News


Shipping Cost

Shipping Cost Increases Causing Hikes in Consumer Goods Prices

Value chains and container shipping are faced with major disruptions while many countries are looking for alternative supplies of grain, gas, and oil. According to UNCTAD, the Ukraine – Russia conflict has put a significant strain on the Black Sea region and logistics and trade in Ukraine, raising shipping costs globally and increasing demand for […]

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Shipping Plastic Waste

Shipping Lines No Longer Accepting Plastic Waste

Major shipping lines announced they would be no longer shipping scrap plastic from developed countries to Southeast Asia and China. Until 1992, China used to be #1 destination for plastic imports, which would be recycled and used for manufacturing. When the country’s economy expanded, its scrap output also increased. Currently China has more than enough […]

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Shanghai’s Covid-19 Lockd freight forwarders

Domestic and Global Impact of Shanghai’s Covid-19 Lockdown

Lockdowns in various Chinese cities have increased pressure on logistics and transport, as Covid-19 cases continue to rise across the country. The trucking industry has been hard hit, which plays a key role in shipping cargo to major ports in China. There are also restrictions on deliveries and truck drivers moving goods to areas with […]

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China and Implications for Shipping

Massive Lockdowns in China and Implications for Shipping

Covid-19 is not over yet, with China reporting the worst outbreak since the onset of the pandemic. The third most populous city, Shenzhen was placed on lockdown this Sunday, and factories closed temporarily. Shanghai has also experienced a surge in cases, and new restrictions have been imposed. Shenzhen is the home to the world’s third […]

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Global Supply Chains

Global Supply Chains under Pressure due to New Lockdowns in China

Recent coronavirus outbreaks have forced China to implement new restrictions that can further strain global supply chains, resulting in disrupted flow of goods and even higher inflation. Global supply chains are already under pressure due to port congestions, delayed ships, and a surge in demand. New Challenges Ahead The tightening restrictions in the Jilin province […]

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ship transport

Ship Backlogs Expected to Ease by Mid-2022

Ship backlogs have lasted for two years already due to the global health and economic crisis. According to experts, however, backlogs are expected to let up in mid-2021, easing pressure on carriers and container capacity. This would also mean less revenue for the big cargo carriers from the spot market. So far, freight rates have […]

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small shipments e-commerce

Is the Online Shopping Boom Going to Continue Post-Covid-19?

Demand for online delivery and products shipped to your doorstep has increased with the onset of the pandemic, as many consumers have been forced to work from home. Questions that beg to be answered are: what kind of people buy products online, is this shift in consumer behavior temporary or will continue post-Covid-19, and how […]

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international freight forwarders

Mariners and Truck Drivers Refuse Contracts as the New Variant Spreads

With truck drivers concerned over travel restrictions and border closures and ship crew refusing to sign contracts, the shipping industry is facing challenging times. From small logistics companies to big businesses, freight forwarders find it increasingly difficult to get enough staff amidst a surge in omicron infections. According to experts, about 20 percent of truck […]

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Shipping Industry

6 Ways in Which the Health Crisis Affected the Shipping Industry

The ongoing health crisis has affected shipping in many ways, from the medical handling of suspect Covid-19 cases and crew repatriation to vessel attendance for statutory purposes and certification and delayed repairs and retrofits.   Handling of Suspect Cases Medical handling of suspect cases can be a challenge due to shortage of equipment and supplies […]

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Pandemic Control Strategies

China Expected to Double Down on Pandemic Control Strategies

The new Omicron variant could be another resilience test for trade flows and already stretched global supply chains. The Chinese government has already enforced a zero-Covid policy, involving strict monitoring of cargo and commercial ships, enforced quarantines, and mass lockdowns. According to experts, the government may double down on this strict policy. If the new […]

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Suez Canal

Suez Canal to Increase Transit Fees by 6 Percent

The Suez Canal Authority recently announced fee increases for commercial vessels passing through the waterway. Experts warn that this move will cause price increases and further inflationary pleasures on the global supply chain. As the shortest route between Europe and Asia, linking Red Sea with Mediterranean Sea, about 12 percent of all commercial cargo ships […]

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Product Shortages

From Raw Material and Worker Shortages to the Domino Effect

Shortages of magnets and microprocessors mean that manufacturers find it increasingly difficult to fulfill orders as they cannot produce enough tablets, phones, and computers. When it comes to plastic, shortages affect manufacturers across sectors, including medical products, personal care and hygiene, and food and beverages. The situation has also resulted in backlogs for plastic cups […]

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Transport Workers

Covid-19 Restrictions Push Transport Workers to the Brink

Airline staff, truck drivers, and seafarers have been subject to testing requirements, travel restrictions, and quarantines to keep global supply chains moving during a prolonged pandemic. Many are on the brink of exhaustion, which is yet another threat to carriers shipping cargo around the globe. In September, industry groups sent an open letter to the […]

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Maritime Shipping Crisis

When Will the Maritime Shipping Crisis End?

