This is Episode 50 of The Freight Buyers’ Club, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group. In this milestone episode, host Mike King is joined by three heavyweight shipper representatives to discuss how the world’s biggest retailers and technology companies are navigating today’s turbulent trade landscape. Ken O’Brien, President of Gemini Shippers Association, reveals how major transpacific freight buyers are handling container contracts and tariff uncertainty. Jess Dankert, VP Supply Chain at the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), shares how America’s biggest retailers are managing inventory flows, holiday shipping, and front-loading strategies. Ed Brzytwa, VP International Trade at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), unpacks the legal and policy battles over tariffs, Section 232, and de minimis trade, plus what potential refunds could mean for supply chains. Topics covered include: How shippers are balancing spot rates vs. long-term contracts in 2025 The impact of tariffs, transshipment rules, and trade wars on supply chain strategies Why retail and tech companies are rethinking their sourcing footprint The future of global container shipping supply and demand Whether you’re a BCO, forwarder, or just trying to make sense of the tariff-fuelled chaos in global trade, this episode offers rare insights directly from the people buying freight at scale. #FreightBuyersClub #OceanFreight #AirCargo #ContainerShipping #Tariffs #TradePolicy #SupplyChain #EcommerceLogistics #RetailSupplyChain #TechSupplyChain #TranspacificTrade #GlobalTrade #Logistics

Temu, Shein, and other fast-growing e-commerce giants are facing a seismic change in how they ship to U.S. consumers. In this episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club – produced with the support of MSC Air Cargo – host Mike King is joined by three leading voices in global logistics to unpack the end of the U.S. $800 de minimis exemption, its upcoming global suspension, and the ripple effects for air cargo, forwarders, and shippers. Guests: Brandon Fried – Executive Director, Airforwarders Association Neel Jones Shah – Senior Advisor, The Boston Consulting Group & MD at INOA Capital (former EVP at Flexport and Chief Cargo Officer at Delta Air Lines) Damian Brett – Editor, Air Cargo News Discussion highlights: What ending de minimis means for cross-border e-commerce flows How integrators like DHL, FedEx and UPS are adapting Which trade lanes could benefit from shifting volumes Deep dive on key air cargo markets including the transatlantic, India, Latin America and Southeast Asia The role of Latin America as Chinese e-commerce pivots away from the U.S. New tariffs and their impact on high-value, time-sensitive air cargo Will peak season 2025 be muted – or surprise to the upside?

In this episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, host Mike King speaks with Susan Williams, founder and CEO of Kalalou Inc, a Mississippi-based importer that was once a heavy shipper from China, India, Indonesia, Haiti, and more. Now, due to sweeping US tariff policies, her container volumes have nearly halved – and her company faces over $1 million in annual tariff bills. Despite being a Trump supporter, Susan shares her growing frustration with trade policy, explains why SMEs like hers weren’t the intended target, and unveils her own profit-sharing tax credit proposal as a way to support American workers and sustain import-reliant businesses. This is a powerful first-hand account of how logistics, supply chains, and international trade policy collide – and what one business owner is doing to push for change. Originally featured in Episode 48 of The Freight Buyers’ Club. ️ Produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group. https://dimerco.com/ #Tariffs #Trump2025 #USImports #TradePolicy #SupplyChain #HomeDecorBusiness #ShippingCosts #FreightBuyersClub #LogisticsPodcast #ContainerShipping #Kalalou #MississippiBusiness #PortLogistics #SmallBusinessTariffs #USChinaTrade #Dimerco #ImportExport #USManufacturing #SupplyChainDisruption #FreightPodcast #SMElogistics

