With trade tensions easing temporarily and alliances shifting, carriers are adjusting routes and capacity to keep up. For shippers, this means planning around new rate pressures, changing schedules, and growing uncertainty on key Asia-US and Asia-Europe lanes.
In a recent episode of the Freight Buyers’ Club podcast, supported by Dimerco Express Group, leaders from across the industry shared insights on how the market is adjusting and what may lie ahead.
Air cargo market adjusts to shifting rules
Tariff changes and updates to de minimis thresholds in the U.S. and Europe are adding new complexity to airfreight planning. Long-term investment decisions remain difficult, but some carriers are creating value by moving quickly and staying flexible.
Sean Dolan, CEO of Northlink Aviation, pointed out that strong service performance is becoming a key differentiator in today’s uncertain market. Xeneta reported that global air cargo volumes rose 6% year-on-year in May, although spot rates began to soften by mid-month. With policy changes still unfolding, the outlook for peak season remains unclear.
One major development was the announcement of a proposed joint cargo platform between Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo, and MASkargo. The alliance, if approved, would streamline transfers across networks and give shippers better tracking and visibility.
“Customers will see real speed and visibility improvements,” said David Shepherd, CEO of IAG Cargo. “It’s not something the industry has offered at scale before.
Ocean freight sees rate spikes and network shifts
For ocean freight, a temporary shift in U.S. trade policy led to a surge in transpacific volumes. Rates moved sharply higher, and carriers responded quickly by adjusting capacity. Spot rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles more than doubled in four weeks, with similar increases on routes to New York and into Europe.
The Gemini Cooperation, formed by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, has already reshaped several service lanes to match shifting demand. Larger vessels have returned to the transpacific, and new network schedules are in effect.
Meanwhile, ports across Northern Europe are dealing with backlogs linked to revised sailing schedules, higher volumes, and ESG-driven customs procedures. These disruptions are placing greater pressure on shippers to improve planning and compliance processes.
“Shippers that stay ahead on customs and compliance will be in a better position to manage change,” said Lars Karlsson, Global Head of Trade and Customs Consulting at Maersk.
Even with ongoing volatility, container carriers are reporting solid financial results. Jan Tiedemann of Alphaliner noted that profits remain strong thanks to effective capacity management and sustained demand.
What to watch in the second half of the year
Although security concerns in the Red Sea have eased somewhat, most carriers are not yet returning to Suez Canal routes. Diversions via the Cape of Good Hope continue to absorb capacity and extend transit times, keeping rates elevated across many major trades.
Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen emphasized that decisions to reroute will be guided by long-term safety, not short-term opportunity.
“It needs to be sustainably safe. No one wants to reroute again after going back too early,” he said.
The episode includes practical perspectives from across the industry on how companies are making decisions in a fast-changing market. Catch the full discussion now on the Freight Buyers’ Club, and subscribe for regular updates on global freight and supply chain trends.
What Does This Mean for Your Freight Strategy?
In a market that keeps shifting, you need a logistics partner who can help you plan ahead, stay flexible, and respond quickly. From navigating policy changes to managing capacity and improving visibility, proactive support makes the difference in reducing risk and maintaining service.
Ready to take a closer look?
If you’re reassessing your freight strategies in light of recent rate shifts, alliance changes, or trade policy developments, our team can help. Start a conversation with a Dimerco logistics specialist.
Looking to build greater resilience into your global operations? Download our Creating Supply Chain Agility eBook to explore how leading brands are adapting their logistics models to stay flexible, responsive, and ready for what’s next.
