Low capacity keeps airfreight rates high between Asia and US

Prices from Hong Kong to the U.S. reached $8.07 per kilogram as of Monday, which is down from a mid-May peak but more than double 2019 rates.

By Matt Leonard • June 10, 2021

Brands turn to air cargo as inventory delays continue

The companies behind brands such as Levi Strauss and Tommy Hilfiger said they are expediting more shipments to keep up with sales.

By Edwin Lopez • June 8, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Supply Chain Dive

Here’s how companies are navigating rising costs, network changes and logistics disruptions across global supply chain networks.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Sea-to-air conversions drive up airfreight rates on Transpacific

Tight capacity and volatility in the air cargo market leads many shippers to seek longer-term contracts with their carriers.

By Matt Leonard • May 10, 2021

DSV's Agility M&A builds scale, clout in fragmented forwarding market

DSV feeds its appetite for acquisitions with a deal valued at more than $4 billion.

By Shefali Kapadia • April 28, 2021

Ceva Logistics adds guaranteed airfreight capacity in volatile market

Shipper demand for sea-to-air conversions reduced airfreight capacity and increased rates in the aftermath of the Suez Canal blockage.

By Matt Leonard • April 22, 2021

5 freight technologies send supply chains on a greener path

A growing level of shipper interest, along with pressure from the public and regulators, is driving carriers to invest in more sustainable delivery options.

By Matt Leonard , S.L. Fuller • April 21, 2021

Photos: A look at how UPS eVTOLs could shake up logistics

A small, electric aircraft that can take off and land vertically at distribution and sortation centers will enable faster delivery speeds.

By S.L. Fuller • April 15, 2021

Shippers assess impact to cargo as Ever Given is freed from Suez Canal

Ikea confirmed it has containers on ships waiting to pass through the Suez Canal and said it "will consider all supply options available to secure the availability of our products."

By Matt Leonard • March 29, 2021

FedEx Express rates expected to remain elevated for next 12 months

The logistics company plans to increase the capacity of its Express network over the next year, putting seven parked planes back into operation and launching new services. 

By Matt Leonard • March 19, 2021

Tight ocean market, extended lead times push shippers to airfreight

Air cargo demand has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. But capacity remains down with many passenger planes grounded, and pricing is unstable.

By Matt Leonard • March 9, 2021

FedEx to convert parcel fleet to EVs by 2040, eyeing a carbon neutral future

The announcement is part of a broader $2 billion investment focused on clean energy, carbon removal and electrification.

By A.B. Brown • March 5, 2021

Expeditors: 'Severely' misaligned freight market spikes ocean, air rates

"We moved more freight in the fourth quarter of 2020 than in any other quarter in our history," the company's CEO said in its earnings release.

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 17, 2021

DSV Panalpina ready for 'M&A adventures'

The CEO said its preferred acquisition is a large, global forwarder with similar characteristics as DSV, as the company seeks a larger share of the fragmented market.

By Shefali Kapadia • Feb. 11, 2021

Peloton will incur 10 times its usual transportation costs as it ships by air, expedited ocean

The fitness equipment company is spending $100 million to speed deliveries to frustrated consumers.

By Shefali Kapadia • Feb. 8, 2021

Analysts see 'no underlying currents' to loosen tight airfreight capacity

Shippers, forwarders and carriers pivoted to short-term rate negotiations and the spot market as airfreight capacity dropped 18% YoY.

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 4, 2021

Airfreight rates start 2021 on a decline following mediocre peak

Rates more than doubled YoY from China to the U.S. to reach $7.57 per kilogram in the last week of December, but pricing has already fallen to $6.19 per kilogram in the first half of January.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 11, 2021

Amazon buys 11 planes to boost airfreight capacity

The aircraft purchases, a first for Amazon, come at a time when airfreight procurement has become increasingly difficult, and e-commerce demand is soaring.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 6, 2021

Airfreight rates from China to US rise 58% ahead of the holidays

The ongoing distribution of coronavirus vaccines could increase annual air cargo demand by 2% and lift airfreight rates in the first half of next year, according to one analyst.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 22, 2020

Coronavirus vaccine distribution by the numbers

Millions of doses, thousands of flights, hundreds of cold storage locations — and one race to vaccinate the world.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 14, 2020

FedEx, UPS collaborate on VIP treatment for coronavirus vaccine deliveries

FedEx Express Regional President of the Americas Richard Smith noted that peak-season volume will largely travel on the company's Ground network while the vaccines will use its Express operation.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 11, 2020

FedEx will partner with McKesson on vaccine distribution, expand cold storage locations by 28% in 2021

Vice President Mike Pence said Thursday the federal government believes it is days away from beginning to distribute "tens of millions" of vaccine doses.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 4, 2020

FAA: First flight for coronavirus vaccine distribution takes off

Airports and logistics providers are assessing infrastructure and conducting tests to prepare for the mass shipment of vaccines.

By Matt Leonard • Nov. 30, 2020

The role of freight forwarders in distributing the coronavirus vaccine

Freight forwarders, the linchpins of the supply chain, face the arduous task of ensuring vaccines move door-to-door while maintaining their temperature — from the airport to the last mile. 

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Nov. 30, 2020

The COVID-19 vaccine's logistics will be targeted. Vet the supply chain.

A burst of activity and demand will create openings for providers of transportation and warehouse facilities that may have poor security practices, the author writes.

By Tony Pelli • Nov. 24, 2020

Air cargo shippers navigate a turbulent year

Parked passenger planes resulted in a drop in belly capacity at a time when quick shipments were desperately needed for personal protective equipment. 

By Matt Leonard • Nov. 20, 2020