A year and a half since the pandemic started, shipping cargo from China to Europe now costs 6 times more than it did back in 2019. Surging costs have only made the situation worse, adding to existing problems such as the high cost of raw materials and the global semiconductor shortage. There is only a […]

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global logistics crisis

Increase in Consumer Demand Driving Product Shortages

The global logistics crisis is not solely caused by a spike in consumer demand but it is a factor that can’t be overlooked. When the pandemic started, shipping fell due to uncertainty how lockdowns and social distancing measures would affect consumer demand. Crew safety has also been a source of concern. Then the situation changed […]

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Cut Carbon Emissions

Urgent Measures Needed to Cut Carbon Emissions

Commercial ships are responsible for about 1 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions on an annual basis or 3 percent of total emissions. Experts explain that if vessels were a country, it would be the world’s sixth biggest polluter. Unless urgent action is taken, shipping greenhouse gas emissions are forecasted to reach up to 130 […]

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Global Trade

Global Trade Struggling Due to a Confluence of Events

A series of events is driving global trade to a breaking point, from cyber threats at major South African ports to natural disasters in Germany and China and a new wave of Covid-19 and cases rising worldwide. According to shipping experts, economists, and businesses, the effect is an interrupted flow of consumer goods, parts, and […]

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Air Freight Prices in the New Normal

The congestion caused by a recent outbreak in Southern China has been expected to impact air freight in summer. Yet, despite predictions that the chaos at major ports would cause a modal shift from sea to air, the volume of converted orders has only slightly increased. Experts are not really sure why this is happening […]

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Shipping Rates Set to Skyrocket due to New Outbreak in China

The freight transport industry has suffered significant supply chain disruptions due to the ongoing global health crisis. Intermodal transport in Europe, including truck carriers and railroad shippers, has been affected. Ports around the world have seen a reduction in cargo volumes due to uncertainty. Parcel delivery companies have been the least affected as they face […]

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Global Economic Downturn Increases Truck Driver Shortages

Logistics companies are increasingly faced with a shortage of commercial truck drivers due to a combination of global economic downturn, Covid-19, and the Brexit. Driver shortages have been a global problem even before the start of the coronavirus crisis but recent studies predict a 25 percent increase across all EU member countries. A combination of […]

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4 Logistics Trends to Watch for in 2021

2020 has been a challenging and difficult year for global populations. The changes in how we live, work, and connect with others have been fundamental, with a shift to digital and the proliferation of Internet commerce. Other areas such as economic growth and fighting global poverty took a step back. The logistics industry has been […]

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Hakull-Group 75 years

It is a strong name in the Norwegian Transport and Forwarding industry, which in 2021 looks back on 75 years of operation. We are quite proud, still being a family owned business in a market consisting of major constellations. Nevertheless, the Hakull-group is a strong brand looking back on 75 years.    Today owners are […]

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From China’s Lockdown to Global Structural Imbalances

Every stage of the global supply chain is facing a shipping crisis and forcing forwarders to make significant changes to their operations. Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions have already resulted in additional operating expenses for businesses and reduced customer satisfaction. The main issue is the higher freight rates due to the difficulty of booking shipping slots, […]

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End of China’s Rail Freight Subsidies and Impact on Stakeholders

Rail freight is a cost-effective alternative to air freight for shipping cargo from China to Europe. Air delivery is expensive for both consignees and shippers while ocean freight transit times are slower, making rail transport a solution that sits in between. Why Use Rail Freight for Shipments from China As the borders between Europe and […]

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Drug Shortages due to Reduced Freight Capacity

Europe is now facing coronavirus drug shortages due to reduced freight capacity and more specifically air freight capacity. As many countries have imposed lockdowns, travel bans, and other restrictions, airlines are forced to have their aircraft grounded. Experts predict that the demand for drugs will continue to increase as the pandemic spreads all over the […]

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Coronavirus Outbreak May Lead to a Shipping Crisis

More and more retailers in North America and Europe are shutting down, which may lead to a significant decline in shipped volumes. This is mainly the result of social lockdowns that are enforced in many countries. How Maritime Shipping Is Affected Analyst Sealntelligence Consulting explained that a 10 percent decline in shipments is expected, resulting […]

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Coronavirus Measures at Ports and Their Impact on Sailings

European countries have implemented different measures and restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which to varying degrees have an impact on the logistics and transportation sector. Some of these measures specifically apply to ports and may be of interest to European logistics providers.   France The French authorities ordered a sanitary watch for […]

