have missed last week and put you ahead of the curve on this week’s happenings, in just 17 minutes!

9 Mar 19min

Recorded live at TPM25 in Long Beach by host Mike King and including additional reaction as the trading landscape further evolved, this episode of the Loadstar Podcast brings you the latest breaking news while also explaining how politics is reshaping global trade. From President Trump's flip-flopping on tariffs to the $19 billion MSC/BlackRock/Hutchison deal that prompted Trump to talk about "reclaiming the Panama Canal", the event was a whirlwind of insights that captured the intersection of politics and trade.   As TPM unfolded, forwarders and shippers scrambled to secure trans-Pacific capacity amidst tariff confusion and the possible impact of a reopened Suez Canal. Smaller shippers are feeling the pressure as carriers seem to have the upper hand, while larger players are more confident in their positions.   With the unveiling of the Gemini Cooperation between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk promising 90% schedule reliability, this episode dives deep into the evolving landscape of global logistics.   In other big news, CMA CGM's Rodolphe Saadé made headlines after meeting with Trump and pledging a $20 billion investment in U.S. logistics. His plans to triple the U.S.-flagged fleet and create a Chicago air freight hub are certainly one to watch. But where these ships will be built is still up in the air.Industry leaders like Rolf Habben-Jansen (Hapag-Lloyd), Lars Mikael Jensen (APM Terminals), Ed Brzytwa (Consumer Technology Association), Doug Smith (DP World Canada), Lars Jensen (Vespucci Maritime), Soren Toft (MSC), Akhil Nair (Logisteed), and Niall van de Wouw (Xeneta) share their expert insights.Though recorded live at TPM25, the news continues to evolve—and this episode is packed with timely takeaways that you won't want to miss.   GuestsRolf Habben-Jansen, CEO, Hapag-LloydLars Mikael Jensen, head of hubs, APM TerminalsEd Brzytwa, VP of International Trade, Consumer Technology AssociationDoug Smith, CEO, DP World CanadaLars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci MaritimeSoren Toft, CEO, MSCAkhil Nair, global head of freight forwarding, LogisteedNiall van de Wouw, chief airfreight officer, Xeneta

7 Mar 49min

In this episode of The Loadstar’s News in Brief Podcast, host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone recaps last week’s supply chain news, including logjams at ports and rail terminals and updates to executive orders from the US.   Ms Goldstone concludes the episode with a preview of stories that might appear on The Loadstar this week.  She is helped by The Loadstar publisher Alex Lennane, who details Polar Air Cargo’s ‘swan song’ and why forwarders are getting a headache keeping up with rules from the EU and US.   Ms Lennane also gives the latest air freight rates and how airfreight carriers could actually benefit from stunted capacity growth.   Finally, The Loadstar’s managing editor, Gavin van Marle, dials in from the USA to update us on the latest ocean freight rates.  All this, and more. So, what are you waiting for? This bite-sized news podcast will catch you up on anything you might have missed last week and put you ahead of the curve on this week’s happenings, in just 12 minutes!

2 Mar 12min

2025 has kicked off with unprecedented disruption across global freight, and air cargo is at the centre of the storm. In this episode, co-hosts Mike King and Alex Lennane unpack the biggest stories shaping the industry, from shifting U.S. trade policies to the evolving role of e-commerce in air freight demand. In our exclusive interview with The International Air Cargo Association’s (TIACA) Steven Polmans and Glyn Hughes, we tackle key industry questions: ·        How geopolitical tensions are impacting supply chains and air space ·        Whether TIACA is effectively serving members and attracting enough forwarders ·        If their events are priced accessibly and sufficiently inclusive We preview TIACA's key 2025 events: June's Executive Summit in Hong Kong (hosted by Cathay Cargo) focusing on US-China trade tensions, and November's Air Cargo Forum in Abu Dhabi—now competing directly with Munich's 'transport logistic 2025.' The episode also examines payment and settlement system challenges, sustainability initiatives, and efforts to diversify industry leadership and event panels. This episode is sponsored by Air Charter Service. Guests: Raymon Krishnan, president, The Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society Steven Polmans, chairman, TIACA Glyn Hughes, director general, TIACA Peter Sundara Swamickannu, Singapore-based freight executive for a large BCO Alex Lennane, publisher, The Loadstar Mike King, podcast host and creator, The Loadstar      Credits: Produced, edited and hosted by Mike King for The Loadstar www.theloadstar.com

27 Feb 1h

In this episode of The Loadstar’s News in Brief Podcast, host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone recaps last week’s supply chain news, including how weather is affecting Canadian shippers. She also offers a preview of stories that might appear on The Loadstar this week!  She is helped by The Loadstar publisher Alex Lennane, who explains why proposed tariff hikes at Schiphol airport would disproportionally affect freight and summarises her story on an aerospace firm charged with sanctions-busting.    The Loadstar’s managing editor, Gavin van Marle, discusses a recent MSC service that seems to have disappeared and how the carrier plans to develop in the Med, plus what the new alliances heave meant for Asia- Europe capacity.   This is followed by a round-up of air freight rates from Ms Lennane and an ocean freight rate briefing from Mr van Marle.   So, what are you waiting for? This bite-sized news podcast will catch you up on anything you might have missed last week and put you ahead of the curve on this week’s happenings, in just 14 minutes!

23 Feb 14min