US trade policy is back in the headlines – and hitting global freight hard. In this episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, Mike King investigates the fallout from “Liberation Day”, tariff volatility, and the sweeping “One Big Beautiful Act” signed into law by President Trump. We cover container shipping rate chaos, what exactly TACO means, and a bold SME shipper proposal to refund tariffs for profit-sharing companies. ️ Featured Guests: ● Torsten Hartmann, Senior Director of Trade Management – Transpacific, Hapag-Lloyd ● Edwin Lopez, Managing Editor, Supply Chain Dive (Industry Dive) ● Susan Williams, Founder, Kalalou Inc. Topics include: ● Transpacific freight rate swings post-tariff ● SME importers facing million-dollar tariff bills ● A $200B US rail merger in the works ● Strategic carrier responses from Hapag-Lloyd ● US policy uncertainty and its impact on global supply chains Watch more episodes at: https://www.thefreightbuyersclub.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefreightbuyersclub2866 00:00 - Intro: Welcome to the Freight Buyers Club, introduction to the podcast and sponsor Dimerco Express Group 00:50 - Mike King’s Introduction: Overview of the episode, discussing US trade policy, container chaos, and upcoming interviews 01:50 - Context on US Trade Policy: Discussion of Liberation Day, tariffs, and their impact on trade from Asia to the US 03:50 - Transpacific Trade Rollercoaster: Analysis of container shipping market trends since Liberation Day 04:50 - Interview with Torsten Hartmann (Hapag-Lloyd): Senior Director of Trade Management – Transpacific discusses regulatory chaos and Gemini network 06:00 - Gemini Network Success: Torsten Hartmann explains the 90.9% reliability and operational discipline 07:00 - Customer Feedback and Contracts: Impact of reliability on customers and contracting amidst tariff volatility 08:00 - Peak Season and Demand: Discussion on front-loading cargo and lower demand scenarios 09:50 - Capacity Management: Hapag-Lloyd’s strategy of using smaller ships instead of blank sailings 10:50 - Port Congestion Update: Current state of Asian and North American ports 11:50 - 2026 Outlook: Torsten Hartmann’s thoughts on future demand and US economy concerns 12:00 - Sponsor Message: Dimerco Express Group advertisement 13:00 - Interview with Edwin Lopez (Supply Chain Dive): Managing Editor discusses covering tariff chaos 14:10 - Real-World Impact on Supply Chains: Edwin Lopez on tariffs, compliance costs, and volatility 16:10 - Front-Loading and Domestic Transport: Effects of import surges on trucking and warehousing 18:00 - One Big Beautiful Act: Key freight impacts from the July 4th legislation 19:50 - De Minimis Exemption Changes: Implications for e-tailers and supply chains by 2027 21:50 - Domestic Freight Market: Trucking, warehousing, and intermodal sector challenges 23:40 - Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Merger: Discussion on potential rail consolidation 25:50 - Interview with Susan Williams (Kalalou Inc.): Founder and SME importer shares tariff impact on her business 27:40 - Tariff Costs for Kalalou Inc.: Susan Williams details $435,000 in 2024 and $445,000 in 2025 ta...

In this special Freight Buyers’ Club explainer, Mike King unpacks the recent U.S. crackdown on de minimis exemptions – and why this policy change is sending shockwaves through global air cargo and e-commerce supply chains. Joined by: John Pearson, CEO, DHL Express Kathy Liu, VP Global Sales & Marketing, Dimerco Express Group Mark Chadwick, President, Global Shippers Association David King, Board Member, The Airforwarders Association This episode covers the regulatory changes, their impact on capacity, pricing, and logistics strategy – and what freight buyers need to know to stay agile. Supported by MSC Air Cargo – enabling independent journalism in freight. #DeMinimis #AirCargo #FreightBuyersClub #EcommerceLogistics #TradePolicy #SupplyChain #LogisticsNews #AirFreight #FreightForwarding #GlobalTrade #DHL #MSC #Dimerco  

