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The article discusses how Sennder Technologies GmbH, a startup based in Berlin, Germany that develops digital tools to match shippers with struck operators, is trying to bring an extremely technology-resistant industry into the age of apps. Sennder's software is part of road-freight marketplace, part fleet-management app and offers mom and pop outfits a list of nearby loads. A background on the establishment of the company is offered.

The article discusses challenges facing U.S. shipping startup Flexport Inc. Topics discussed include cost reductions and layoffs made by founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Ryan Petersen, the low margin with Flexport's core business of Flexport which is freight forwarding, and the decision of some customers to cut back relationships with Flexport including Sonos Inc. and Western Digital Corp.

Albanian prosecutors have seized 102 containers of suspected hazardous waste that were forced to return to Europe from Southeast Asia. The containers, which were originally bound for Thailand, contained electric arc furnace dust and sparked international scrutiny due to the illegal trafficking of waste. The cargo has ignited controversy in Albania, with Prime Minister Edi Rama weighing in on the issue, and investigations are ongoing to determine how the waste was transported without authorization. The Basel Action Network is urging Albania to ban the export of waste to developing countries and calling for transparent testing procedures on the cargo's contents. [Extracted from the article]

Maersk, a major player in global trade, has raised its full-year earnings guidance for the fourth time in less than six months due to increased demand and higher freight rates caused by supply chain disruptions from Red Sea attacks. The company now expects underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization to be between $11 billion and $11.5 billion this year, surpassing previous forecasts and analyst estimates. While Maersk's short-term prospects are positive, there are concerns about potential overcapacity in the container shipping market in the medium term, with analysts recommending a cautious approach. [Extracted from the article]

Maersk, a major player in global trade, has raised its full-year earnings guidance for the fourth time in less than six months due to increased demand and higher freight rates resulting from supply chain disruptions caused by Red Sea attacks. The company now expects underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization to be between $11 billion and $11.5 billion this year. Maersk's decision to sail south of Africa due to the ongoing Red Sea conflict indicates a continued impact on global supply lines. Additionally, the company anticipates a 6% growth in global container demand this year. [Extracted from the article]

Nigeria has signed a significant deal with Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. and partners, including Shell and TotalEnergies, to supply gas to a $3.3 billion methanol plant. The agreement will allow the construction of the project to proceed and is seen as a milestone in Nigeria's efforts to monetize its vast gas reserves. The government expects the project to generate over $1.5 billion annually from exports and reduce fertilizer imports by 30%, while also creating thousands of jobs. Nigeria is aiming to reduce its reliance on oil and promote investment in its gas reserves. [Extracted from the article]

US dockworkers have ended a three-day strike that had disrupted trade on the US East and Gulf coasts. The strike, which threatened to impact the presidential election, has been resolved with the International Longshoremen's Association and the US Maritime Alliance extending their contract through January 15. Negotiations will continue for a long-term agreement, which includes a pay increase of about 62%. The strike had raised fears of a sustained emergency and estimates of the cost to the US economy ranged from $3 billion to $5 billion a day. [Extracted from the article]

A.P. Moller-Maersk, a major shipping company, expects the global regulator for the industry to approve a charge on vessels' greenhouse gas emissions in 2025. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is currently discussing plans to reduce emissions from the shipping sector, which emits about a billion tons of carbon dioxide annually. The potential new rules may also include a phased reduction in the energy used by ships. If implemented, these regulations could significantly reduce carbon emissions and potentially require the industry to pay billions of dollars for continued emissions. The IMO aims to finalize the rules next year, with implementation set for 2027. [Extracted from the article]

Harold Daggett, a 78-year-old union leader for the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), has secured a tentative agreement for a 61.5% wage increase over six years after just three days of a strike that disrupted major ports along the East and Gulf coasts. The strike highlighted the power of dockworkers to impact the US economy and brought attention to the looming threat of automation in the industry. Daggett, who has faced allegations of ties to organized crime in the past, is known for his strong stance against automation and his high salary, which is nearly $1 million annually. The ILA's fight against port automation is not limited to the US, as Daggett's son, Dennis, who is also involved in the union, aims to rally international support for their cause. [Extracted from the article]

