The maritime industry is essential for global trade, with over 90% of goods transported by sea. The global merchant fleet consists of more than 106,700 ships, including 12,309 oil tankers, 13,182 bulk carriers, 20,553 general cargo ships, and 5,855 containerships. Asia dominates the industry, with 50,688 vessels, while the shipping industry employs over a million seafarers worldwide. Greece, Japan, and China lead in global carrying capacity, with Greece at 364 million DWT (17.77% of world’s capacity), Japan at 233.1 million DWT (11.38%), and China at 228.4million DWT (11.15%). In fleet market value, Japan ranks first at $108 billion, followed by Greece ($100.5B) and China ($88B). Other top nations follow including Singapore ($44B), Norway ($39B), South Korea ($36.2B), and the U.S. ($33B).These nations play a crucial role in international trade, ensuring smooth transport of goods and connecting markets worldwide. (Virtue Marine, “Top Maritime Nations – ...” Updated: 12/28/2024)

CMA CGM has announced peak season surcharges on Northern Europe–U.S., Canada, and Mexico trade lanes, beginning March 1. These surcharges follow a seasonal shipping slowdown after Lunar New Year and may be driven by anticipated shifts in sourcing due to U.S. tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada. Importers may also be frontloading shipments to avoid potential European tariff threats. Additionally, congestion at European ports could further impact regional logistics. FreightWaves reports that surcharges are $900 per 20-foot dry container and $1,000 per 40-foot, 40-foot-high cube, and 45-foot containers, increasing shipping costs for businesses on these trade routes. (See FreightWaves, “CMA CGM sets peak surcharges for …” By Stuart Chirls, 2/04/2025)

President Donald Trump reiterated claims that China controls the Panama Canal in his inaugural address

Trump further threatened to reclaim it by force over alleged “exorbitant” transit fees—a claim Panama rejects. While no public evidence suggests direct Chinese government control, China’s notable investments in canal-adjacent ports and terminals (5) have raised concerns among U.S. officials. Chinese companies, including Hutchison Port Holdings (sub of HK-based CK Hutchison Holdings), operate two key ports, Balboa & Cristóbal, on the canal's Pacific and Atlantic sides. This presence has worried Washington about potential Chinese influence, as these ports handle strategic information about vessels transiting the canal, while China’s economic foothold underscores its growing regional/global influence, particularly in critical trade and transport hubs. (BBC World Service, “Does China ‘operate’ the Panama Canal”, Shawn Yuan, 1-22-2025) (Related: “New alerts on Chinese port cranes ..”)

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The transportation sector is playing a critical role in disaster response during the LA fire crisis, mobilizing resources across trucking, public transit, ride-sharing, and airlines. Trucking companies are delivering emergency supplies such as food, water, medical equipment, firefighting gear, and shelter materials, with refrigerated trucks ensuring the safe transport of perishable goods. Logistics firms provide warehouse spaces for storing relief items and coordinate last-mile deliveries to evacuation centers. Additionally, freight companies are assisting with evacuations of residents, pets, and livestock from fire-affected areas. Using GPS and fleet management tools, they ensure efficient and safe operations even under challenging conditions, showcasing the essential role of logistics in large-scale emergency relief efforts. (More at Freight Pulse, “Trucking Companies Mobilize to Aid LA Wildfire” by Stella Evans, 01/13/2025)

Winter Storm Blair disrupted trucking operations across the U.S., prompting carriers like ABF Freight, Old Dominion, and XPO to close terminals in states from Kansas to Delaware. Operations in Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and beyond were affected, with some areas receiving over a foot of snow. The storm's impact highlighted the toll of extreme weather on fleet operations and supply chains, with potential effects on carriers' earnings. Winter storm warnings remain active into Tuesday as more snow is forecast. Experts recommend daily weather monitoring and equipping drivers with safety tools like snow cleats and alerts to mitigate risks during such events. Extreme weather remains a significant challenge for the trucking industry and supply chain resilience. (See more at: TRUCKINGDIVE, “Winter Storm Blair ...” Colin Campbell, Senior Reporter, 01/06/2025) (Photo: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

A 99-vehicle pileup in Tennessee in 1990 that began with two tractor trailers

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