How do you keep global trade moving when shipping lanes are under threat and borders are tightening? In this episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, host Mike King speaks to Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding for the Middle East and Africa, inside DHL’s massive new EV logistics facility in Dubai. Diallo reveals how DHL has responded to the Red Sea shipping crisis, is investing across the region, and has turned disruption into competitive advantage. We cover: DHL’s rerouting strategy around the Red Sea and Gulf tensions Growth opportunities across Africa and the GCC Challenges with customs regulations and talent acquisition The role of logistics in driving regional peace and economic growth Subscribe for more expert interviews from the world of global logistics and supply chain. #DHL #logistics #redseacrisis #supplychaindisruptions #freightbuyersclub #ShippingNews #shipping #containershipping #globaltrade #AmadouDiallo #DHLForwarding #freightforwarding #aircargo

Host Mike King meets John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, inside one of the company’s cutting-edge express logistics facilities in Dubai. Standing on-site, Pearson unpacks DHL’s €500 million investment across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, explains why he remains bullish on global trade despite growing protectionism, and dives into the e-commerce boom and the fallout from de minimis regulation changes in the U.S. Key talking points: DHL’s €500M strategic play in the Gulf The real state of global trade amid U.S. retreat ️ How platforms like Temu and Shein are reshaping logistics Why new de minimis rules are hitting China–US flows DHL’s long-term view on infrastructure and capacity in MENA Subscribe to Freight Buyers’ Club for insider interviews from the front lines of global supply chains. Filmed standing at a major DHL major Dubai logistics hub #DHL #Logistics #FreightBuyersClub #MikeKing #JohnPearson #GlobalTrade #DeMinimis #Ecommerce #UAE #SaudiArabia #SupplyChain

In this episode of The Freight Buyers Club, Mike King sits down with Vivian Brunialti, Regional Development Director for the Americas at JAS Worldwide, and Andrea Goeman, Senior Vice President for QHSE and Sustainability. They share expert insights on navigating freight challenges amid tariffs, supply chain shifts, and geopolitical uncertainty in 2025. Discover how freight buyers can strategically manage sourcing decisions, balance air and ocean freight, and adopt nearshoring trends to mitigate risks. Andrea and Vivian also explore how sustainability and ESG goals intersect with today’s fast-moving freight market. Key topics include: Navigating US tariffs and their impact on freight routing and sourcing Nearshoring strategies in Asia Pacific and the Americas Optimizing air and ocean freight amid market volatility Integrating ESG and sustainability into supply chain resilience Practical tactics for flexible contracts, inventory, and risk management JAS Worldwide’s growth and investment plans in key markets Whether you’re a logistics leader or freight buyer, this episode offers actionable strategies to stay agile and competitive in uncertain times. Subscribe and follow The Freight Buyers Club for the latest freight market insights and expert interviews. https://www.youtube.com/@thefreightbuyersclub2866 https://www.thefreightbuyersclub.com/ #FreightStrategies #SupplyChain2025 #LogisticsPodcast #Nearshoring #Sustainability #ESG #FreightBuying #JASWorldwide #SupplyChainResilience #Tariffs #LogisticsManagement

In this video explainer edition of The Freight Buyers’ Club, host Mike King brings you exclusive insights and expert interviews recorded at the 2025 ‘transport logistic’ and Air Cargo Europe event in Munich. In less than 15 minutes, we explore the key themes shaping global freight markets — including volatile rates, emerging risks, air cargo consolidation, and automation — all through the lens of top industry voices and companies. Featured Thought Leaders & Companies: Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO, Hapag-Lloyd David Shepherd, CEO, IAG Cargo Lars Karlsson, Global Head of Trade and Customs Consulting, A.P. Møller-Maersk and former Director of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Jan Tiedemann, Shipping Analyst at Alphaliner Sean Dolan, CEO, NorthLink Aviation   Also featuring stories and insight from Qatar Airways Cargo, MASkargo, Xeneta, Drewry, Port of Rotterdam Key Topics Covered: Container Shipping: Tariff shocks, rerouting around the Red Sea, and Gemini Cooperation updates ✈️ Air Freight: The IAG-Qatar-MASkargo alliance and what it means for shippers Robotics & Innovation: What we saw on the floor in Munich (and yes—robot dogs made an appearance) Trade Policy: How U.S. tariffs, ESG rules, and global politics are rewriting the freight playbook Market Outlook: Latest data on spot rate trends from Xeneta and Drewry, plus congestion updates from Europe Whether you're a shipper, forwarder, or just trying to make sense of chaotic markets — this is your strategic briefing on what’s next. Listen on all major podcast platforms Watch the full video on YouTube Supported by: Dimerco Express Group [https://dimerco.com/] Presented by: Mike King Produced by: The Freight Buyers’ Club #freight #logistics #shipping #aircargo #supplychain #transportlogistic #munich2025 #robots #globaltrade #tariffs #freightbuyersclub