US dockworkers have ended a three-day strike that had disrupted trade on the US East and Gulf coasts. The strike, which threatened to impact the presidential election, was resolved when the International Longshoremen's Association and the US Maritime Association extended their contract through January 15. Negotiations will continue for a long-term agreement, which includes a pay increase of about 62%. The strike had raised concerns about the cost to the US economy, estimated to be between $3 billion and $5 billion per day. The resolution of the strike is seen as a relief for the White House and Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign, as it avoids a potential crisis and inflation. However, it will take over a month to clear the cargo backlog caused by the strike. [Extracted from the article]

US dockworkers have ended a three-day strike that had disrupted trade on the US East and Gulf coasts. The strike, which threatened to impact the presidential election, was suspended after the International Longshoremen's Association and the US Maritime Association extended their contract through January 15. Negotiations will continue for a long-term agreement, which includes a pay increase of about 62%. The strike had raised concerns about the cost to the US economy, estimated to be between $3 billion and $5 billion per day. The agreement provides time to resolve contentious issues without further economic disruption. [Extracted from the article]

Dockworkers at US East and Gulf coast ports have agreed to suspend their strike and resume work while continuing negotiations for a new contract. The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) has extended the contract until January 15th. The ILA has accepted an offer that would increase wages by 61.5% over the new six-year contract and is also working on resolving issues related to automation. The closure of container ports from Houston to Miami and up to Boston due to the strike has caused a backlog of cargo that is expected to take 12 days to clear. President Joe Biden commended both sides for reaching an agreement and linked the port closures to hurricane recovery efforts. Industry groups are urging the two sides to sign a final deal before the new deadline to prevent further disruptions. [Extracted from the article]

Dockworkers at US East and Gulf coast ports have agreed to suspend their strike and resume work while they continue negotiations for a new contract with their employers. The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) has extended the contract until January 15. The union has accepted an offer that includes a 61.5% wage increase over a six-year period and plans to address concerns about automation and other unresolved issues in the coming months. President Joe Biden expressed optimism about the suspension and credited the efforts of all parties involved. Container ports from Houston to Boston had been closed since the labor contract expired on Tuesday, causing delays in cargo movement. [Extracted from the article]

Dockworkers at US East and Gulf coast ports have agreed to suspend their strike and resume moving cargo while they continue negotiations for a new contract with their employers. The International Longshoremen's Association has extended the contract until January 15th. Container ports from Houston to Miami and up to Boston have been closed since the previous labor contract expired, resulting in numerous ships anchoring off the coast. [Extracted from the article]

US container ports along the East Coast are closed for a third day due to a labor contract expiration between dockworkers and terminal operators. This has resulted in dozens of ships carrying various goods being anchored off the coast. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack believes that the strike will not significantly impact food prices as long as it is short, but warns that a strike lasting months could have a different outcome. Some US shoppers are stocking up on toilet paper due to fears of disruption from the strike and increased demand caused by Hurricane Helene. Additionally, the strike is causing delays and financial losses for businesses, such as a fruit importer who has millions of dollars worth of fruit waiting offshore or in limbo. [Extracted from the article]

Harold Daggett, a 78-year-old union leader for the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), has secured a tentative agreement for a 61.5% wage increase over six years after just three days of a strike that disrupted major ports along the East and Gulf coasts. The strike highlighted the power of dockworkers to impact the US economy and brought attention to the looming threat of automation in the industry. Daggett, who has faced allegations of ties to organized crime in the past, is known for his strong stance against automation and his high salary, which is nearly $1 million annually. The ILA's endorsement of President Joe Biden in 2020 has made union support an important factor in the upcoming presidential election. Daggett's influence within the ILA allows him significant power over labor negotiations, and he has instructed workers to remain on strike until their demands are met. [Extracted from the article]