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Impact of Coronavirus Outbreak on Maritime and Air Shipping

The coronavirus outbreak and associated civil and health protection measures may have a serious impact on the EU economy. The EU Commission and other institutions are closely following developments in different sectors, including tourism, trade, transportation, and manufacturing.   Impact on Sea Transport According to the International Chamber of Shipping, shipping by container vessels from […]

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Interview with Marc Geerts, CEO of Corneel Geerts Transportgroup NV

Trucking on with the third generation of hauliers Managing succession from one generation to the next is a process that all family companies must periodically face. For road haulage and logistics specialist Corneel Geerts Transportgroup NV in Belgium, 2020 is the year that the third generation takes over the reins and is entrusted with steering […]

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Driverless Trucks and the Future of Autonomous Technologies

Autonomous cars and trucks are expected to transform the logistics industry, and many freight forwarders are willing to use autonomous technologies for shipping and other logistics processes. The main reason is that businesses are increasingly faced with a demand for quicker deliveries coupled with a high labor shortage. Experts also estimate that the use of […]

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Drones Are about to Change the World of Logistics

Today, drone delivery is handy for locations with poor infrastructure and shipments that would otherwise incur significant costs. For many, drones or unmanned aerial devices are soon to become a preferred transportation method in a world of rising population, mass movement to larger cities, and growing urbanization. The result of all this is air pollution, […]

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Warehouse Park Soon to Open Doors in Slovakia

Location The site is expected to serve as a major logistics centre due to its convenient location close to major manufacturing facilities, Bratislava International Airport, the city centre, and connections to the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Austria. The site is found just 19 km from the city centre, 11 km from the airport, 0.5 km […]

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Impact of Brexit on Logistics Companies and Suppliers

Brexit date approaches and UK-based businesses are increasingly anxious about their prospects, many having lost faith in the economy. Retailers and suppliers are now stocking on supplies to ensure that they are not falling low on essential goods due to delays and supply chain problems. Many fear that shipping delays at the EU-UK border may […]

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Corneel Geerts Flyer Service – Express Deliveries

FLYER SERVICE Express transport   For quick and fast, contact our flyer cast Corneel Geerts Transportgroup flyer@geertstransport.com I Tel: +32 475 70 75 60 CG Flyer Service I Express deliveries Tel: +32 475 70 75 60 | Mail: Flyer@geertstransport.com  Small Van 1m³ Max. 1 pallet 450 kg 1m20 x 1m20 x 1m00   Large Van […]

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New logistics center in Barcelona provided by Ares Group

Ares Group  has announced the investment in a new logistics center in Barcelona – La Llagosta. It has more than 4,000 m2 of warehousing space and 600 m2 of offices. The investment is motivated by the actual growth and the potential in logistics for the next years. The new facilities will be ready by the […]

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The essential supply chain trends to keep an eye on in 2019

Now that 2018 is over, it is time for the companies and freight forwarders throughout Europe who are part of IFA to analyze the results from the past year and start thinking about the new tendencies expected to affect the business in the supply chain area. So, what should the members of the European logistics […]

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The EU toll system will become distance based in 2023

The EU countries which are currently using time-related toll systems must adopt a new distance-based road charging system which differentiates the tolls in accordance with the emissions from the different vehicles. This was decided on October 25th by the European Parliament when the new toll legislation system proposal was first presented to the members. The […]

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What to expect from the SOLUTRANS fair in November 2019

The freight forwarders network is looking forward to the upcoming 15th edition of the international biannual trade fair for urban and road transport solutions SOLUTRANS which is set to take place on November 19-23 2019 at the Euroexpo in Lyon, France. The program of the event includes themes such as innovation, mobility, digitalization, alternative energy […]

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How gamification can help improve the logistics performance of IFA

For years, various logistics companies from the European logistics network have been using gamification as a tool for educating, motivating and improving the performance of the employees of the international freight forwarding companies. What is gamification and how it can affect the quality of the services provided by the International Forwarding Association Gamification is the […]

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The tendencies for 2018 in the logistics business

Logistics is inextricably linked to business. Here are several tendencies for 2018 which are expected to improve the efficiency of the freight forwarding service this year: An increase of the profits from omnichannel supply Omnichannel supply will continue to play a significant role in the international freight services and the forwarding services will be organized […]

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Neill & Brown Gets Centenary Celebrations on the Road

We are putting our centenary show on the road. New trailers, part of a near £1m fleet investment during 2017, will sport spectacular livery celebrating our 100 years in business. Pulled by silver-coloured cabs, they will spread the Neill & Brown message far and wide, especially to our vibrant European marketplace. Our CEO, Peter Brown, […]

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