Flexport’s Post

Between soaring ocean rates, port congestion, and labor union negotiations, air freight volumes have surged through an unusually busy summer, suggesting the pull-forward of an early peak season. But the air market comes with its own capacity challenges. FreightWaves breaks it down: https://flx.to/air And retailers across the board are shipping early via water *and* air, all while juggling rapid inventory pivots. Why? Higher-than-expected sales increases, according to nearly half of respondents to a recent Flexport webinar poll. Watch the full Freight Market Update Live webinar for more: https://lnkd.in/epD_4fBH

As ocean rates near a two-year high, how can shippers navigate increasingly turbulent waters? The answer: it’s complicated. “The decision to ship is inelastic,” says Nathan Strang, Flexport’s Director of Ocean Freight. “[Businesses] need to ship their goods to get them to market, and then face the choice of passing through that cost to the end-consumer, or absorbing the cost against their revenue.” Read the rest here → https://flx.to/costs

In this week’s Freight Market Update, volumes continue to exceed last year’s numbers on the Transpacific route, despite structurally blank sailings due to Cape of Good Hope routings and port congestion in Asia and North America. On the Far East Westbound (FEWB), shippers are pushing for earlier cargo departures to avoid further freight cost increases. Ocean rates for Q3 are increasing in the broader U.S. export market, driven by rising rates in global container markets. Check out the full update for more, and subscribe today to stay on top of the latest news and trends from around the industry. #supplychain #logistics #freightmarket #freightindustry #oceanfreight #oceancargo #oceanshipping #airfreight #aircargo #airshipping #trucking #intermodal #railfreight

As Pride Month comes to a close, we’re thrilled to celebrate one of our own changemakers: Ashianna Esmail, Flexport’s Chief Legal Officer, has won the Out & Proud Corporate Counsel Award from the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association in recognition of her achievements and outstanding contributions to the LGBTQ+ legal community! Beyond leading our legal and compliance teams, Ashianna serves as the executive sponsor of Flexport’s Pride Alliance Employee Resource Group (ERG), and has spoken about technology and risk management at the Lesbians Who Tech Summit.  Learn more about Ashianna’s work here → https://flx.to/ae

In Ethiopia, 21% of refugees have disabilities. Canes, crutches, and other mobility devices can transform lives—yet access is a challenge in its own right. One hidden hurdle? Logistics. In collaboration with Project C.U.R.E., the world’s largest distributor of donated medical goods, and USA for UNHCR, Flexport.org shipped more than 11,000 pounds of accessibility equipment to Ethiopia. “As an impact-focused logistics technology company, Flexport.org has the connections, supply chain expertise, and technology to help solve these problems in a truly unique way,” says Dave Hartman, Senior Program Manager of Global Aid at Flexport.org. Read more about our collaboration here → https://flx.to/mobility

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER: Tomorrow (June 26), we’re continuing our Revolutionize Your Fulfillment series with SHEIN Marketplace, US, one of Flexport’s newest marketplace partners! We’ll sit down with Wenjia Sun, SHEIN Marketplace’s Head of Business Development, to discuss SHEIN’s recent U.S. marketplace launch, omnichannel growth tools for merchants, and how our partnership can help you reach millions of new shoppers. Save your spot here → https://lnkd.in/e3AgPJsC #webinar #omnichannel #SHEIN #fulfillment #supplychain #logistics #ecommerce 

What’s driving today’s ocean shipping rates, and what’s in store for the 2024 peak season? According to Nathan Strang, Flexport’s Director of Ocean Freight, the answer isn’t so simple. “In an Econ 101 [approach to] ocean freight, the supply-demand curve doesn't quite work,” he shares. “It’s the inelastic nature of the market.” Alongside Logistics Management Magazine’s Jeff Berman, Nathan also discussed: • How the Red Sea crisis and rising demand are shaping inventory management • How labor tensions across East and Gulf Coast ports could upend future rates • What tariff hikes mean for pricing and import timelines • Why peak season came early this year, and what carriers and shippers can expect next Read the full interview here: https://flx.to/oceanchat

🚛 Distribute Aid, a non-profit dedicated to delivering humanitarian aid, has leveraged Flexport to streamline its global operations. From disaster relief to ongoing support for vulnerable communities, this collaboration ensures the timely and efficient distribution of essential supplies. Taylor Fairbank, Co-Founder of Distribute Aid, highlights the impact: "Flexport has transformed our logistics operations, making our response to crises more agile and effective. Their support has been invaluable in reaching those in need swiftly." Discover how this collaboration is making a difference: https://lnkd.in/eD4TmAkZ