In this exclusive Freight Buyers’ Club interview filmed at transport logistic in Munich, Mike King speaks with Lars Karlsson, Global Head of Trade and Customs Consulting at A.P. Møller-Maersk and former Director of the World Customs Organization (WCO). Lars explains why customs is now central to supply chain strategy, how to handle tariffs and ESG-related compliance risks, and why owning your data is essential. He also shares insights on Maersk’s approach to trade disruption, and how SMEs can mitigate risk through proactive customs management.   #Maersk, #LarsKarlsson, #CustomsStrategy, #TradeCompliance, #Tariffs2025, #SupplyChainRisk, #GlobalTrade, #Logistics2025, #FreightBuyersClub, #WCO, #InternationalTrade, #CustomsConsulting, #ESGCompliance, #TradePolicy, #Transportlogistic

Is container shipping headed for chronic overcapacity — or just entering a transitional phase? In this episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, recorded at ‘transport logistic’ in Munich, Jan Tiedemann, Senior Shipping Analyst at Alphaliner, breaks down the dramatic growth in the global container fleet, the implications of extended order books, and the impact of shifting shipbuilding trends in China, Korea, and the U.S. We also explore: How carriers are managing supply vs. demand Why short-term policy shifts complicate long-term shipbuilding strategy Whether U.S. ambitions to revive commercial shipbuilding are realistic ️ Hosted by Mike King From The Freight Buyers’ Club Sponsored by Dimerco Express Group [https://dimerco.com/] #ContainerShipping #Alphaliner #JanTiedemann #FreightBuyersClub #ShippingNews #MaritimeLogistics #SupplyChain #TransportLogistic #ShippingIndustry #Shipbuilding

In this exclusive interview with The Freight Buyers Club, host Mike King speaks to David Shepherd, CEO of IAG Cargo, following the major announcement of IAG's new Global Cargo Joint Business with Qatar Airways Cargo and MASkargo. Recorded at Air Cargo Europe in Munich on the day of the announcement, Shepherd breaks down what could become the most powerful alliance in air freight history — offering global reach, truly integrated operations, and a single customer experience across three major carriers. ✈️ What you’ll learn: How the Global Cargo Joint Business will work What seamless operations mean for shippers & forwarders The Q4 2025 rollout plan Avios loyalty points for cargo customers The humanitarian angle: 1,000 tonnes of free freight for the World Food Programme Produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group. [https://dimerco.com/] #GlobalCargoJointBusiness #IAGCargo #DavidShepherd #QatarCargo #MASkargo #FreightBuyersClub #AirCargo #Logistics #SupplyChain  

When markets turn volatile and supply chains get messy, the best freight forwarders don’t flinch — they thrive. In this episode, Oliver Gritz, CEO of Ontegos Cloud and former CFO at DHL Express, breaks down why complexity is a freight forwarder's greatest opportunity. He shares how real-time business steering, high-precision billing, and operational data mastery can transform chaos into profit — fast. Host Mike King and Gritz also dive into: Why legacy systems and mindsets are holding freight back What Enlightenment philosophy has to do with frontline logistics How top performers unlock up to 50% return on capital Why "nobody got fired for hiring McKinsey" is killing innovation For freight leaders chasing transformation (not buzzwords), this one's a must-listen. #FreightForwarding #LogisticsInnovation #SupplyChainManagement #DigitalTransformation #RealTimeData #BusinessSteering #CashFlowOptimization #BillingEfficiency #OntegosCloud #OliverGritz

