The Loadstar

Hosted by The Loadstar Media Ltd

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100

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Aug 2026

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About the show

The Loadstar's podcasts help shippers and their logistics partners make sense of the container and air cargo supply chains. www.theloadstar.com

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60 recent

August 16, 202630 min

CTS: H1 2026 in Numbers

What do the first six months of 2026 tell us about the state of global container shipping? In this episode of The Loadstar Podcast, Charlotte Goldstone is joined by Container Trades Statistics CEO Nigel Pusey and The Loadstar managing editor Gavin van Marle to dig into the numbers behind the biggest stories shaping the market. From an 8.9% surge in Far East exports and continued growth in intra-Asia trade, to tariffs, shifting sourcing strategies and the impact of the Middle East conflict, the trio explore how geopolitics and disruption have reshaped global container flows. They also revisit predictions made earlier this year - including whether the European peak season came early, how long Red Sea diversions would last, and whether carriers would begin returning to Suez - before looking ahead to what could shape the second half of 2026.

August 9, 202619 min

US Tariffs: Refunds, Section 301 duties and Importer advice

While importers are beginning to receive refunds after the US Supreme Court struck down the original IEEPA tariff regime, the Trump administration has already introduced a new Section 301 tariff framework targeting imports from 60 economies. In this episode of The Loadstar Podcast, host Charlotte Goldstone is joined by Trade Force Multiplier CEO Cindy Allen to unpack the latest developments. They discuss how the refund process is progressing, why the new tariff regime is legally different, the biggest compliance risks facing importers, whether US Customs and Border Protection has the resources to enforce the new rules, and how businesses can build resilience in an increasingly unpredictable trade environment. Whether you're a freight forwarder, customs broker, importer or shipper, this episode offers practical insights into what you should be reviewing before your next shipment.

August 2, 202614 min

News in Brief Podcast | Week 31 2026 |Peak Season, Middle East Risks and AI

In this episode of The Loadstar Podcast News in Brief , we unpack another busy week across global supply chains. Chief analyst Peter Sand of Xeneta joins us to discuss the latest fallout from tensions in the Middle East, why container lines are continuing Red Sea transits despite ongoing security risks, and what the recent wave of emergency surcharges really means for shippers. We also examine the latest ocean freight rate trends, whether this year's peak season has already reached its high point, and what cargo owners should consider when planning contracts for the months ahead. Then, Loadstar publisher Alex Lennane breaks down the latest financial results from major logistics players, including CMA CGM, Kuehne+Nagel, CH Robinson and Geodis, highlighting what's driving air cargo performance as demand continues to outpace capacity. She also discusses Project44 CEO Jett McCandless' claim that AI could begin to erode CargoWise's dominance by enabling forwarders to build smarter, more flexible software ecosystems.

July 26, 202622 min

News in Brief Podcast | Week 30 2026 | Transpac, terminals and air cargo contracts

This week on News in Brief, we unpack the latest wave of US tariffs on Canada and Brazil and what they mean for global supply chains. Gavin van Marle explains why transpacific shipping is entering uncharted territory, explores the latest developments in ports and terminal operators - from Santos to the Panama Canal - and examines how carriers are keeping rates resilient despite ongoing overcapacity concerns. We also speak to Neutral Air Partner CEO Christos Spyrou about the changing dynamics of air freight contracts, the growing influence of SME forwarders and the impact of US tariffs on air cargo. All this and more in less than 25 minutes!

July 19, 202615 min

The Loadstar Podcast: El Niño explained

In this one-off explainer episode, we're joined by Mathew Dib, duty director of Marine Operations at Pole Star Global, to explore how El Niño, unusually warm Atlantic waters and evolving weather patterns could shape the months ahead. We discuss what ship operators should be watching this year, and how real-time decision-making is becoming more important than ever. If your curious about how extreme weather events develop and how they could impact your supply chain then look no further!

