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

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Supply Chain Dive

Here’s how companies are navigating evolving global trade and tariff policies, rising costs and operational uncertainty across supply chain networks.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

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

Is Amazon Air making Cincinnati a supply chain hub for small business?

The e-tailer's revved-up presence in the area has spurred developments that are expanding infrastructure and logistics resources.

By A.B. Brown • Nov. 17, 2020

DHL raises parcel prices for customers across the board

The carrier plans to bake surcharges into underlying price for parcel, as it restructures pricing for the new year. 

By A.B. Brown • Nov. 13, 2020

Airfreight rates climb as peak nears

Rates between China/Hong Kong and the United States increased by nearly 46% between Oct. 12 and Nov. 9 to reach $7.40 per kilogram, which is more than double the rate during the same time last year.

By Matt Leonard • Nov. 9, 2020

DHL Express anticipates 50% volume increase for peak

The carrier is prepping for shipper demands during peak by adding cargo flights, aircraft and thousands of employees.

By A.B. Brown • Oct. 28, 2020

Maersk partners with COVID-19 vaccine developer on distribution plan

A variety of factors make vaccine distribution a difficult undertaking — ranging from temperature requirements to the tight capacity in the freight market.

By Matt Leonard • Oct. 27, 2020

DSV adds Transatlantic airfreight capacity to match demand for peak

The freight forwarder sees room to grow on Europe-U.S. routes, with belly capacity at half of what it was at the same time last year.

By Matt Leonard • Oct. 26, 2020

UPS to raise China-US peak surcharges again after lowering them 2 weeks ago

A surge in demand for airfreight during the pandemic, coupled with peak season needs, has pushed UPS to once again raise fees.

By A.B. Brown • Oct. 19, 2020

Asos lays out 'flexible fulfillment' plan to bolster in-stock status

Varied levels of product flow and warehouse automation have created a different experience for Asos customers in the U.K. and the U.S. The new plan could change that. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 15, 2020

DSV adds China-Europe trucking route as air, ocean alternative

The logistics provider anticipates higher freight demand and longer air transit times during peak season.

By Matt Leonard • Oct. 14, 2020