US container ports along the East Coast are closed for a third day due to an expired labor contract between dockworkers, terminal operators, and shipping lines. As a result, numerous ships carrying various goods have been forced to anchor off the coast. In response to the port strike and concerns about potential disruptions, some US shoppers are stocking up on toilet paper, leading to shortages in certain locations. However, Costco, one of the affected retailers, assures customers that they do not anticipate any supply challenges and are working to replenish products quickly. [Extracted from the article]

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visited parts of the US southeast that were devastated by Hurricane Helene to assess the damage and reassure voters of the federal response. They aimed to counter criticism from former President Donald Trump, who accused the administration of not doing enough to help affected communities. Both Biden and Harris announced measures to support recovery efforts, including federal cost sharing for debris removal and emergency protective measures, as well as the deployment of active duty troops to assist with recovery operations. The storm's economic impact, coupled with a major strike by dockworkers, threatens to disrupt the economy ahead of the upcoming election. [Extracted from the article]

President Joe Biden has urged US port employers and shipping lines to resume negotiations with striking dock workers, warning that the ongoing strike could become a "man-made disaster." The strike has resulted in the closure of major container ports on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Biden called on the six companies that control the ports to restart talks and reach a resolution. The strike was initiated by the International Longshoremen's Association after their labor contract with the US Maritime Alliance expired, with wages and automation being key points of contention. The White House has also criticized carriers for imposing surcharges related to the strike and called for a fair resolution. [Extracted from the article]

President Joe Biden has urged US port employers and shipping lines to resume negotiations with striking dock workers, warning that the ongoing strike could become a "man-made disaster." The strike has resulted in the closure of major container ports on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The International Longshoremen's Association called for the strike after their labor contract with the US Maritime Alliance expired, with wages and automation being key points of contention. Biden, along with other political figures, has supported the union's demand for a larger share of profits for cargo handlers. The White House has also called on carriers to withdraw any surcharges related to the strike and not to exploit the situation for profit. [Extracted from the article]

Harold Daggett, the union chief of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), is leading a strike against automation at US East and Gulf ports. The strike has caused significant disruption to the supply chain, with estimates ranging from $1 billion to $5 billion in delayed or lost activity per day. The strike has political implications, as both Democrats and Republicans are navigating the impact on the economy and potential alienation of voters. Businesses, including Walmart and Costco, are preparing for supply chain disruptions, while automakers like Toyota and General Motors have activated contingency plans. Daggett also has plans to take his campaign against port automation global. [Extracted from the article]

Harold Daggett, the union chief of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), is leading a strike against automation at US East and Gulf ports. The strike has caused significant disruption to the supply chain, with estimates ranging from $1 billion to $5 billion in delayed or lost activity per day. The strike has political implications, as both Democrats and Republicans are navigating the impact on the economy and potential alienation of voters. Various industries, including wine, food, and automotive, are preparing for the strike's impact on their supply chains. Daggett also has plans to take his campaign against port automation global. [Extracted from the article]

Union chief Harold Daggett is leading a strike by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) against automation at US East and Gulf ports. The strike has caused supply-chain disruptions and estimates suggest it is costing the economy between $1 billion to $5 billion per day. The strike has political implications as both Democrats and Republicans navigate the impact on the economy and the upcoming presidential election. Businesses, including wine and spirits distributors and car manufacturers, are activating contingency plans to minimize the impact of the strike. Daggett also plans to take his campaign against port automation global. [Extracted from the article]

Denmark's economy experienced faster growth than expected in the second quarter, largely due to the booming pharmaceutical industry led by Novo Nordisk. Gross domestic product expanded by 1.1%, surpassing the previously reported 0.6% growth. The pharmaceutical sector, known for Novo's weight-loss drugs and Bavarian Nordic's mpox vaccine, has been a significant driver of Denmark's economic growth. The revision suggests that the outlook for the whole year will be raised, with the possibility of even higher growth rates in 2024. Exports also increased by 3.9% in the second quarter, driven by various sectors and the Danish shipping industry. [Extracted from the article]

