Japan's Transport and Tourism Ministry proposes a 310-mile automated underground system to transport goods between Tokyo and Osaka, aiming to tackle logistics inefficiencies, reduce road congestion, and address severe labor shortages. This system could replace 25,000 trucks daily, alleviating traffic, cutting pollution and CO2, while potentially solving the shortage problem of truck drivers. With Japan facing a historic population decline of 837,000 people in the year leading up to October 2023—equivalent to about 96 people per hour—the government sees this project as crucial to maintaining social functions. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warns that Japan is nearing a point where social stability could be compromised. (More at: FASTCOMPANY, “Japan is building a giant underground conveyor belt …” 07/03/2024)

Silk Way Airlines transported two beluga whales from a Ukrainian aquarium to Spain via Moldova due to the conflict in Ukraine. The operation involved careful planning and collaboration with animal experts. Specialized equipment ensured the whales' safety and comfort during the flight, overseen by a dedicated team including veterinarians. Mustafa Azimov of Silk Way Airlines praised the effort, highlighting the crew's role in ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey. The operation, spanning three months, aimed to deliver the whales safely to their new home, facilitated by cooperation with Oceanografic and international animal transport specialists. (See more at: The STAT Trade Times, “Silk Way West Airlines flies 2 beluga whales …” 7/17/2024)

‍FreightWaves reported last week on a recent report from AlixPartners revealing that congestion at the Port of Singapore has severely delayed the docking of trade vessels, causing a surge in spot market prices. This disruption in the demand/supply balance for ocean trade contrasts sharply with the stable rates in trucking markets. The report highlights significant international service and pricing volatility for maritime shippers. The congestion in Singapore, compounded by similar issues in other Southeast Asia ports, has led to equipment imbalances, elevating both local and global spot market prices. Since January, the number of vessels waiting at Singapore's port has peaked close to 100. As the world's second-busiest port after Shanghai, the congestion is significantly impacting shipping costs globally. (More at: FreightWaves, “Port of Singapore congestion …” Caleb Revill, 7/09/2024)

Schneider Déménagements, a prominent Swiss moving company established in1953, has been forced into liquidation following a court decision on May 31,2024. Known for its local and international moving services, the company faced financial challenges leading to bankruptcy. Despite this, its affiliated entity, SGRS Mobility Management Sarl, continues operations. This development follows the recent bankruptcy filing of Zurich-based Appenzeller–Transpack GmbH, indicating ongoing challenges in the moving industry. SchneiderDéménagements had grown into a respected brand in Switzerland and globallybefore its unfortunate financial undoing. On a similar story, FEDEMAC also reports, Cape Town's The Relocation Group (Pty) Ltd., known as South African Relocations, has ceased operations suddenly, urging customers to retrieve their household items. (FEDEMAC, The Weekly News. 7/11/2024)

‍

InductEV, a Pennsylvania-based company founded in late 2022, is pioneering wireless charging technology for electric vehicles (EVs). Initially targeting transit buses and yard tractors in distribution yards, their solution involves embedding charging plates in concrete, allowing vehicles to charge simply by parking over them and connecting magnetically. This method, known as inductive charging, offers advantages over traditional plug-in methods, particularly in scenarios where infrastructure rollout is slow or energy supply is inconsistent. The company explains their upfront costs are high but offer significant savings over time, with potential payback within three years. InductEV aims to capitalize on incentives that reduce the entry costs with particular focus on port terminals and railroad intermodal facilities. (See FreightWaves, “Can wireless EV charging …” Alan Adler, 6/28/2024)

Recent developments show a mixed outlook for inflation and global trade. While the U. S. Federal Reserve and U.S. economy see easing inflation with softer consumer and wholesale prices, global trade faces a concerning uptick in freight rates. Ocean sea freight, particularly from the Far East, have increased substantially in some areas. Scarcity of containers and vessel capacity are pushing shippers into the more expensive spot market. Industry experts speculate the rates might remain at this level, or higher, until after the Chinese New Year in 2025. (More at CNBC, “Fears are rising ocean freight rates …” Lori Ann LaRocco, 6/14/2024)

‍

‍