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This podcast is a new home for anyone with a professional interest in international trade, shipping, procurement, logistics and air cargo. Each episode your host, award-winning journalist Mike King, will be speaking to leading decision-makers, analysts, journalists, operators and shippers to get their take on current freight and logistics markets and the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Latest Episodes

How to Negotiate 2026 Transpacific Freight Contracts

November 11, 2025 richard Podcast 00:09:44 Comments Off on How to Negotiate 2026 Transpacific Freight Contracts

Freight buyers are entering 2026 with a rare advantage — a genuine buyer’s market. In this clip from Container Shipping 2026: Strategies Every Freight Buyer Needs Now, host Mike King speaks with Mark Chadwick (President, Global Shippers’ Association) and Chantal McRoberts (Director, Drewry Supply Chain Advisors) about how shippers...

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The Good, The Bad, and the ANC: South Africa’s Logistics on the Brink

November 6, 2025 richard Podcast 00:13:06 Comments Off on The Good, The Bad, and the ANC: South Africa’s Logistics on the Brink

South Africa’s logistics system is fighting for its life — corruption, collapse, and political paralysis have left ports and railways in chaos. But could a real turnaround finally be underway? Host Mike King has just returned from a fact-finding tour of South Africa to uncover the good, the bad, and...

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‘An Intense Rollercoaster’ — The 2026 Container Shipping Market

October 30, 2025 richard Podcast 00:50:36 Comments Off on ‘An Intense Rollercoaster’ — The 2026 Container Shipping Market

Freight buyers face another wild year ahead. Mike King speaks with Mark Chadwick and Chantal McRoberts about the 2026 container shipping market — contracts, rates, and risk management for those who want to stay one move ahead. Produced with the kind support of Dimerco Express Group. Freight buyers are heading...

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Since being on the Freight Buyers’ Club I have been receiving great responses!
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Founder, Kalalou
…insightful initial contribution to the industry’s public discourse
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Board Member, Executive Advisor & Ex-World Economic Forum Director of Supply Chain
Important conversations at a critical moment for global trade.
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Such insightful speakers and great content, Mike. You are one of my essential listens!
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Executive Director, The Airforwarders Association
I loved, loved loved this last podcast.  So good to just learn more about how your area operates but also to hear perspectives.
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Topical, timely and an awesome cast of experts.
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Chief Prejector, The Internet of Transit

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The Freight Buyers' Club

4.1K subscribers
The Freight Buyers' Club
Freight buyers are heading into 2026 with a rare advantage — a genuine buyer’s market. In this clip from 'Container Shipping 2026: Strategies Every Freight Buyer Needs Now', Mike King speaks with Mark Chadwick (President, Global Shippers’ Association) and Chantal McRoberts (Director, Drewry Supply Chain Advisors) about how to negotiate smarter, reduce risk, and lock in the right deals for the Transpacific contracting season. ⚓ Produced with the kind support of Dimerco Express Group https://dimerco.com/ 🎧 Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/ERHtDwtarOg #ContainerShipping #FreightBuyersClub #FreightContracts #FreightRates #ShippingMarket #FreightStrategy #DimercoExpressGroup #SupplyChain #Logistics #TranspacificTrade

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How To Negotiate 2026 Container Shipping Contracts

South Africa’s logistics system is fighting for its life — corruption, collapse, and political paralysis have left ports and railways in chaos. But could a real turnaround finally be underway? Host Mike King has just returned from a fact-finding tour of South Africa to uncover the good, the bad, and the ANC. In this hard-hitting explainer, Mike dives deep into: 💣 How Transnet fell apart under state capture and political cronyism 🚢 The catastrophic impact on ports, rail, and exporters 💰 The reforms under new Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips ⚙️ The $7 billion recovery plan — and early signs of genuine progress 🤝 How government and industry are finally pulling in the same direction 🌏 Why South Africa is now looking East, not West, for trade growth Featuring insights from South Africa’s leading logistics experts — Peter Besnard, CEO of SAASOA, representing the nation’s ship operators and agents; Jacob van Rensburg, Head of Research and Development at the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF); and Shabnum Dawood, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding South Africa — this episode is essential listening for anyone moving freight in or out of Africa. Watch to find out: Can President Ramaphosa and Phillips really turn Transnet around, or is this another round of political window dressing? 🎙️ Presented by Mike King 💡 In partnership with freight forwarding profitability specialists OntegosCloud 📺 Subscribe for straight-talking freight intelligence — without the spin. Credit: Jacob Zuma by Ashraf Hendricks/GroundUp. #SouthAfrica #Logistics #Transnet #FreightBuyersClub #Shipping #Ports #SupplyChain #AfricaTrade #OntegosCloud #MikeKing #FreightForwarding #Corruption #Ramaphosa

