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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30:51
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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22:48
Lars Jensen Predicts an Early - April - Peak Season
Is peak season coming early—again? Global shipping expert Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver unpack market weakness, carrier capacity decisions, and the ripple effects of upcoming tariffs. From reliability improvements to geopolitical curveballs, get ahead of what’s shaping Q2 and why an April surge may already be underway. Want to be a part of the show? Register to attend a live episode at nyshex.com/podcast
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26:58
From Rates to the Red Sea: Unpacking Q2 Market Shifts
What’s Really Driving Rates? Global Market Signals, Front-Loading Trends & Red Sea Fallout.In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen dive into what’s happening behind the headlines—from softening spot rates and post–Chinese New Year seasonality to the real impact of front-loading and the latest on Red Sea routing.Lars breaks down why demand data might be misleading, how inventory levels are shaping up, and what the declining cost of marine fuel could mean for shippers. Plus: What’s happening with the USTR's proposed vessel fees on Chinese-built ships, and why smaller ports and niche carriers may be hit hardest.We wrap with a hard look at Red Sea disruption, asymmetric conflict risk, and why stability—not speed—is top of mind for global carriers right now.Join the conversation and stay informed—subscribe, listen, and watch at nyshex.com/podcast
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23:00
Port Congestion - Where the Real Bottlenecks Lie - 3/17/25
Port congestion—it’s a phrase thrown around in logistics, but what does it actually mean? In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, hosts Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down the layers of port congestion, from bottlenecks at the quay to inefficiencies in inland infrastructure. They discuss how factors like crane productivity, labor dynamics, chassis availability, and even customs staffing shortages all play a role.Plus, they unpack the latest industry shakeups, including the Hutchison terminal sale in China and the ongoing Red Sea crisis. Tune in to understand where the real choke points are and what businesses can do to mitigate disruption.
The Supply Chain Secrets Podcast cuts through the noise to bring you real, unfiltered insights from the front lines of global logistics. Whether you’re a shipper, NVO, carrier, or just someone who needs to stay ahead of market shifts, we deliver analysis and hard-hitting conversations that actually matter. Visit nyshex.com/podcast to register to attend live!