March 2021

Air freight recovery falters but prices remain high

The New Year recovery in global air cargo volumes stalled in March as volumes fell 3% over March 2019, says analyst, Clive Data Services. However, reduced airline capacity meant that load factors and prices remained ‘relentlessly high.’ Despite the faltering recovery in demand, the air cargo market is in far better shape than a year ago when the outbreak of the Covid pandemic led to a sudden collapse in global ... [+]

IAG declares Kenya record

IAG Cargo uplifted 53,793kg of cargo on a freight-only British Airways B777-300 aircraft flight from Nairobi to Heathrow in March – a record for Kenya. The payload comprised a mix of products including fruits and vegetables, textiles and courier material.  Area commercial manager for East Africa, Michael Muriithi said the ... [+]

ACS appoints humanitarian head

Air Charter Service has appointed Ben Dinsdale to the new role of global director for humanitarian and government services. He joined ACS almost 18 years ago, overseeing the establishment of the Paris office’s cargo department and in 2016 became business development director for Europe.The broker points out that it has ... [+]

A sideways look at the freight industry

Veteran industry public relations man Ian Matheson has launched a Linked In group that takes an irreverent look at the industry. Where’s the f in phr8 promises satirical news and comment for the freight and logistics sector. Its 'no bile, only style' content will bring a smile to members' faces, he ... [+]

Ports star in DP World film

DP World has released a short film showcasing its operations in the UK. It tells the story of how the flows of trade through Southampton and London Gateway have a positive impact on the lives of ordinary people by supplying them reliably and cost efficiently with the products they consume. The ... [+]

New chief for cargo handling body

The International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) has appointed Richard Steele as its new head of ICHCA International, taking over from Richard Brough from 1 July. He is a safety and skills professional and has been involved in the ports industry for over 21 years.  He is currently the Chief Executive ... [+]

Suez Crisis II: Shippers call for surcharge scepticism

The Global Shippers Forum has called for line customers to show ‘surcharge scepticism’ as vessels get underway again following the Ever Given blockage in the Suez Canal. Secretary general James Hookham said: “Shippers should be wary of new surcharges and additional costs attributed to the Canal closure. Many goods will be ... [+]

DSV charter to the rescue

DSV has become one of the latest freight forwarders to charter its own ship to move customers’ containers from China to Europe, in order to beat shipping congestion and soaring freight rates. DSV used the Ocean Charter Network to obtain a vessel from China into the Danish port of Aarhus, with ... [+]

Insect boom for Tilbury

A wildlife area created in 2014 when the Port of Tilbury developed the London Distribution Park, has seen a rise in insect and invertebrate species according to a new study. The habitat site was created seven years ago by spreading chalk slurry over an area equivalent to six football pitches over ... [+]

Importers should consider DIY approach to customs, says software specialist

Large importers should consider setting up their own ETSF (External Temporary Storage Facility) to minimise Brexit disruption, says supply chain technology firm, Descartes. Goods arriving into the UK can be moved to the site such as the business’ own premises or a distribution centre where the customs formalities can be managed ... [+]