Freight sector under pressure – VNL 
VNL has published its second-quarter 2025 outlook on freight transport developments. The ‘Austrian Supply Chain Pressure Index’ shows a 30% increase, indicating heightened supply risks. In road freight, new customs regulations and a persistent driver shortage are raising... more
Driver shortages worsening
The IRU’s 2024 global truck driver shortage report shows 3.6 million unfilled positions in 36 countries, similar to 2023 levels. However, structural concerns are rising, particularly the widening age gap. The proportion of drivers under 25 fell by 5.8% year-on-year, while... more
Aurrigo unveils autonomous cargo vehicle
Aurrigo International presented its latest innovation, the ‘Auto-Cargo’, during an event in Coventry (England) recently. Developed with Innovate UK, CCAV, UPS and East Midlands airport, the fully electric, autonomous vehicle can carry up to 16.5 t of cargo. Designed to move... more
Windcoop orders world’s first sail-powered containership
The French shipping company Windcoop has placed a firm order for the world’s first sail-powered containership. Measuring 91.3 m and equipped with three rigid wingsails designed by CWS, the ship will be built by Turkish yard RMK Marine and is set for launch in May 2027. It... more
Hahn airport sees cargo growth under Triwo ownership
Hahn airport (HHN) , located in southwestern Germany, handled around 22,000 t of airfreight in the first quarter of 2025 – up by 8% year-on-year. “This was a good start to 2025,” said Rüdiger Franke, managing director of Triwo Hahn airport. With its 24-hour operating permit... more
CPKC sells Panama railway
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and the Lanco Group/Mi-Jack have sold the Panama Canal Railway Company (PCRC) to APM Terminals, a part of the A.P. Moller-Maersk conglomerate. PCRC, a 50/50 joint venture since 1998, provides ocean-to-ocean freight and passenger services... more
Milwaukee welcomes first international vessel
Port Milwaukee welcomed the Singapore-flagged ‘Patagonman’ as the first international vessel of the 2025 season on 30 March. The ship arrived after unloading cargo in Canada (Sault Ste Marie ON), following its transit through the St Lawrence Seaway, which reopened on 22 March.... more
Lineage expanding Pacific network
Lineage has acquired three warehouse facilities in Washington state from Bellingham Cold Storage (BCS). The assets include the ‘Bellingham Waterfront Warehouse Center’, the ‘Orchard/I-5 Warehouse Center’ and a Burlington dry location, totalling around 24 million cbft and... more
Bifa fortifies policy and compliance team
The British International Freight Association (Bifa) has reorganised its policy and compliance team following the retirement of David Stroud. Pawel Jarza, previously frontier policy manager, will now handle airfreight matters. Jarza has a master’s degree in... more
Streamlined mail handling in Zurich
Swiss WorldCargo and Fiege Air Cargo Logistics have launched a partnership to enhance mail handling at Zurich airport. The collaboration, officially inaugurated on 3 March with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, aims to improve the efficiency and reliability of Swiss’s mail... more