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The Good, The Bad, and the ANC: South Africa’s Logistics on the Brink

“If the Suez Canal fully reopens, rates could drop fast.” Chantal McRoberts, Director at Drewry Supply Chain Advisors, explains how excess capacity and a massive order book could push ocean freight rates to record lows — and why no one wants to predict the floor. 🎧 Watch the full episode: “Container Shipping Market 2026 Explained — Rates, Risk & Contracts” 📍 Sponsored by Dimerco Express Group #FreightBuyersClub #ContainerShipping #FreightRates #Shipping2026 #Dimerco #Logistics #SupplyChain #GlobalTrade #FreightBuyers #OceanFreight #Drewry #Procurement #MaritimeLogistics #ShippingIndustry

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IF THE SUEZ CANAL FULLY REOPENS, RATES COULD COLLAPSE

🎢 “An Intense Rollercoaster” — that’s how our guests describe the 2026 container shipping market. In this clip from Container Shipping 2026: Strategies Every Freight Buyer Needs Now, Mike King asks Chantal McRoberts (Drewry Supply Chain Advisors) and Mark Chadwick (Global Shippers’ Association) for their rapid takes on what lies ahead: • Which trade lanes could surprise us in 2026 • The biggest wildcards — from geopolitics to demand shocks • The one metric every freight buyer should watch • And one word to describe the year ahead... ⚓ Produced with the kind support of Dimerco Express Group [https://dimerco.com/] 🎧 Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/ERHtDwtarOg 💬 What’s your one-word forecast for 2026? Drop it in the comments 👇 #ContainerShipping #FreightBuyersClub #FreightContracts #FreightRates #ShippingMarket #FreightStrategy #DimercoExpressGroup #SupplyChain #Logistics #TranspacificTrade

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Quick Fire Ocean Freight Forecast 2026

Container trade growth is moving — and the U.S. is losing share. In this clip from Container Shipping 2026: Strategies Every Freight Buyer Needs Now, Mike King speaks with Mark Chadwick (President, Global Shippers’ Association) and Chantal McRoberts (Director, Drewry Supply Chain Advisors) about why exports from Asia are rising to Europe, Latin America, and West Africa, while U.S. volumes stay flat — and what this means for carrier strategy, sourcing, and long-term planning. ⚓ Produced with the kind support of Dimerco Express Group [https://dimerco.com/] 🎧 Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/ERHtDwtarOg #ContainerShipping #FreightBuyersClub #GlobalTrade #TradeGrowth #FreightRates #DimercoExpressGroup #ShippingMarket #Logistics #SupplyChain #USPorts #AsiaEuropeTrade #TranspacificTrade

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US Trade Lanes are STAGNATING: What's Happening to Global Freight

“There’s a massive disconnect between what a surcharge costs and what we’re billed.” Mark Chadwick, President of the Global Shippers’ Association, explains why even the biggest cargo owners can’t make sense of ocean carrier surcharges — and why it’s time for more transparency in global shipping. 🎧 Watch the full episode: “Container Shipping Market 2026 Explained — Rates, Risk & Contracts” Sponsored by Dimerco Express Group #FreightBuyersClub #ContainerShipping #FreightCosts #Surcharges #Dimerco #Shipping2026 #GlobalTrade #Procurement #Logistics #SupplyChain #FreightBuyers #OceanFreight

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Container Shipping Surcharges Make No Sense