US Eastern and Gulf coast ports are preparing for a potential shutdown as labor talks between dockworkers and their employers have stalled. The US Maritime Alliance and the International Longshoremen's Association have no talks planned before their contract expires. President Joe Biden has stated that he will not intervene in any dockworkers strike, emphasizing that resolving the dispute is a matter for collective bargaining. If a strike occurs, it would be the first major labor disruption at US maritime hubs since 2014-2015. The potential strike could have significant economic consequences, costing the US economy billions of dollars per week. [Extracted from the article]

US Eastern and Gulf coast ports are at risk of a shutdown as labor talks between dockworkers and their employers have stalled. The United States Maritime Alliance and the International Longshoremen's Association have no talks planned before their contract expires. If a strike occurs, it would halt container cargo and auto shipments at ports that handle as much as half of all US trade volumes. The Biden administration has urged both sides to return to negotiations but has stated that it won't interfere if ports shut down. A strike could cost the US economy billions of dollars per week and would have significant implications for retailers, manufacturers, and importers. [Extracted from the article]

US Eastern and Gulf coast ports are preparing for a potential shutdown as labor talks between dockworkers and their employers have stalled. The US Maritime Alliance and the International Longshoremen's Association have no talks planned before their contract expires. President Joe Biden has stated that he will not intervene in any dockworkers strike, emphasizing that resolving the dispute is a matter for collective bargaining. If a strike occurs, it would be the first major labor disruption at US maritime hubs since 2014-2015. The strike would halt container cargo and auto shipments, but energy supplies and bulk cargo would not be affected. The Biden administration has urged both sides to return to negotiations and has been in touch with both the employer group and the union. The economic impact of a strike could cost the US economy $4.5 billion to $7.5 billion per week. East and Gulf coast ports play a significant role in handling exports and imports of raw materials and are important for the autos sector. Ports are already preparing to scale down operations, and shippers and carriers are anticipating idled ships, delivery delays, and higher costs. However, some economists believe that concerns about the fallout from a strike may be overstated, as businesses have replenished inventory levels and can weather the disruption. [Extracted from the article]

US Eastern and Gulf coast ports are at risk of a strike as talks between dockworkers and their employers have stalled. The United States Maritime Alliance and the International Longshoremen's Association have no planned talks before their contract expires, potentially leading to a strike the following day. The Biden administration has urged both sides to return to negotiations, but has stated that it will not interfere if ports shut down. A strike could cost the US economy billions of dollars per week and would have significant impacts on retailers, manufacturers, and importers. [Extracted from the article]

Boeing Co. has offered a 30% pay increase to striking workers in an attempt to end the ongoing strike that has shut down factories in the Pacific Northwest. However, union negotiators have rejected the offer and will not bring it to a vote. The proposal is an improvement over a previous offer, but still falls short of the union's initial demand for a 40% increase. The negotiations have become more contentious, with the union accusing Boeing of disrespecting them by bypassing the collective bargaining process. The strike is being closely watched by Wall Street and the White House, and an extended walkout could worsen Boeing's already strained finances. [Extracted from the article]

Boeing Co. has offered striking workers a 30% pay increase in an attempt to end the debilitating strike that has shut down factories in the Pacific Northwest. This offer is an improvement over the initial 25% increase that was rejected by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. However, it falls short of the 40% increase initially sought by the union. The union has no plans to put the offer to a vote due to the short notice and believes it does not meet the members' needs. The negotiations have become more tense, with the union accusing Boeing of disrespecting them by bypassing the collective bargaining process. The strike is being closely watched by Wall Street and the White House, and an extended walkout could worsen Boeing's already strained financial situation. [Extracted from the article]

Shares of AP Moller-Maersk A/S have risen by 4.9% due to expectations that labor talks with US port workers will fail, leading to supply-line disruptions and increased freight rates. Maersk has decided to implement a local port disruption surcharge to cover potential labor disruptions. A strike by the 45,000 dockworkers at major eastern and Gulf coast ports could have severe consequences, causing weeks of disruptions to supply chains. Despite the potential strike, Maersk shares have been trading higher and have increased by almost 20% in the past two weeks. [Extracted from the article]

