The Loadstar

In this special episode of The Loadstar podcast, host Mike King unpacks a turbulent start to the year for container shipping. With major developments like the averted US port strikes, new container shipping alliances, and a wave of fresh regulations, the stakes are high for global supply chains. Henrik Schilling, Hapag-Lloyd’s Managing Director for Global Commercial Development, discusses the impacts of port productivity differentials, alliance restructuring, and ambitious plans to boost schedule reliability via the carrier’s Gemini Cooperation with Maersk. Harry Stones, President of Swire Shipping North America, shares details about the Sun Chief Express service and its innovative offering on the transpacific trade. Meanwhile, Gavin van Marle, Managing Editor of The Loadstar, and Daniel Cacciotti, Global Head of Ocean Freight at Scan Global Logistics, tackle the geopolitical challenges posed by tariffs, sanctions, and tensions in the South China Sea, along with strategies for navigating a fractured trade landscape.

16 Jan 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 the expected impacts of Chinese New Year, and offers a preview of stories that might appear on The Loadstar this week.     She is helped by The Loadstar publisher Alex Lennane, who explains how the ILA and USMX finally came to an agreement, as well as a sustainability initiative in air cargo.   Then, The Loadstar managing editor Gavin van Marle recaps the latest in a heating up trade war between China and the US, and the background of an initiative to close the price gap between fossil and green fuels.   Finally, Ms Goldstone and Mr van Marle round up last week’s air and sea freight rates, the latter of which were affected by a rate war.   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!

13 Jan 17min

The first News in Brief Podcast of 2025 recaps all the major supply-chain news items that you might have missed between Christmas and New Year and gives you a heads-up on what you will likely see on The Loadstar this year.  Host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone gives a situation update to the negotiations between the ILA and USMX and covers a proposed bill in the US congress that could ramp up trade wars.   The Loadstar managing editor Gavin van Marle talks about what is going on at both the Panama and Suez Canal, a look into ocean freight rate movements and what the upcoming alliance reshuffle could do.   Finally, The Loadstar publisher Alex Lennane recaps the main items from air cargo news.

6 Jan 13min

This year-end episode of The News in Brief Podcast captures all the mistakes and outtakes from 2024.   Host and news reporter Charlotte Goldstone, The Loadstar publisher Alex Lennane and The Loadstar managing editor Gavin van Marle have given you a year of concise and timely supply-chain news summaries, but this compilation of outtakes reveals the laughs, frustrations and canine interruptions that were had behind-the-scenes.  Like any good blooper reel, this 11-minute podcast contains lots of swearing which some audiences may find offensive – you have been warned!   The Loadstar Podcast News in Brief will now be on a ‘brief’ hiatus until Mondy 6 January but be sure to join us in the new year as the best way to catch up on all you’ve missed over the holiday.

23 Dec 202411min

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 offers a preview of stories that might appear on The Loadstar this week.    She is helped by The Loadstar publisher Alex Lennane, who explains the background for recent managerial changes at Schiphol Airport and Seko Logistics. Together, they discuss why we could be headed for an airfreight peak in Q4 and what this has meant for stakeholders.  Finally, Ms Goldstone and Ms Lennane offer a situation update on global strikes, including the looming strike on the US east and Gulf coasts, the government ports in India and the lengthy dispute at Canada Post. 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 11 minutes!

16 Dec 202412min

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 offers a preview of stories that might appear on The Loadstar this week.   She is helped by The Loadstar publisher Alex Lennane, who explains what is needed at the US border to keep up with growing volumes, and how airlines are maturing in their cargo-booking offerings. Ms Lennane then discusses her recent scoop involving management shifts at Chapman Freeborn.   Ms Goldstone offers a situation update for looming strikes on the US East and Gulf coasts and government ports in India.   Finally, they both give a brief rundown of last week's freight rates for both ocean and air.   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 10 minutes!

9 Dec 202410min

This episode takes a deep dive into the highs and lows of 2024 in the world of freight, logistics, and supply chain. Our panel reflects on the year’s biggest stories, including record-breaking elections, the resurgence of protectionism, and seismic shifts in global trade policies. We explore the winners and losers, from surging carriers to struggling international institutions, and unpack the implications of landmark deals like DSV’s acquisition of Schenker. Looking ahead, we assess the freight markets as they brace for a turbulent January, marked by potential dockworker strikes, alliance restructuring, and new tariff regimes. Air cargo trends, particularly the critical role of e-commerce, also come into focus, alongside the challenges posed by capacity shortages and Boeing’s ongoing production struggles. Finally, our experts offer bold predictions for 2025 and share their personal songs of the year. How could you not be entertained?   Guests Peter Sand, Chief Analyst, Xeneta Alex Lennane, Publisher, The Loadstar Gavin Van Marle, Managing Editor, The Loadstar   Credits: Created, edited and produced by Mike King & Associates for The Loadstar

5 Dec 202451min

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 and offers a preview of stories that might appear on The Loadstar this week.  The Loadstar managing editor Gavin van Marle speaks about the impact of the proposed US tariffs on ocean shipping and possible front loading. He then updates listeners on MSC’s new port calls, as well as an overview of last week’s ocean freight rates.   This is followed by an update on airfreight rates from Ms Goldstone.  She is then joined by The Loadstar publisher Alex Lennane who explains what is known about the recent DHL plane crash. She then explains the SAF partnership between Maersk and Lufthansa Cargo.  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, all in under 20 minutes!

2 Dec 202418min