How can freight buyers win in 2026’s unpredictable container shipping market? Host Mike King gets straight answers from two of the industry’s sharpest insiders: • Mark Chadwick, President of the Global Shippers’ Association, representing some of the world’s biggest cargo owners — from energy giants to appliance makers. • Chantal McRoberts, Director at Drewry Supply Chain Advisors, who helps global shippers make sense of volatile container markets after years inside major carriers. Together, they unpack what’s next for container shipping, how to manage freight risk, and how smart buyers are negotiating contracts and planning for 2026. ⚓ In this episode: • 2026 container shipping market outlook — the key trends and threats • How to lock in smarter freight contracts and avoid nasty surprises • The latest on emissions regulation and its cost impact • Rate volatility on the Transpacific and Asia–Europe trades • Managing risk, surcharges, and service reliability • What shippers can do now to prepare for 2026 Packed with insights, forecasts and no-nonsense advice, this is the ultimate guide for freight buyers heading into another wild year. ⚓ Produced with the kind support of Dimerco Express Group [https://dimerco.com/] CHAPTERS 00:00 Meet the Guests — Mark Chadwick & Chantal McRoberts 02:49 IMO MEPC: The Emissions Deadlock 08:25 Transpacific Market Mayhem 19:54 Contracting Season — Freight Buyer Strategy 27:44 Surcharges — The Love–Hate Relationship 34:05 Global Container Market Analysis 43:27 Outlook 2026 — Overcapacity, Alliances & Risk 48.55 Quick-Fire Forecasts #ContainerShipping #FreightBuyersClub #ShippingMarket #FreightRates #SupplyChain #Logistics #DimercoExpressGroup #FreightContracts #GlobalTrade #Shippers #MaritimeIndustry #ShippingOutlook2026

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Container Shipping 2026: Strategies Every Freight Buyer Needs Now

Global trade is booming again in 2025 — the fastest growth since 2010. In this episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, supported by Ontegos Cloud, Mike King talks with DHL Express CEO John Pearson about the latest DHL Global Connectedness Tracker update and what it reveals about 2025’s trade surge. From China’s export expansion and Africa’s growing trade power, to tariffs, de-minimis changes, and shifting supply chains, Pearson explains how global commerce is evolving and why globalisation is far from dead. 🎧 Essential listening for anyone in freight forwarding, logistics, or international trade. ________________________________________ Full Description DHL’s latest Global Connectedness Tracker shows global trade growth at its fastest pace since 2010. In this episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, supported by Ontegos Cloud, the freight forwarder profitability specialist, host Mike King speaks with John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, about what’s driving the remarkable rebound in global trade and supply chains in 2025. They discuss China’s export boom, Africa’s rising influence in international logistics, and why globalisation is far from dead despite tariffs, shifting trade routes, and new supply chain pressures. Pearson explains how DHL is adapting to changing trade lanes, what record trade-lane deviations really mean, and why the world’s buyers and sellers are proving more creative and resilient than ever. Expect clear insights on: • The fastest global trade growth in over a decade • The new trade corridors shaping global logistics • China’s 26% export surge into Sub-Saharan Africa • The US retreat from trade vs. global expansion elsewhere • How DHL is positioning for long-term supply chain growth 🎧 The Freight Buyers’ Club — where the people who move the world’s goods talk straight about what’s really happening in global logistics and international trade. #GlobalTrade #DHL #FreightBuyersClub #Logistics #SupplyChain #InternationalTrade #DHLExpress

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Global Trade is BOOMING! What's Driving the Surge?

In this Freight Buyers’ Club interview, produced with the support of Ontegos Cloud, host Mike King speaks to Rainer Haag, CEO of DHL Supply Chain Europe, at the grand opening of DHL’s new European Innovation Center in Troisdorf, Germany. They discuss how DHL is turning innovation into action — applying AI, automation, and digitalisation to make supply chains more resilient, sustainable, and efficient — while navigating the trade and tariff shifts reshaping global freight. Rainer shares insights on: • How DHL decides which technologies to pilot and scale • The impact of robotics and automation on people and performance • Why “digital by default” is central to DHL’s operations • How European trade flows are adapting to disruption and nearshoring • The next wave of technology transforming logistics 🎙️ Hosted by Mike King, The Freight Buyers’ Club 💡 Supported by Ontegos Cloud — the freight forwarder profitability specialist 📍 Recorded at the DHL Innovation Center, Troisdorf, Germany #FreightBuyersClub #DHL #SupplyChain #Logistics #Trade #Freight #Automation #AIinLogistics #Warehousing #Innovation #LogisticsNews #OntegosCloud

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Tech, Trade, and the Future of European Supply Chains: DHL’s Rainer Haag