In this episode, Dimerco Express Group CEO Jeffrey Shih shares his frontline insights on the rapidly evolving world of global freight and logistics. With over 30 years of experience, Jeffrey discusses the impact of the China+1 strategy, the US-China tariff truce, and the growing role of Latin America in nearshoring and sourcing diversification. We dive deep into how freight buyers can navigate shifting trade policies, build resilient supply chains, and leverage Dimerco’s extensive Asia-Pacific network and technology to stay ahead. Jeffrey also opens up about his leadership approach in managing teams across diverse cultures during times of global uncertainty. Whether you’re in supply chain management, freight forwarding, or procurement, this episode offers a CEO’s practical guide to thriving in today’s complex trade environment. Sponsored by Ontegos Cloud [https://www.ontegos.cloud/] Topics covered: China+1 and emerging sourcing regions What the US-China tariff truce means for freight buyers Nearshoring trends in Latin America Dimerco Express Group’s tech-driven logistics solutions Leadership insights from Jeffrey Shih’s 30-year career   Guest: Jeffrey Shih, CEO, Dimerco Express Group     #logistics, #supplychain, #freight, #shipping, #trade, #globaltrade, #logisticsmanagement, #freightforwarding #freightbuyersclub #dimerco #ontegoscloud

In this Video Explainer episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, host Mike King delivers a strategic visual briefing on the latest US-China tariff developments — and how they’re impacting global container markets, supply chains, and BCO planning in the summer of 2025. Designed for C-suite decision-makers and logistics professionals, this explainer breaks down: What the new US–China “tariff truce” actually means The impact of a 90-day window on transpacific trade volumes and rates – is an early peak season brewing? Strategic insights from leaders at the Port of Long Beach, Freightos, and the Global Shippers Association SME survival tactics: Logistics veteran John McCauley on stock strategies, FX hedges, and upstream supplier moves How Red Sea risk, Suez uncertainty, and global overcapacity could whipsaw container rates ️ Produced with support from Dimerco Express Group. [https://dimerco.com/]   Guests Mark Chadwick, President, Global Shippers Association Zvi Schrieiber, CEO, Freightos Dr Noel Hacegaba, COO, Port of Long Beach John McCauley, BCO Consultant/Former VP Transportation & Logistics, Cargill   Links: Keith Schwatz linkedin post: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7328539638933897216/ #SupplyChainLeadership, #ExecutiveLogistics, #GlobalTradeStrategy, #ShippingInnovation, #CLevelInsights, #TradePolicyImpact, #containermarket , #MaritimeStrategy, #freightmanagement , #freightbuyersclub #shipping #tariffwars #freight #containershipping #supplychain #supplychainmanagement

In this episode of The Freight Buyers Club, Mike King is joined by Mark Chadwick, President of the Global Shippers Association, representing some of the world’s largest cargo owners. With the highest US and China tariffs now temporarily paused, shippers are rushing to move backlogged cargo — creating a tidal wave of container volumes heading straight for the US. Mark unpacks what this means for global supply chains, peak season prep, and freight buying strategy. From the possibility of rising spot rates to contract survival tactics and the risk of further policy shocks, this conversation is essential listening for anyone who moves cargo, buys freight, or needs to understand where the market is headed. Container chaos, political whiplash, and a whole lot of volume. Buckle up. #SupplyChain #GlobalTrade #Logistics #Shipping #FreightForwarding #OceanFreight #TradePolicy #FreightMarket #ShippingNews #ContainerShipping #LogisticsPodcast #ImportExport #FreightStrategy #ShippingIndustry #FreightBuyersClub

