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

JAS Worldwide: Freight Strategies for Uncertain Times

June 12, 2025 richard 00:31:38 Comments Off

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...

Rates, Robots & Rising Risk: Post-Munich Freight Outlook (video)

June 10, 2025 richard 00:14:21 Comments Off

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...

Lars Karlsson (Maersk, ex-WCO) on Trade Risk, Tariffs & Customs Strategy

June 6, 2025 richard 00:07:03 Comments Off

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...

The Freight Buyers' Club

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#46 YouTube JAS Worldwide Freight Strategies for Uncertain Times Freight Buyers Club

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 #robots #globaltrade #tariffs #freightbuyersclub

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#45 Rates, Robots & Rising Risk: Post-Munich Freight Outlook (video)

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

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Lars Karlsson (Maersk, ex-WCO) on Trade Risk, Tariffs & Customs Strategy

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

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Too Many Ships? Jan Tiedemann (Alphaliner) on Container Fleet Growth & Market Impact

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FBC meets its match at #transportlogistic #supplychain #freightforwarding #shipping #robotics

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Exclusive: IAG Cargo CEO David Shepherd on new 'Joint Business' with Qatar & MASkargo

FBC is reporting live from transport logistic 2025 in Munich this week. Subscibe for live updates.
#logistics #transportlogistic2025 #logistics #freightbuyersclub #shipping #freight

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The Freight Buyers' Club arrives 'transport logistic' 2025 – Munich

What does world-class performance look like in freight forwarding? In this clip from Episode 44 of The Freight Buyers’ Club, Oliver Gritz, CEO of Ontegos Cloud and former DHL Express CFO, lays out the numbers — and the roadmap.
He explains why 50% return on capital employed is the gold standard for freight companies and breaks down the levers that can get you there over the next five years.
📊 The real profitability potential of freight forwarding
📈 How Expeditors and Kuehne + Nagel once outperformed Apple
🧠 Why file-level profitability and lean ops are non-negotiable
🔧 What tech and talent must do together to drive performance
This is a clip from EP44 – “Why Great Freight Forwarders Thrive in Chaos.” Watch the full episode on The Freight Buyers’ Club channel.
#freightforwarding #logistics #supplychain #freightprofitability #returnoncapital #businessperformance #ontogoscloud #logisticsstrategy #freightbuyersclub #cargosuccess

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How Freight Forwarders Can Hit 50% Returns

Oliver Gritz, CEO of Ontegos Cloud and former CFO of DHL Express, explains why freight forwarding actually performs best in volatile markets.
From rising tariffs to global disruption, he shares a real story from his early days in logistics that proves one thing: great freight forwarders always find a way to win — even when the sky falls.
🚛 Why complexity creates opportunity in logistics
📈 How to turn chaos into profitable freight operations
📦 What sets top-performing forwarders apart
💡 Real-world freight story that still applies today
This clip comes from Episode 44 of The Freight Buyers’ Club — "Why Great Freight Forwarders Thrive in Chaos." Catch the full conversation on our channel.
#freightforwarding #logistics #supplychain #freighttech #logisticsstrategy #globaltrade #freightoperations #businessstrategy #resilientsupplychain #ontogoscloud

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How to Make Money in Logistics When the Sky Falls

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

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#44 Why Great Freight Forwarders Thrive in Chaos | Oliver Gritz, CEO of Ontegos Cloud

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How Factories Actually Move from China to Southeast Asia | Dimerco CEO Jeffrey Shih

With headline US-China tariff reductions grabbing attention, what’s really happening behind the scenes? In this clip from Episode 43 of the Freight Buyers’ Club, Dimerco Express Group CEO Jeffrey Shih breaks down how hidden charges and “tariff stacking” are still hitting shippers hard — with real-world duty rates reaching up to 90%.
Host Mike King asks how Dimerco is helping customers navigate this shifting landscape. Jeffrey reveals how their U.S. team uses in-house brokerage, detailed HS code analysis, and a custom-built Tariff Impact Calculator to help importers understand and mitigate their exposure — even mid-shipment.
If you’re managing trade between China and the U.S., this is essential listening.
The latest episode of The Freight Buyers' Club is now available on all podcast platforms including:
Website: https://www.thefreightbuyersclub.com/podcast/dimerco-ceo-jeffrey-shih-a-freight-leaders-take-on-china1-tariffs-global-diversification/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSzmjgh0yKw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/54WWHiAZIbx0Gj5IzXAKr5
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-freight-buyers-club/id1668766055
The Tariff Explainer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F7rKntcqd8
#logistics, #supplychain, #freight, #shipping, #trade, #globaltrade, #logisticsmanagement, #freightforwarding #freightbuyersclub #dimerco #ontegoscloud

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Cracking the US-China Tariff Maze: Dimerco CEO Jeffrey Shih on Avoiding Extra Costs

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

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#43 Dimerco CEO Jeffrey Shih: A Freight Leader’s Take on China+1, Tariffs & Global Diversification

In this Video Explainer episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, host Mike King delivers a strategic video 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 Schreiber, CEO, Freightos
Dr Noel Hacegaba, COO, Port of Long Beach
John McCauley, BCO Consultant/Former VP Transportation & Logistics, Cargill
#SupplyChainLeadership, #ExecutiveLogistics, #GlobalTradeStrategy, #ShippingInnovation, #CLevelInsights, #TradePolicyImpact, #containermarket , #MaritimeStrategy, #freightmanagement , #freightbuyersclub #shipping #tariffwars #freight #containershipping
#supplychain #supplychainmanagement

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#42 Shipping in a Tariff Truce: A Shipper’s Guide to Container Strategy [Video Explainer]

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

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A Container Tidal Wave? With Mark Chadwick, Global Shippers Association

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/]

Port of Long Beach, Supply Chain, Freight News, Shipping Crisis, China Trade, US China Relations, Logistics, Container Shipping, Trade Policy, Noel Hacegaba, The Freight Buyers Club, Global Trade, Maritime Logistics, Peak Season Prep, Tariff Truce, Blank Sailings, Cargo Surge, Import Export, Mike King

#PortOfLongBeach #SupplyChain #FreightNews #ShippingCrisis #ChinaTrade #USChinaRelations #Logistics #ContainerShipping #TradePolicy #NoelHacegaba #TheFreightBuyersClub #GlobalTrade #MaritimeLogistics #PeakSeasonPrep #TariffTruce #BlankSailings #CargoSurge #ImportExport #MikeKing

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90 Days China-US Window: Can LA/Long Beach Handle the Surge?

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/

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Early Container Shipping Peak Season? Freightos CEO on the US-China Tariff Truce

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?
#GlobalTrade #SupplyChain #TradeWar #Tariffs #InternationalBusiness #ChinaBusiness #LogisticsIndustry #EconomicPolicy #ShippingNews #BusinessPodcast #shipping #logistics #aircargo #airfreight #supplychain

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US-China Tariff Truce: What Happens Next? | The Freight Buyers' Club Podcast

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Dimerco connects Asia with the world like no other global 3PL

We integrate air and ocean freight, trade compliance and contract logistics services to make global supply chains more effective and efficient. The majority of our global shipping projects connect Asia’s logistics and manufacturing hubs with each other and with North America and Europe.

Started from a single location in Taiwan in 1971, we now serve customers from 150+ Dimerco offices, 80+ contract logistics operations, and 200+ strategic partner agents throughout China, India, Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe