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.

📈 Blackstone's Sweetened Bid for Warehouse REIT: Strategic Play in LogisticsRead post

  • Blackstone raised its offer for Warehouse REIT to surpass Tritax, valuing it at £489 million ($666 million), reflecting a strategic move in logistics M&A.
  • The bid focuses on cash over stock, providing certainty that appeals amidst economic instability, causing Warehouse REIT board to shift support to Blackstone's proposal.
  • Highlights growing U.S. interest in undervalued UK logistics assets, emphasizing logistics as a resilient sector in economic uncertainty.

🤖 AI Transforms Logistics with ITS EngageRead post

  • ITS Logistics introduces an AI-powered supply chain solution named ITS Engage, aimed at improving coordination among shippers, carriers, and partners through real-time data and advanced analytics.
  • Developed over three years, the platform focuses on enhancing the drayage and container lifecycle management, providing visibility and customization options.
  • This development underscores the increasing application of AI to optimize logistics operations, addressing supply chain complexities.

📉 Impact of Diminishing Demand on China-US Freight RatesRead post

  • Freight rates from China to the U.S. are falling sharply after an early-May spike, with continued decreases expected due to an oversupplied market.
  • Rising overcapacity and reduced demand, influenced by tariff uncertainties, lead major carriers like MSC to cut services in attempts to stabilize prices.
  • Capacity volatility on Asia-North America routes has significantly increased, contributing to unpredictable freight pricing.

🚚 Geopolitical Tensions Disrupt US Trucking IndustryRead post

  • Geopolitical instability and fluctuating tariffs are hampering recovery efforts in the US trucking sector.
  • Uncertainty in trade policy impacts investment and hiring decisions, complicating long-term planning for the industry.
  • Despite initial expectations for recovery in 2025, freight rates and market conditions remain unstable, delaying positive momentum.

🌊 The Crucial Role of the Strait of Hormuz in Global ShippingRead post

  • The Strait of Hormuz is a key maritime chokepoint, with Iran threatening closure amid regional tensions.
  • Roughly 20% of the world's oil flows through this narrow passage, making its stability critical to global trade.
  • Despite threats, Iran has not closed the Strait, partially due to US naval presence and the complex maritime laws governing transit.

🚢 High Water Levels and Tariffs Impact Arkansas River ShippingRead post

  • High water levels and tariffs led to a 20% decline in Arkansas River shipping from the first half of 2025 compared to 2024, significantly impacting commercial tonnage.
  • The rising river levels especially made it challenging for barge shipments, while tariffs on materials like aluminum influenced the port operations in the region.
  • Various types of shipments experienced percentage changes, with iron and steel up by 11%, whereas sand, gravel, rock shipments were down by 39%, highlighting the mixed impacts on different cargo types.

📜 Congressional Push for Clean Ocean Shipping AdvancesRead post

  • U.S. senators and representatives reintroduce legislation to decarbonize the shipping industry and mitigate air pollution in port communities.
  • Proposals include imposing pollution fees on carbon and other harmful emissions, and setting tighter fuel standards to phase out greenhouse gases by 2050.
  • Aim to boost U.S. shipbuilding and modernize fleets with low-carbon vessels, addressing climate change urgently and protecting public health.

🚢 World Shipping Council Condemns Red Sea AttacksRead post

  • The World Shipping Council strongly condemns recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, calling them shocking and unacceptable.
  • President & CEO Joe Kramek emphasizes the importance of protecting seafarers' safety and the rights of navigation.
  • The Council supports international dialogue to address these security concerns and prevent future incidents.

🚢 Eimskip Container Ship Adrift En Route to GreenlandRead post

  • Eimskip's container ship Dettifoss experienced a loss of power while en route to Greenland, leaving it adrift.
  • The vessel, classified as a feeder ship, is part of Eimskip's fleet, underscoring potential operational challenges for the company.
  • The incident highlights issues within maritime logistics, specifically in maintaining power and managing emergencies at sea.

📈 June Rebound: West Coast Outpaces East and Gulf Ports in Container TrafficRead post

  • U.S. container imports increased by 1.8% in June 2025, yet remain 3.5% lower year-over-year, highlighting a gradual recovery.
  • West Coast ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach show strong volume growth, while China-origin imports decline sharply due to tariffs.
  • Improved port efficiency and ongoing U.S.-China trade talks add complexity and uncertainty to global shipping dynamics.