In this episode of The Freight Buyers' Club, host Mike King speaks with Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Operating Officer at the Port of Long Beach, about a potential game-changer in global trade: a 90-day pause in US-China tariffs. With blank sailings still biting and cargo volumes recently in freefall, Dr. Hacegaba explains why optimism is returning — and how the port is preparing for a possible early peak season driven by shippers scrambling to front-load goods. Expect insight on: The impact of China accounting for 60% of Long Beach’s volumes How close the port came to a 30% YOY drop The trickle-down effect on dock workers, truckers, and the local economy Whether the supply chain is finally ready for a no-drama surge A sharp, inside look at what the US-China détente could mean for global logistics. Produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group. [https://dimerco.com/]

In this episode of The Freight Buyers Club, Mike King speaks with Zvi Schreiber, CEO of Freightos, about the sudden and dramatic tariff truce between the U.S. and China. With duties dropping for 90 days, Zvi breaks down the implications for container shipping, forecasting a potential early peak season and a short-term surge in demand. He also warns that while rates may spike, actual price movement will depend heavily on carrier capacity management. A smart, timely analysis of what this geopolitical shift could mean for global supply chains. Big thanks to Dimerco Express Group for supporting independent journalism. https://dimerco.com/   #Shipping #Logistics #SupplyChain #FreightRates #GlobalTrade #Tariffs #FreightBuyersClub #OceanFreight #USChinaRelations #IndustryInsights

In a groundbreaking development, the US and China have announced a 90-day pause in their ongoing tariff war. As businesses and shippers brace for what's next, we dive deep into the implications of this truce for global supply chains. In this episode, host Mike King is joined by John McCauley, BCO consultant, JOC columnist, and former VP of Transportation & Logistics at Cargill, to break down the immediate effects of the US-China tariff truce and what it means for the future of trade. What we cover: ✔️ The immediate impact of the US–China tariff de-escalation on supply chains ✔️ Why Chinese e-commerce firms are not in the clear ✔️ The strategic shift US importers may face post-truce ✔️ How to manage uncertainty in global sourcing and logistics ✔️ The risks to global trade growth amid inflation and stagflation This conversation is a must-listen for anyone involved in logistics, global trade, or e-commerce, as we unpack the next steps in this fast-evolving geopolitical story. Sponsored by Dimerco Express Group, empowering businesses to stay flexible and resilient in the face of trade disruptions. [https://dimerco.com/] Join the conversation! Let us know your thoughts on the US-China tariff truce in the comments. How will it impact your business and the wider supply chain? Subscribe for more insights on trade, logistics, and supply chain management from the Freight Buyers' Club Podcast. Website: https://www.thefreightbuyersclub.com/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-freight-buyers-club/id1668766055 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mjDlZfKPFAnZwZeTNsiej?si=32a8c867f28845ea YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefreightbuyersclub2866 #USChina #Tariffs #SupplyChain #FreightBuyersClub #Geopolitics #Logistics #GlobalTrade #Ecommerce #Podcast

In this exclusive Freight Buyers’ Club interview, World Shipping Council CEO & President Joe Kramek unpacks the impact of the U.S. port fees on China-built vessels, why the policy may backfire on U.S. exporters and manufacturers, and how it blindsided vehicle carriers. We also explore the bigger picture: the ongoing trade disruptions, their impact on container shipping, and what a comprehensive, long-term U.S. shipbuilding strategy might look like. Plus, what the historic IMO emissions deal really means for freight buyers — and why global rules beat a patchwork of regional ones. This episode was produced with the support of Ontegos Cloud [https://www.ontegos.cloud/] Topics covered: U.S. policy on shipbuilding and China • Why new port fees may harm U.S. interests • The surprise hit to vehicle carriers • Supply chain impacts of geopolitical instability • Green fuel rules from 2028 & the cost for shippers • What a real U.S. maritime industrial strategy could look like • What’s next from the WSC in Washington and at the IMO As referenced in the discussion. This is Mike’s Explainer on the new IMO rules: New IMO GHG Emissions Deal = Higher Shipping Costs? | Freight Buyers’ Club Explainer  https://youtu.be/yT3wHc1H9FQ