At the grand opening of DHL’s new European Innovation Center — EPIC — Emily Pitcher explains how artificial intelligence is transforming logistics. From generative AI enhancing customer experience to computer vision improving warehouse safety and efficiency, DHL is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Join The Freight Buyers’ Club as we explore how AI is shaping the next era of global logistics. 👉 Subscribe for more on logistics innovation, supply chain strategy, and real-world freight insights. #FreightBuyersClub #Logistics #ArtificialIntelligence #DHL #SupplyChainInnovation #WarehouseAutomation #AIinLogistics #GenAI #LogisticsTech #Innovation

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AI Meets Logistics: Inside DHL’s New European Innovation Center (EPIC)

Beyond the Transpacific: Exporters Discover New Markets in Africa & Europe As transpacific volumes soften, exporters are discovering new demand in Africa, South America and Europe. In this clip from The Big Interview – Freight Buyers Club EP54, shipping analyst Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime, explains why cargo flows are shifting, what BIMCO data really shows about global demand growth, and why West Africa is emerging as a surprising growth market for container shipping. Produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group. https://dimerco.com/ #LarsJensen #FreightBuyersClub #ContainerShipping #AfricaTrade #EuropeTrade #Transpacific #GlobalTrade #ShippingMarkets #MaritimeLogistics #DimercoExpressGroup

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Beyond the Transpacific: Exporters Discover New Markets in Africa & Europe, with Lars Jensen

Shipping analyst Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime, explains how carriers are responding to new US port fees on Chinese-built vessels, the reshuffling of fleets, and why global ship orders aren’t shifting away from China despite the new policy. This extended clip is from The Big Interview – Freight Buyers Club EP54, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group. https://dimerco.com/ #LarsJensen #FreightBuyersClub #ContainerShipping #USPortFees #CarrierStrategy #ChineseShips #ShipOrders #GlobalTrade #MaritimeLogistics #DimercoExpressGroup

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Explained: US Port Fees, Carrier Strategy & Why Ship Orders Won’t Shift From China with Lars Jensen

DP World’s John Trenchard explains how one of the world’s largest port and logistics operators is cutting supply chain emissions and shaping the future of sustainable logistics in the UK and worldwide. Recorded at Sustainable Logistics LIVE in London, this interview features Mike King, host of The Freight Buyers’ Club, in conversation with John Trenchard, Vice President for Sustainable International Supply Chains at DP World. They discuss: • How DP World is making its UK ports among the lowest-carbon in the world • Practical steps to decarbonise freight and support retailers and shippers • Real-world emission savings and cost impacts • Plans to expand these sustainability initiatives globally • Advice for procurement teams on achieving verified carbon reductions This interview was produced with the support of Ontegos Cloud. [https://www.ontegos.cloud/] #DPWorld #SustainableLogistics #SupplyChain #FreightBuyersClub #OntegosCloud #Decarbonisation #GlobalSustainability #Shipping #Ports

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How DP World Is Cutting Supply Chain Emissions

In this clip, Lars Jensen, container shipping expert and CEO of Vespucci Maritime, explains why lower freight rates next year may not be good news for shippers if they come hand-in-hand with a US recession — and why blank sailings don’t always mean what shippers think. 📺 Watch the full episode with analysis and charts on YouTube and Spotify video, or 🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms. Produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group. #FreightBuyersClub #LarsJensen #ContainerShipping #DimercoExpressGroup https://dimerco.com/

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🚢 2026 Container Shipping Forecast with Lars Jensen – what shippers need to know

Shipping expert Lars Jensen explains why the usual pre-Chinese New Year rate spike may arrive later than expected. With Chinese New Year falling on 17 February 2025, carriers could see sliding or weak spot rates through November instead of the usual early-season pickup. Clip from The Big Interview – Freight Buyers Club EP54, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group. #ContainerShipping #LarsJensen #FreightBuyersClub #DimercoExpressGroup #ShippingRates #ChineseNewYear

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Container Shipping Rates: No Early Peak Season Before Chinese New Year 2025?”

