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News Desk


Global demand for airfreight grows again


IN THE AIR The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for global airfreight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), rose 4.2% in May 2018, compared with the same period the year before. This was slightly down from the 5.2% (revised from 4.1%) growth in annual demand recorded in April 2018.


ON THE OCEAN The service provided by container shipping lines has deteriorated since 2016 and is now seen by exporters, importers and freight forwarders as more problematic,


according to the second annual shipper satisfaction survey of Drewry and the European Shippers’ Council (ESC).


All pre-conditions for the takeover of OOCL have been met, said


Cosco Shipping in a statement at the end of June.


The risk to container shipping from the US-led trade wars is currently low, but potentially very damaging, according to the latest edition of the Container Forecaster published by global shipping consultancy Drewry.


The outlook for container shipping over the next 25 years is extremely uncertain, according to a study published by insurer TT Club and consulting firm McKinsey. The outlook for the demand side of the industry is ambiguous. A few trends point to faster growth, but other trends point to a slowdown.


OVERLAND The recent go-ahead for longer freight trains out of the port of Southampton has been warmly welcomed and many believe it will help reduce air pollution and road congestion both locally and on the whole A34 corridor to the West Midlands and beyond.


In the USA, road freight capacity shortages that have been driving up rates for much of the last year are likely to increase as demand builds through the summer, further adding to inflationary costs for shippers, according to consulting firm Logistics Trends & Insights.


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www.bifa.org Ian Matheson, from Impress Communications, reviews some recent news that might impact on Members’ business


Kent County Council (KCC) is calling on the government to consider additional legislative powers and technology to stagger the arrival of lorries into Kent, if the situation demands it after Brexit. It is also calling for more investment in the country’s ports including alternatives to Dover and to consider setting up a system to hold freight at its point of origin or specific hubs when port capacity is limited.


Eurotunnel Le Shuttle Freight has achieved a record half-year with more than 845,000 trucks transported since 1 January. With 142,016 trucks transported in June 2018, it also recorded the best June in its history, beating the previous record in June 2016.


The Rail Freight Group (RFG) marked the retirement of its chairman, Tony Berkeley, by naming a GBRf class 66 locomotive after him at London Victoria station at the end of June.


PORTSIDE At the container terminal in the port of Southampton, two new quayside cranes have been installed as part of a major investment by terminal operator and owner DP World.


INTERNATIONAL TRADE An international operation against the illegal trade of wildlife and timber involving police, customs, border, environment, wildlife and forestry agencies from 92 countries has seen hundreds of seizures worldwide, as well as suspects arrested. The operation targeted the people and networks behind global wildlife crime.


IN BUSINESS At the 15th SCALA Annual Supply Chain Debate, which discussed who is driving developments in supply chain and customer service, delegates concluded that it is technology providers (through innovations such as automation and robotics) rather than retailers, brand owners or logistics companies.


August 2018


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