Chasing Freight

An AI-Generated Daily Newsletter
for Logistics Professionals

The Chasing Freight Daily Newsletter provides essential summaries of the most important news stories in the world of international logistics keeping you informed on everything influencing your containers' lifecycle.

⚠️ Electronic Warfare Disrupts Global Shipping Amid Israel-Iran WarRead post

  • Almost 1,000 ships off Iran's coast face GPS interference, primarily due to electronic warfare between Israel and Iran, affecting global trade.
  • Ships' positions are misreported, appearing on land, causing confusion and increasing collision risks.
  • Military-grade anti-jamming systems are being installed, and the UN warns of serious risks to maritime safety.

🚂 Lansdale Station Closes After Freight Train CollisionRead post

  • A freight train collided with a vehicle near SEPTA's Lansdale Station, leading to a temporary shutdown.
  • Two individuals were hospitalized, though their current conditions are unknown.
  • SEPTA suggests using alternative transportation options during the service suspension.

📉 Latest Trends in Ocean Container Shipping RatesRead post

  • Rates from the Far East to the U.S. West Coast have dropped significantly, with more capacity than demand preventing peak season surcharges.
  • The Far East to U.S. East Coast rates see a moderate decline but remain much higher than the previous month.
  • Rates to the Mediterranean and North Europe remain elevated due to sustained demand, while rates from North Europe to the U.S. stay stable.

🇺🇸 English Proficiency Rule for Truckers Disrupts Cross-Border Freight MarketRead post

  • Enforcement of an English language proficiency (ELP) rule for truckers affects US-Mexico freight market.
  • B-1 visa holders face challenges, leading to increased northbound trucking rates.
  • Laredo's cross-border trade heavily impacted, with local associations offering English classes for truckers.

📦 Hellmann Worldwide Logistics Expands Melbourne OperationsRead post

  • Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has opened a new logistics center in Truganina, significantly increasing its warehouse capacity in Melbourne.
  • The 19,000-square-meter facility features advanced warehouse management systems and sustainability features such as a solar array and rainwater tanks.
  • This expansion supports a flexible, efficient supply-chain solution with its multi-sector service offering, emphasizing sustainability.

📝 USSOCOM's $10.5 Billion Logistics Contract: What You Need to KnowRead post

  • USSOCOM has released a draft RFP for the Special Operations Forces Global Logistics Support Services II contract valued at up to $10.5 billion.
  • The contract spans a 12-year ordering period, covering logistics support across multiple platforms including aviation, ground, and maritime systems.
  • It emphasizes lifecycle logistics, rapid prototyping, and IT management among other services.

🤖 Grid Dynamics Leverages AI for Supply Chain GrowthRead post

  • Grid Dynamics launches an AI-driven logistics solution aiming to revolutionize supply chain management using NVIDIA's Omniverse platform.
  • The partnership allows simulation of warehouse layouts and inventory workflows, targeting high-demand sectors like automotive and aerospace.
  • Despite competitive risks, the potential market valuation of $259 billion by 2032 presents a significant opportunity.

🚨 Freight Train Collision Suspends SEPTA LineRead post

  • A freight train collided with a pickup truck in Lansdale, causing commuter delays in Montgomery County.
  • Two individuals were injured; their conditions remain unknown as investigations continue.
  • SEPTA's Doylestown line faces suspensions, prompting commuters to consider alternate routes.

📉 US Container Rates Drop: Key Impact for TradeRead post

  • Container rates on the trans-Pacific trade lane from the Far East to the US West Coast have plummeted 39% since June 1, with rates standing at $3,317 per forty-foot equivalent unit.
  • Rates to the US East Coast saw a more moderate decline, falling 9% since June 1, but remain 43% higher than May 31, indicating varying impacts across coasts.
  • The declines are influenced by ample capacity meeting demand and the aftermath of reduced US-China tariffs, affecting shippers' bargaining power for peak season surcharges.

🚚 US Trucking Industry Faces Challenges Amid Low Freight DemandRead post

  • Hope for recovery in the US trucking sector in 2025 is decreasing due to ongoing low freight demand, influenced by tariff uncertainty and high inventory levels.
  • The Cass Freight Index reported a 4% year-over-year decline in May, marking 28 consecutive months of downturn, while spot market truck rates dropped over 9% since January.
  • Major carriers are scaling back investments, with Class 8 truck orders down 45% from previous years, anticipating a slow recovery.