Chasing Freight

An AI-Generated Daily Newsletter
for Logistics Professionals

The Chasing Freight Daily Newsletter provides essential summaries of the most important news stories in the world of international logistics keeping you informed on everything influencing your containers' lifecycle.
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By Gnosis Freight
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🌍 Global Shipping Secures First-Ever Emissions MandateRead post

  • Global shipping is set to curb emissions by 2028, under a landmark UN IMO agreement, imposing fines for CO2 emissions over $380/ton if cleaner fuels are not adopted.
  • The mandate, despite opposition from nations like Saudi Arabia, positions shipping as the first industry with international emissions targets, though lacking a global carbon tax.
  • Adoption of costly green fuels like e-kerosene and ammonia viewed as central to reducing emissions but poses high financial challenges. The mandate could lead to an 8% reduction in emissions by 2030.

🌍 IMO's Landmark Global Shipping Carbon Pricing AgreementRead post

  • IMO agrees on first-ever carbon pricing for shipping, charging $100-$380/ton for CO₂ emissions to promote decarbonization.
  • Large ships with high emissions will pay fees or buy allowances, potentially generating up to $13 billion annually for low-carbon initiatives.
  • The US opposes the measure, raising potential geopolitical tensions with countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and others against the carbon tax plan.

🚢 Rising Costs: Low Water Levels Impact Rhine FreightRead post

  • Low water levels on Germany's Rhine River significantly increase freight costs as vessels operate below capacity.
  • Prices for tanker freighter journeys surge due to load distribution over multiple vessels to compensate for reduced water depths, with prices increasing from €34 in March to €80 per tonne now.
  • Anticipated rain may provide relief, but the current situation is not deemed an extreme low water event by Germany’s transport ministry.

🚢 Early Start to Great Lakes Shipping Season Amid Tariff UncertaintiesRead post

  • The shipping season on the Great Lakes began earlier than usual in 2025, with the first commercial vessel passing through the Soo locks on March 21.
  • Uncertain impacts from recent U.S. tariffs and potential counter-tariffs from trading partners could affect shipping activity, especially for Great Lakes ports dealing with grain and iron ore.
  • Tariffs on Canadian steel and the closure of specific iron ore mines in Minnesota introduce further unpredictability to trade flows and logistical operations in the region.

⚓ How Ports and Shipping Are Navigating Tariff UncertaintyRead post

  • Ports and shipping industries are struggling with volatility due to recent tariff implementations by the U.S., leading to increased freight costs and congestion.
  • Companies are re-evaluating supply chains to mitigate risks from tariff fluctuations, potentially shifting production elsewhere, impacting international trade.
  • New proposals for port fees on Chinese-built ships could further disrupt trade and affect U.S. dockworkers if implemented.

🏗️ Warehouse Innovator's Stealthy Rise in the Corporate WorldRead post

  • Prologis, founded by Hamid Moghadam, evolved into a Fortune 500 entity, driven by innovative strategies in warehouse management.
  • The article explores Moghadam's journey from a discrete startup to becoming an influential force in the logistics real estate sector.
  • Insights into how calculated expansions and strategic positioning contributed to Prologis's dominance in the global market are discussed.

📈 Tariff Pause: Potential Freight Rate Spike in US-India TradeRead post

  • A temporary 90-day pause on tariffs announced by US President Trump could result in a significant double-digit increase in freight rates due to "front-loading."
  • Global container prices have seen a recent rise, impacting domestic logistics in India, heavily reliant on leased foreign containers.
  • Industry experts highlight the importance of agile and robust supply chains in managing uncertainties and trade tensions.

🚚 Non-English Speaking Truck Drivers Raise Safety ConcernsRead post

  • A national trucking association highlights the dangers of having non-English speaking drivers on U.S. roads, igniting safety debates.
  • The issue stems from a 2016 rule change, allowing such drivers without needing English proficiency compliance.
  • Calls for policy revision have been made, urging the withdrawal of memos that permit operation without English understanding.

🌍 Global Agreement on Shipping Carbon Tax Gains Momentum Amid OppositionRead post

  • UN agency member states agree on a global carbon tax framework targeting shipping emissions, aiming for net-zero by 2050, marking a landmark in international emissions regulations.
  • Opposition stems primarily from the US, with the Trump administration threatening retaliatory measures and concerns about trade impacts from other major oil-producing nations.
  • Critics say while the agreement is a step toward decarbonization, the targets need strengthening for significant reduction before 2030.

🏷️ The Tariff Wars Just Upended Your Supply ChainRead post

  • Analyzes the impact of ongoing tariff wars on global supply chains, posing challenges to predictability and stability in logistics.
  • Provides strategic insights into adapting supply chain frameworks to minimize disruptions resulting from changing tariffs.
  • Authored by experts from Harvard Business School, offering authoritative advice on navigating trade uncertainties in modern business environments.