Boeing Co. has offered a 30% pay increase to striking workers, which has angered union leaders. The offer is an improvement over a previous 25% increase, but still falls short of the 40% initially sought by the union. Union leaders have rejected the offer, stating that it does not meet the needs of their members. The negotiations have become more contentious, with the union accusing Boeing of disrespecting them by bypassing the collective bargaining process. The strike has halted production of Boeing's 737 Max and other jetliners, further straining the company's finances. [Extracted from the article]

Boeing has offered a 30% pay increase directly to striking workers in an attempt to end the ongoing strike that has halted aircraft manufacturing in the Pacific Northwest. The company posted the offer online, but the union has criticized the move, stating that it was made without any discussion. Talks between Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers have been at a standstill, and the strike is being closely watched by Wall Street and the White House. The strike has already impacted Boeing's financial situation, and an extended walkout could worsen it further. [Extracted from the article]

Boeing has offered its largest union a 30% wage increase over four years in an attempt to end a strike that has halted aircraft manufacturing in the Pacific Northwest. The offer comes after the union rejected a 25% increase earlier this month. Talks have been at a standstill since September 18, and the strike is causing financial strain for Boeing, which has already burned through $8 billion in cash this year. The strike is being closely watched by Wall Street and the White House, and a prolonged walkout could worsen Boeing's financial situation. [Extracted from the article]

Saudi cargo shipper Folk Maritime, owned by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, plans to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to expand its fleet. The company aims to buy or charter 15 to 18 container ships over the next three to five years. This expansion is part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil sales. Folk Maritime will focus on connecting smaller ports in the Red Sea region and plans to introduce three new routes next year. The company's CEO, Poul Hestbaek, did not disclose the exact amount that will be spent on the vessels. [Extracted from the article]

Sri Lanka is preparing for its first election since defaulting on sovereign debt in 2022, which led to an economic crisis. The US is investing in a major expansion of Colombo's main port, backed by a $553 million loan from the US Development Finance Corp., as part of its efforts to counter China's influence in the region. The election is crucial for China, India, and the US, who are all vying for influence in Sri Lanka. The candidates are focused on stabilizing the economy and promoting national interests, but none have proposed pivoting away from China. The US-backed port expansion project aims to increase Colombo's shipping capacity and make Sri Lanka a key player in global trade. Despite the economic challenges, signs of a turnaround are emerging, with the Sri Lankan rupee strengthening and the economy returning to steady growth. The election is expected to be closely contested, and a run-off may be necessary. [Extracted from the article]

Chinese authorities have issued warnings about the approaching typhoon Bebinca, which is expected to hit the east coast of China. This comes as millions of holidaymakers are traveling across the country for the mid-autumn festival. The typhoon is predicted to bring heavy rainfall, potentially disrupting travel and logistics. The Meishan container terminal in Ningbo-Zhoushan port and Yangshan port near Shanghai will suspend operations, and passenger shipping lines are scheduled to be suspended in the Shanghai area. [Extracted from the article]

The global container shipping industry experienced a significant increase in profits, surpassing $10 billion in the second quarter of 2024. This surge in profits can be attributed to record volumes and rising freight rates, which were influenced by Red Sea diversions. Major container carriers, such as A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S and Cosco Shipping Holdings Co., saw their net income nearly double compared to the previous quarter. Despite challenges such as Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and congestion at major ports, global container volumes reached an all-time high. The demand for shipping has been particularly strong in the US due to concerns about new tariffs on Chinese goods and a potential dockworkers strike. [Extracted from the article]

Demand for gasoil in Europe is expected to fall below the levels seen during the Covid-19 pandemic due to weak manufacturing and changes in the region's car fleet. The International Energy Agency predicts that annual consumption of gasoil in OECD Europe will be more than 3% lower than in the first year of the pandemic. This decline is significant considering the economic activity and fuel demand restrictions that occurred in 2020. The decrease in demand is also attributed to a shift in the types of cars Europeans prefer to drive, with diesel's share of new car registrations in the European Union dropping from 37% in 2018 to just 13% in the first half of 2024. However, there is some positive news as the profit oil refiners make from producing diesel is still higher than the 10-year historical average, and a recovery in European industrial production is expected next year, which should support gasoil demand. [Extracted from the article]

