Podcast appearances and mentions of lars jensen

Asia-North Europe rates are up another $400 week over week, the futures curve points higher still, and the Strait of Hormuz is open, closed, and open again depending on which hour you check. Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver cut through the noise on all of it.In this episode, Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver cover:NYFI update: Asia-North Europe spot rates at $3,563 and climbing, with July futures pointing $740 higher than current levels and August expectations also revised up. Asia-USWC at $4,264, up 6.3% week over week, with futures suggesting the Pacific apex may already be hereWhy the spread on Asia-USEC has widened to $2,000 between the 10th and 90th percentile -- and what that means for how you interpret the index relative to your own ratesThe Hormuz situation: an MoU, a declaration it was open, a declaration it was closed, vessels doing U-turns, and talks ongoing in Switzerland -- all within 72 hoursWhy CMA-CGM permanently shifting its FAL 3 service back to Suez on the backhaul is about capitalizing on peak season capacity, not just route normalizationA fifth piracy attempt in two weeks in the Gulf of Aden, why ultra-large container ships have a natural defense, and why smaller vessels are at greater riskWant to see the NYFI charts discussed in this episode? Upgrade to NYFI PROSubscribe to weekly podcast CliffsNotes sent directly to your inbox.

Hvordan kan Afrikas bedre integreres i verdenshandlen? Den internationalt anerkendte shippinganalytiker Lars Jensen sætter sig ind i sin autocamper og kører gennem 41 afrikanske lande for at finde svar. Med to uger til afrejse besøger han Syd for Sahara og fortæller om projektet.

Rates on Asia-North Europe and Asia-US West Coast are surging, a US-Iran memorandum of understanding has been signed, and El Niño is now official with an 88% chance of being historically severe. This week Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver cut through the noise on all three.In this episode, Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver cover:NYFI update: Asia-North Europe spot rates up $1,000 in a month with futures pointing higher still, and Asia-USWC breaking above $4,000 per 40-foot with a volatility spike driving record hedging activity using the NYFI indexWhy the rate rally is being driven by supply and demand fundamentals, not Hormuz fuel surcharges, and what CMA-CGM's $4,000 peak season surcharge announcement signals about carrier confidenceThe US-Iran memorandum of understanding: what it says, what it does not say, and why AIS data showed no change in vessel movement through the strait in the first 48 hoursPiracy resurgence in the Gulf of Aden and three attacks in two days including one on a Maersk feeder vesselEl Niño confirmed and now forecast as potentially the strongest on record: what Panama Canal shippers need to plan for nowSubscribe to weekly podcast CliffsNotes sent directly to your inbox.

Spot rates on Asia-Europe and Transpacific are climbing fast. The easy explanation is Hormuz. The right explanation is supply and demand, and the data Lars Jensen pulled this week makes the case clearly.In this episode, Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver cover:NYFI update: Asia-North Europe spot rates have now exceeded the Chinese New Year peak and are closing in on summer 2025 levels, with futures pointing higher. Asia-USWC and USEC continue their sustained upward trendWhy the rate surge is driven by demand outpacing capacity, not fuel surcharges: Asia-Europe demand up 12%, Transpacific up 11% in April, with capacity failing to keep pace on both tradesWhy the 22% capacity injection planned for Asia-Med in July is a Hormuz spillover effect, not a true demand signal, and what it means for peak seasonHormuz update: Iran-Israel escalation, EU sanctions on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Houthi re-entry into the conflict, and what closing Bab el-Mandeb would mean for Persian Gulf bypass routesPanama Canal draft restrictions effective July 3rd, what El Niño means for Lake Gatun water levels, and why Lars sees the early action as a positive signWhy Panamanian flag vessel registrations are dropping 1% per month and what the US-China geopolitical battle has to do with itDownload this week's NYFI ReadLog in to NYSHEX PRO and view the data: Asia-North EuropeAsia-USWC/USEC

