Rather than getting bigger, SME forwarders should focus on getting better - The Loadstar

SME forwarders are gaining a competitive edge over larger companies as "shippers are becoming more aware of the trade-offs" between scale and transparency, according to co-CEO of CargoTrans Anthony De Filippis. He told The Loadstar carriers "understandably focused on volume", so when capacity becomes scarce, smaller forwarders with small volumes to ship "can find themselves deprioritised, sometimes with little notice". This has led to increasing consolidation among forwarders to increase volumes and gain "clout" with larger carriers, according to Stephanie Loomis, ...

Emirates and Philippine Airlines explore enhanced cargo partnership

Emirates and Philippine Airlines are considering expanding their existing cargo partnership to boost airfreight business. Dubai-based Emirates said in a press release on 29 April that it had discussed the possibility of expanding its cargo interline partnership with Philippine Airlines at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. "Both carriers will also explore opportunities to enhance their cargo interline cooperation; exchange best practices in ground handling, catering, maintenance and technical training; and organise joint familiarisation trips for key media and trade stakeholders," said Emirates. The airlines are also considering expanding their passenger partnership with a reciprocal code-sharing agreement on flights between the Philippines and Dubai, and on select routes beyond the gateways of each partner airline. Emirates SkyCargo has steadily expanded its partnerships in recent years as it continues to strengthen its global network. Emirates SkyCargo and Teleport, exclusive cargo partner of AirAsia, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a preferred partnership that will support trade and e-commerce flows. In February, Emirates SkyCargo and Kenya-based freighter operator Astral Aviation also signed an MoU that will examine how to boost connectivity to Africa.

Fines for shipping lines for past collusion on rates set to be confirmed - The Loadstar

The hefty $81m in fines imposed by the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) on 23 liner operators is expected to confirmed, after the country's Supreme Court ruled this week that the Fair Trade Act does apply to collusion on fixing freight rates. In January 2022, 23 liner operators, including 14 from South Korea, and others including Evergreen, Cosco, Maersk Sealand, Yang Ming, HMM and SM Line, were taken to task after timber traders complained about their simultaneous ...