Supply Chain Secrets

• Volatility, Blank Sailings, and the Myth of Standstill Supply Chains

  Lars Jensen joins from the Dominican Republic to unpack the latest supply chain headlines—and debunk the noise. From Red Sea escalation and new trade war shocks to unraveling what “reliability” actually means in today’s shipping landscape, this episode dives deep. We discuss: • Record-low bunker fuel prices and what that means for Q3 • Wildcard tariffs (yes, even on foreign movies) • The truth behind blank sailings and “capacity cuts” • Whether shipping is really coming to a halt (spoiler: it’s not) • Why toilet paper isn’t your biggest worryExpect clarity, nuance, and straight talk on what’s signal and what’s spin.

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• Rates, Risk & Reality: Inside the NYSHEX Freight Index Launch

  The market is in flux—tariffs, blank sailings, air freight shifts, and rate volatility are reshaping global supply chains. In this episode, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen are joined by Rich Heath, VP of Freight Products & Services at NYSHEX, to break down the recent launch of the NYSHEX Freight Index. Learn how this new tool provides real-time rate visibility, enables index-linked contracts, and could pave the way for freight derivatives. Recorded just days after the Index Day event at the New York Stock Exchange, this conversation covers what’s changing, what’s not, and how shippers and NVOs can regain control in unpredictable times.

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• The Tariff Telenovela

  The drama continues in this week’s episode of Supply Chain Secrets! Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down the latest twists in the USTR saga, including what’s changed, who’s exempt, and why everyone—from carriers to shippers—is scrambling to recalculate.Lars unpacks the surprise USTR revisions, including:Who dodges the ship fees (for now)How the 4,000 TEU threshold is rewriting network strategiesWhy carriers are blanking like it's Chinese New YearWhat front-loading frenzy and equipment shortages could really meanAnd if that weren’t enough? We explore how DHL’s suspension of China parcels hints at bigger B2C chaos to come.If you’re trying to make smart moves in the middle of regulatory whiplash, this episode is your must-listen.

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• Trade War Reloaded?

  Will anyone make a move—or are we all just watching and waiting?In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen welcome Don Davis, SVP Commercial at ZIM, for a frank discussion on how the new wave of tariffs is paralyzing the industry. In a combined 60 years our hosts have in the industry, they've never seen volatility like this.From 145% shocks out of China to strategic blank sailings, and ripple effects no one’s fully prepared for, this conversation digs into:-Why front-loading isn’t always the answer-How exporters are being squeezed-What’s stalling long-term planning-And how IMO’s latest emissions ruling barely made a blip in the chaosIf you're trying to make smart supply chain decisions in the fog of tariff uncertainty, this episode gives you perspective—and permission to pause.

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• Will We See a Transpacific Crash This Year?

  This week on Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down the turbulent state of global trade. From weakening spot rates to dramatic drops in U.S. exports, Lars explains what’s behind the numbers—and what they mean for shippers.We dive into the ripple effects of escalating tariffs, the cautious (and at times chaotic) responses from governments and shippers alike, and why many are choosing to “wait and see” instead of making bold moves.Plus, Lars offers clarity on TEU miles, export competitiveness, and the political tightrope that global shipping companies now face. Despite the chaos, there’s a sliver of optimism: new alliances are rolling out with improved service reliability.Topics covered:What’s behind the recent export slumpThe real risk of supply chain yo-yoingHow shippers are reacting to trade policy whiplashWhy long-term supply chain shifts aren’t happening—yetPositive trends in carrier reliability

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