July 12, 202622 min

News in Brief Podcast | Week 28 2026 | Hormuz, hub and spoke and air forwarder advice

Escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are once again rippling through global supply chains, driving congestion, tightening capacity and reshaping freight rates. This week, Charlotte Goldstone is joined by Gavin van Marle to unpack the latest developments on the India-Europe trade, volatile ocean freight markets, schedule reliability and the strategies carriers are adopting to navigate persistent port congestion. Later, BoxC chief sales officer Craig Strickland explains what the EU's new low-value import duties and IATA's Direct Air Waybill rules mean for freight forwarders, customs brokers and importers. Plus, we examine the latest air freight market conditions, rates and practical advice for businesses adapting to a changing regulatory landscape. Click here for The Loadstar's new State of AI in Supply Chain 2026 report, revealing how freight forwarders and customs brokers are putting AI to work - and where they're seeing real operational gains.

July 5, 202623 min

News in Brief Podcast | Week 27 2026 | Air forwarder liability and Maersk optimism

This week on the News in Brief podcast, we unpack one of the biggest changes to air freight liability in decades as new IATA direct air waybill rules shift greater responsibility onto freight forwarders - sparking a fierce dispute with FIATA and raising major concerns across the industry. We also examine Maersk's dramatic upgrade to its earnings forecast and what it reveals about today's container shipping market, from surcharges and soaring freight rates to capacity management and worsening port congestion. Joining us, ShiftX UK founder Keith Gaskin shares his perspective on the pressures facing shippers and how the market is evolving. Plus, Loadstar publisher Alex Lennane discusses the implications of the new IATA rules, the end of the EU's de minimis exemption for low-value imports, insights from Hactl in Paris, and the week's top premium stories. All in under 25 minutes!

June 21, 202624 min

News in Brief Podcast | Week 25 2026 | Surcharges and software outage

This week on News in Brief , host Charlotte Goldstone is joined by The Loadstar's managing editor Gavin van Marle and publisher Alex Lennane for a wide-ranging look at the stories that shaped global freight markets over the last seven days. From the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and yet another round of ocean carrier surcharges to allegations of a container manufacturing cartel and fresh takeover rumours involving MSC and Hapag-Lloyd, Mr van Marle breaks down the latest developments in container shipping. Meanwhile, Ms Lennane examines the fallout from a major CargoWise outage, the shifting balance between ecommerce and general cargo following US de minimis changes, India's growing importance as an airfreight hub, and what shippers are really thinking about rates, capacity and contracts in today's uncertain market. All you might have missed from the news cycle recapped in under 20 minutes!

June 14, 202626 min

News in Brief Podcast | Week 24 2026 | Carrier control, CBP scrutiny and ceasefire confusion

In this episode, host Charlotte Goldstone is joined by two leading industry voices to unpack the biggest stories shaping global supply chains. First, Charlotte speaks with James Hookham, director of the Global Shippers’ Forum, about growing shipper frustration over ocean freight pricing, opaque carrier surcharges and the shifting balance of power between carriers and cargo owners. They discuss increasing market concentration among container lines, what it means for competition and resilience, and the potential impact of new US customs enforcement measures on importers. Later, Loadstar p ublisher Alex Lennane joins the podcast to explore why Europe continues to struggle to produce freight-tech giants despite a thriving innovation ecosystem. They also examine how artificial intelligence is transforming freight forwarding operations, the rapid growth of pharmaceutical air cargo services, and why AI-related shipments are becoming one of air freight’s most important growth drivers. Finally, Ms Lennane shares his early thoughts on the latest escalation of tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the implications for global supply chains. Tune in for expert analysis of the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping logistics, shipping and air cargo markets worldwide.

June 7, 202627 min

News in Brief | Week 23 2026 | Carrier's rate run and TIACA Exec Summit

In this episode of The Loadstar Podcast News in Brief, we bring you the latest developments shaping global supply chains, from rising tensions in the Middle East to renewed controversy over ocean freight pricing and the key takeaways from TIACA's Executive Summit. First, Loadstar Managing Editor Gavin van Marle joins us for an update on the container shipping market that examines growing criticism from shippers over carrier pricing practices, as accusations of opportunistic rate increases and "price gouging" resurface amid tightening capacity and market uncertainty. We also take a look at where ocean freight rates are heading and explore the worsening port congestion affecting both China and Europe. Later in the episode, we turn our attention to air cargo. TIACA Director General Glyn Hughes joins us to recap the major talking points from TIACA's Executive Summit and share the findings of the association's latest sustainability survey. We discuss the industry's progress on environmental goals, the challenges that remain, and the key trends shaping the future of air freight.All that and more in this week's episode!

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