Research shows that while businesses are optimistic about the potential of AI in transportation management, many are unprepared for the challenges. Key obstacles include data quality, system integration, and a shortage of skilled professionals. Companies should enhance their infrastructure and talent reserves to achieve intelligent transportation management.
The new policy lowering the age for obtaining an A2 license has drawn attention as it may temporarily alleviate the driver shortage in the logistics industry. However, it does not address the scarcity of skilled drivers. Young people face challenges entering the industry due to high work intensity and low social status. There is a need to explore long-term strategies for effectively cultivating talent in this sector.
With the surge in global container demand, the ship leasing market is booming, and international shipping companies are increasingly focusing on domestic container vessels in China. Companies like CMA CGM and X-Press Feeders are leasing domestic ships, indicating a rising trend in rental prices. The market is expected to remain elevated, potentially experiencing an extended peak season. Flexible capacity allocation within the industry will provide competitive advantages for all parties involved.
Charter transportation offers efficient cargo solutions suitable for bulk goods demands, available in full charter and part charter modes. Full charters address the shortage of seats on scheduled flights, enhancing transportation efficiency, while part charters cater to smaller but heavier shipments. Choosing charter transportation not only reduces costs but also improves the safety and flexibility of cargo transport.
Recent data shows that container freight rates from Shanghai to Europe and the Mediterranean rose by 27.2% and 23.5% within a week, with increases of 170% and 203% compared to the same period last year. The box shortage and demand recovery are the main driving factors, which may impact the global trade landscape in the future.
The container shipping market is facing a dual challenge of declining demand and rapid capacity growth. An estimated 5 million TEUs of new ships are expected to be delivered over the next two years, leading to the highest capacity growth in 20 years, while freight rates continue to plummet, increasing market risks. Although there remains a willingness to pay for some capacity, factors such as global economic slowdown and rising inflation create significant uncertainty for future trends. Industry experts warn that the sector must seek transformation under pressure to enhance competitiveness.
The launch of the A350F injects new momentum into the air cargo market. Using in-depth feedback collected during the pandemic, Airbus optimized its design to meet market demands, aiming to achieve the best balance between cargo capacity and payload. Additionally, plans are in place to enhance production capacity through the integration of manufacturing facilities.
Recently, shipping freight rates have continued to decline due to the increase in capacity, particularly on transoceanic routes to Europe and America, where the drop is significant. Affected by market conditions and intensified competition, freight rates are expected to continue decreasing, although the extent of the decline will lessen. Future capacity deliveries will further influence market fluctuations.
Due to the overload in ocean freight, an increasing number of shippers are opting for air freight to manage the peak demand as autumn approaches. The backlog of cargo on ocean vessels and the shortage of containers have made air freight a faster transportation option. Shippers are now scheduling air freight in advance to ensure timely delivery of goods and smooth maintenance of the supply chain.
Bangladesh has reached a collaboration with a Japanese company to jointly develop the Matarbari deep sea port in the Cox's Bazar region, aimed at enhancing international trade capacity and economic growth. The new port will feature a 460-meter container terminal and a 300-meter multipurpose terminal, with an expected handling capacity of 2.6 million TEUs, and is set to be completed by 2029.
