DB Cargo is increasing rail freight capacity with its Distributed Power System (DPS), a technology that enables significantly heavier freight trains to operate with just one train driver. The system can increase the amount of freight transported per train by up to 30%, without requiring additional train journeys. DPS connects locomotives positioned at the front and rear of a train through radio data transmission, allowing the rear locomotive to be remotely controlled from the

DHL has released the eighth edition of its Logistics Trend Radar, highlighting how artificial intelligence, robotics and automation are expected to reshape global logistics and supply chains over the coming decade. One of the most significant developments identified is Agentic AI – AI systems capable of autonomously planning, making decisions and taking action toward defined goals. In logistics, this could include anticipating inventory shortages, rerouting shipments around d

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling for stronger cooperation across the air cargo supply chain to address the growing risk of undeclared and mis-declared dangerous goods. According to IATA, around 80% of dangerous goods incidents reported to the association in the first half of 2025 involved undeclared or hidden dangerous goods. Lithium batteries, e-cigarettes and aerosols were among the products most commonly identified. IATA stresses that tradition

Qatar Airways Cargo, MASkargo and IAG Cargo have reached an important milestone by successfully completing their first customer shipment under their joint cargo partnership. The cooperation brings together the networks and capabilities of three major air cargo operators, creating new opportunities for customers to move shipments more efficiently across their combined global networks. By working together, the carriers aim to provide greater connectivity, broader network access

Lufthansa Cargo has expanded its modular product portfolio with its Emergency Add-on Service, designed for shipments requiring the highest level of transport priority and reliability. Since 16 September 2026, the previous Emergency product has been transformed into an add-on service, allowing customers to combine emergency handling with selected cargo products and speed options. The service is available for General Cargo, Dangerous Goods, Passive Temp Support and Vulnerables,

MSC is strengthening cocoa supply chains across West Africa, connecting major producing markets including Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria with customers across Europe, East Asia and North America. The company combines its global ocean network with inland transportation, local cocoa expertise and strategic terminals in San Pedro and Lomé. Its specialised solutions include regular trade services, 24/7 container availability, intermodal transport, thermal liners and d

Maersk and PUMA have expanded their long-standing logistics partnership, with Maersk now managing PUMA’s North American distribution network, including three highly automated facilities in California, Arizona and Indiana covering approximately 2.3 million square feet. The facilities use AutoStore automation technology to improve fulfillment speed, warehouse efficiency and scalability across e-commerce, retail and wholesale channels. Through the partnership, Maersk aims to hel

Maersk has officially launched operations at a new 71,800 sqm logistics centre in Herleshausen, Germany, further expanding its contract logistics footprint in Europe. Located directly along the A4 motorway in the state of Hesse, the facility is strategically positioned to serve as a central hub for goods moving across Germany and neighbouring European markets. The site includes 62,800 sqm of warehouse space, alongside office and mezzanine areas. The facility currently employs

Maersk has reached another milestone in its exploration of alternative marine fuels, completing the first commercial ship-to-ship ethanol bunkering of a deep-sea container vessel in the United States. The operation involved Tangier Maersk, a dual-fuel alcohol-enabled container vessel, which was bunkered with 100% U.S.-produced corn ethanol. The initiative provided Maersk with valuable real-world experience in areas such as fuel sourcing, infrastructure, operational readiness

Three days, 35 countries, 78 participants and countless meaningful conversations. From 22–24 September 2026, the WOF Alliance AGM brought together freight forwarding professionals from around the world at the beautiful Zeus Dolce Attica Riviera, just outside Athens, Greece. Set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, with spectacular sunset views, this year's AGM was about much more than business. It was about people, genuine friendships, trust and the kind of connecti

About Wanda Costopoulos Wanda Costopoulos holds an M.A. in Architectural Lighting Design from Parsons School of Design in New York. She also studied Human Resources Management at Sabancı University in Istanbul, complementing her academic background with a focus on people and organizational development. She began her professional career in New York, working in architectural lighting for several years. Following her family’s longstanding tradition, she later transitioned into t

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is highlighting the results of PIONEERS, a European project focused on making ports more sustainable. Coordinated by the Belgian port, the project has tested practical solutions in areas including clean energy, port design, cargo-flow optimisation and digital technology. Among the innovations trialled in real port environments are autonomous inland-waterway technology, renewable-energy systems and lower-emission cargo-handling equipment. The aim is

Switzerland remains a leading example of how freight can move across the Alps by rail. According to DB Cargo, rail carried 68.6% of trans-Alpine freight in 2025. That share is substantial, but it fell from 70.3% in 2024. The Swiss approach combines long-term transport policy with major infrastructure investment. The Gotthard, Lötschberg and Ceneri base tunnels provide lower-gradient routes through the mountains, making it easier to run heavier freight trains. On the Gotthard

flydubai plans to begin dedicated freighter operations on 1 October 2026, adding three Boeing 737-800 freighters through a wet-lease agreement with SolitAir. Based at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), the aircraft will provide up to 23 tonnes of cargo capacity per flight. The new freighters will complement flydubai’s existing belly-hold cargo service and give the airline main-deck capacity for shipments that need specialised handling. Its planned cargo offering includes

DHL Group and Alibaba.com have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore AI-powered logistics tools for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) trading internationally. The agreement was announced at Alibaba.com’s CoCreate 2026 conference in Los Angeles. The companies intend to examine how DHL Global Forwarding’s services could be integrated into Accio, Alibaba.com’s AI platform for businesses. The planned connection would help users move from finding sup pliers to ar

Hapag-Lloyd has announced that Anders Boenaes will become its Chief Operating Officer (COO) on 1 October 2026. He currently serves as Senior Managing Director Network, with responsibility for the company’s global liner network, container fleet and operations. Boenaes began his maritime career at Maersk in 1993 and held senior network and trade roles before joining Hapag-Lloyd in 2020. According to the company, his experience played an important part in establishing and implem

Hapag-Lloyd and DP World have announced an expansion of their long-standing partnership in Africa, combining long-term terminal capacity with support for new and expanded port infrastructure. The cooperation covers five locations. Hapag-Lloyd plans to secure terminal capacity in Dakar, Senegal; Luanda, Angola; and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The companies will also support port infrastructure development in Banana, Democratic Republic of the Congo; and Maputo, Mozambique. The ag

North American supply chains are entering the peak season with strong demand, tighter capacity on several routes and changing trade requirements. In its September market update, Maersk advises businesses to plan shipments early and keep routing options flexible. On the Transpacific trade, demand remains strong while typhoons in Asia have created shipment backlogs that may take several weeks to clear. Retail cargo and equipment for AI data centres are contributing to volumes.

As businesses across Asia Pacific prepare for the final quarter of 2026, early planning and flexibility are becoming increasingly important. In its September market update, Maersk highlights developments across ocean freight, air cargo, inland transport and customs. China’s Golden Week holiday in early October is a key consideration for ocean shipments. Combined with seasonal weather and terminal congestion, it could affect vessel schedules during the Q4 peak period. Maersk a

Europe’s logistics networks are entering the autumn season under pressure from port congestion, weather disruptions and changing trade requirements, according to Maersk’s September market update. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have announced that two Asia–Europe services, AE19 and AE15, will transit through the Suez Canal instead of sailing around the Cape of Good Hope. This is a limited change, however, and does not signal a full return of their East–West network to the Red Sea rout