Join Mike King at DHL’s brand-new European Innovation Center (EPIC) in Troisdorf, Germany, for an exclusive conversation with Katja Busch, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Customer Solutions & Innovation. Discover how DHL is using robotics, AI and digitalisation to transform supply chains, warehousing and last-mile delivery — and what the future of logistics could look like over the next decade. This content is produced with the support of Ontegos Cloud. https://www.ontegos.cloud/ #DHL #KatjaBusch #Logistics #FreightBuyersClub #AI #Robotics #SupplyChain #Innovation #ontegoscloud

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Robotics, AI & the Future of Logistics | Exclusive with DHL’s Katja Busch at the New EPIC Hub

New US port fees. Tougher IMO environmental rules. A record wave of new ships. Fragile demand. What does it all mean for carriers, shippers – and your freight bill in 2026? In this episode, Mike King sits down with global liner shipping expert Lars Jensen (CEO of Vespucci Maritime) to cut through the noise on: • ⚓ US Port Fees on Chinese-built vessels – how carriers are reshuffling fleets • 🚢 Container Shipping Outlook 2026 – demand, rates and new capacity • 🌍 Suez Canal & Red Sea Risks – what happens if it fully reopens • 🌱 IMO MEPC / Carbon Charging – what it means for greener supply chains • 📊 Transpacific, Asia–Europe, Africa & Australasia trade trends 📣 This episode is produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group. [https://dimerco.com/] Packed with straight talk and data-driven insight, this interview helps freight buyers, shippers and carriers plan for an uncertain future. 🔔 Subscribe to The Freight Buyers Club for more in-depth interviews, market analysis and practical advice for supply chain professionals. #FreightBuyersClub #LarsJensen #ContainerShipping #ShippingForecast #LogisticsPodcast #DimercoExpressGroup Chapters 00:00:00 Cold Open – US Port Fees, IMO Rules, Suez & 2026 Outlook (Produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group – https://www.dimerco.com/) 00:01:00 Intro, Credits & Guest – Lars Jensen joins Freight Buyers Club (+ events & sponsor) 00:02:20 US Port Fees Explained – Who pays, when it starts, and how carriers are reshuffling fleets 00:05:00 USTR Uncertainty – COSCO/OOCL tactics, China–Mexico shifts, and Seaspan reflagging 00:06:20 Competitive Impact – Can carriers pass costs on? COSCO $1.5bn hit and surcharge reality 00:09:00 Transpacific Snapshot – Demand, inventories & spot rates 00:15:00 Beyond Transpacific – Africa/South America/Europe growth; “cargo finds a way” 00:18:00 Asia–Europe Rates – Not ‘free fall’: normalization, capacity via Cape, GRIs & CNY timing 00:23:00 IMO MEPC Carbon Charging – Why the October vote matters for green fuels & ship orders 00:27:00 2026 Playbook – Recession risk, schedule reliability ~65%, Suez reopening scenario to 2027

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Lars Jensen on US Port Fees, IMO Rules & 2026 Container Shipping Outlook #54

Ocean shipping capacity cuts, blank sailings and falling service reliability could trigger a surge in air cargo demand this peak season. In this clip from the Freight Buyers’ Club podcast (EP53), host Mike King talks with Tom Crabtree, Managing Director at Transport Research Advisory and former Boeing air cargo analyst, about why ocean carriers’ actions on pricing and capacity often push shippers toward air freight for speed and reliability. This clip is taken from our special Air Cargo Market Outlook episode produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group. [https://dimerco.com/] #AirCargo #AirFreight #OceanShipping #SupplyChain #Logistics

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Ocean Shipping Capacity Cuts Could Spark a Surge in Air Cargo Demand | Tom Crabtree Explains

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The Freight Buyers' Club in the News

AS SEEN IN:

Container shipping now ‘maxed out’, claims leading shipping analyst | The Loadstar

Why the US ‘freight recession’ impact is heavier fortrans-Pacific container trade than trans-Atlantic | Riviera Maritime Media

Flexport rolling out last-mile e-commerce offering globallyafter Shopify deal | American Journal of Transportation

Plot a (positive) course for air freight rates…if you dare | The Loadstar

Air cargo operators still feel ‘hangover from the 2021 party’ | FreightWaves

‘Whipsaw effect’ on demand and investment will result in consolidation and bankruptcies across freight markets | American Journal of Transportation

India, Vietnam has potential for sourcing: The Freight Buyers’ Club | Stat Times

Container shipping turning the corner in time for peak season, says Rolf Habben Jansen | TradeWinds

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