The Norwegian economy has experienced three consecutive quarters of expansion, with mainland gross domestic product (GDP) growing by 0.1% in the second quarter. This growth was driven by increased purchasing power and a weak krone, which boosted car purchases and exports. However, the growth was slightly below expectations, indicating that the country has been affected by high interest rates. The weaker-than-expected figures may increase the likelihood of the central bank reducing borrowing costs. Despite this, analysts believe that the deviation from the central bank's estimates is not significant enough to impact policymakers' rate outlook. [Extracted from the article]

The Norwegian economy has experienced three consecutive quarters of growth, with mainland gross domestic product (GDP) increasing by 0.1% in the second quarter. This growth is attributed to a recovery in purchasing power, which has boosted consumption, and a weak krone that has supported exports. Despite high credit costs and the central bank's delay in implementing monetary easing, Norway's economy has remained resilient. Household consumption, particularly in car purchases, has contributed to this growth. [Extracted from the article]

Three oil tankers that were previously under British sanctions for transporting Russian petroleum are now sailing under the flag of Barbados, a reputable vessel-registration nation based in London. The Barbados Maritime Ship Registry, located at the country's High Commission in London, provides diplomatic immunity. This connection may be awkward for the British government, as the tankers were designated for their role in destabilizing Ukraine. The tankers have changed names and ownership since the sanctions were imposed and are now provisionally registered under the Barbadian flag. [Extracted from the article]

Europe is experiencing a surge in diesel imports as large tankers that typically transport crude oil are now delivering refined fuel from the Middle East. This increase in imports is due to smaller vessels trying to avoid attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, leading to higher earnings for smaller vessels and subdued earnings for supertankers. To take advantage of the situation, some tanker owners have chemically cleaned their ships to haul the diesel instead. While this surge in imports is likely due to the size and timing of arrivals rather than increased demand, it is worth noting that the use of larger ships for the trade can skew monthly statistics. [Extracted from the article]

Shipping containers filled with hazardous industrial waste from Albania that were bound for Thailand are now being sent back to Europe after environmental groups raised concerns about illegal exports to Southeast Asia. An A.P. Moller-Maersk ship carrying 40 containers of waste is due to arrive in Singapore and the cargo will then be returned to Italy. Another 60 containers on board the Maersk Candor will also be sent back to Europe. Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries have been dealing with an influx of trash from developed countries, including industrial and electronic waste that can be toxic. The Basel Action Network has called for the shipments to be returned to Albania and for the traders involved to be punished. [Extracted from the article]

Thai authorities are working to prevent around 100 shipping containers filled with hazardous industrial waste from reaching the country's ports. The Basel Action Network, a US-based nonprofit, alerted Thailand to the containers, which are believed to contain potentially harmful electric arc furnace dust. One of the ships carrying the containers disappeared from maritime tracking services near Cape Town after the organization alerted South African authorities. Thailand is coordinating with Albania and Singapore, where the vessels are due to dock, to stop the shipments. The influx of trash from developed countries into Southeast Asian countries has become a concern, as it can contain toxins and requires consent under the United Nations Basel Convention. The containers are on A.P. Moller-Maersk's Campton and Candor vessels, and Maersk has confirmed that the containers were not declared to contain hazardous waste. The Basel Action Network and other environmental groups have raised the alarm about the shipment of electric arc furnace dust, a hazardous waste product that contains toxic metal oxides. The containers are scheduled to arrive at Thailand's Laem Chabang port in August. [Extracted from the article]

The potential of hydrogen as a carbon-free fuel has generated a lot of excitement, with plans to build nearly 1,600 plants worldwide. However, the majority of these projects lack customers willing to purchase the fuel. Only 12% of hydrogen plants that are considered low-carbon have agreements with customers to use the fuel. The high cost of producing hydrogen from clean energy and the difficulty of building the necessary infrastructure are major obstacles. Despite ambitious goals set by countries and governments, many of these projects may never come to fruition. [Extracted from the article]