Freight Waves by Seabreeze – Trends and insights shaping logistics

• All eyes on air cargo peak earning season forwarders may provide hints

As the air-cargo peak earning season approaches, forwarders are closely watching key indicators such as freight volumes, capacity tightness, and rate movements for signs of a surge. Despite hopes for a strong Q4, many are cautious due to recent signs of slowing demand growth and a more balanced supply demand outlook. Some forwarders are advising shippers to delay tendering until after the peak, while others are securing capacity early to hedge against potential disruptions. The industry remains alert for a possible rebound—but also realistic that the usual spike may be muted.

• DHL launches digital aid as new US compliance rules hit parcel operators

DHL Global Forwarding has launched a new “Consolidated Clearance Service” for U.S. imports, designed to simplify customs entry amid tighter U.S. regulations and rising tariffs. The service allows multiple shipments to be bundled under a single customs entry, reducing paperwork and cost for e-commerce and retail customers. It supports companies transitioning away from the U.S. “de minimis” threshold towards full formal entry requirements. DHL says the solution improves compliance, visibility, and efficiency— especially ahead of peak seasons like Black Friday.

• Pharmaceutical volumes and rates weaken this year as pressure grows

Although demand for pharmaceuticals by air grew modestly—about 2% in 2024—yield pressures are mounting as capacity expands and competition intensifies. Even with stable volumes, spot freight rates across the industry declined for several consecutive months, with some routes down ~4% year-on-year in September. For pharmaceutical logistics, which historically commanded premiums over general freight, this signals a tougher environment ahead despite the segment’s relative resilience.

• Ill wind of Dhaka cargo village blaze blows some good for shippers

A massive blaze at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka has caused widespread disruption to export logistics, with losses running into the hundreds of millions of dollars as raw materials and ready-to-export garments were destroyed. Amid the chaos, importers and exporters say the incident could serve as a prompt for industry upgrades—such as improved safety protocols, premium insurance coverage, and alternative routing options—that may strengthen future supply-chain resilience and service differentiation for forward-looking shippers.