Rates are climbing, carriers are piling on surcharges, and peak season is arriving ahead of schedule. This week Lars Jensen runs the numbers on why the market is where it is and it has everything to do with the Red Sea and almost nothing to do with how consumers are feeling.In this episode, Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver cover:Why Pacific and Asia-Europe spot rates continue their upward momentum and what the futures curve is signaling for peak season, including a sharp expected pullback as early as SeptemberThe statistical relationship between US consumer sentiment and container volumes: Lars ran the analysis and the correlation coefficient is 0.3. There effectively isn't one.Hormuz update: no deal, drone strikes on Kuwait, a suspected mine in Omani waters, and an MSC 18,000 TEU vessel that went dark for five days and reappeared off West AfricaHow CMA-CGM continues to quietly expand its Suez routing while every other carrier goes around AfricaChina PMI at exactly 50, and why the raw materials sub-index shooting above 60 post-Hormuz is the inflation signal worth watchingGlobal trade imbalances since 2019: full containers up 17%, fleet up 43%, TEU miles up 41% and empty container movements up 102%

Der er gang i den i de nordiske start up-miljøer, men hvilke tendenser ser særligt ud til at være fremherskende? Millionærklubben ser bagom børsmarkedet i forsøget på at aflure, hvad der kan være på vej af interessante tendenser derfra. Hør bl.a. hvad Lars Jensen, partner i Scale Capital, ser af muligheder i feltet, som på sigt kan komme det etablerede børsmarked til gode. I studiet vurderer HC Andersen Capitals aktiechef, Michael Friis Jørgensen, holdbarheden i momory chip-selskabernes seneste optur og tjekker desuden dagens åbningsniveauer på børserne omkring os. Vært: Bodil Johanne Gantzel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Freight rates on both Asia-Europe and Transpacific are strengthening and this week Lars breaks down why the driver is fundamentals, not Hormuz. Meanwhile, a vessel explosion in the Gulf of Oman adds fresh tension to an already fragile situation.In this episode, Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver cover:Why capacity injection on Asia-North Europe and Transpacific is running well below demand growth, and what that means for peak season ratesA breaking report of a vessel explosion in the Gulf of Oman and what it signals about the state of the Hormuz conflictThe five and a half billion dollar added fuel cost burden on the container shipping industry over the past three months and how it compares to total industry EBITGemini Alliance reliability bouncing back to 85% and a standout 98.5% on Asia-US West CoastThe UK ETS taking effect July 1st and the loophole it closes for carriers routing through UK portsUS consumer sentiment hitting its lowest reading since 1952, and whether that translates to freight demand

Transpacific rates are grinding higher into peak season while the Hormuz crisis shows no sign of resolution, and a new weather risk is quietly building for the Panama Canal.In this episode, Lars Jensen and guest host Don Davis cover:NYFI spot rate momentum on Asia-US West Coast and Asia-Europe, and what futures rates suggest for the next two monthsIran's tightening grip on Strait of Hormuz traffic, including vessel seizures and a potential threat to subsea data cablesCMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd suspending Cuba bookings following new US sanctionsA NOAA upgrade placing a 67% probability on a strong or very strong El Niño, and what that means for Panama Canal capacity heading into 2027Q1 2026 carrier results: Maersk gained market share; Hapag-Lloyd volume declined year-on-year

Pacific rates are flatlining but peak season signals are building, with freight futures pointing to a $900 per FEU jump on Asia-North Europe by July. Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, global container demand fell 2.4% year-on-year in March, and Maersk posted a second consecutive quarter of negative EBIT.In this episode, Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver cover:Rate movements across Asia-US West Coast, Asia-US East Coast, and Asia-North Europe, including what freight futures are signaling for peak seasonThe latest Hormuz developments including two new vessel attacks and the short-lived US military escort operationMarch global demand data: why the headline -2.4% masks a world that is otherwise still growing at 5-8%Maersk Q1 results and what two consecutive quarters of negative EBIT signals for carrier health

The Strait of Hormuz has been closed for two months, yet TransPacific and Asia-Europe freight rates are barely moving compared to the disruptions of 2024-2025. This week, Lars and Caroline put the Hormuz crisis in proper context and cover the other headlines reshaping ocean freight.In this episode, Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver cover:Why Pacific and Asia-Europe spot rates are rising on seasonality, not the Hormuz crisis, and what the futures market is signaling for peak seasonLive updates from the Strait of Hormuz: vessel escorts, Iranian attacks, and why seafarers face higher risk inside a military convoy than outside oneHow Khor Fakkan scaled from 100 to 6,000 trucks per day to route cargo around a closed straitChina's new blocking statutes, the EU analog that already exists, and why compliance is now a lose-lose for many companiesThe MEPC decision expanding ECA coverage to the Northeast Atlantic and the net zero framework clinging to life support ahead of November

Iran has seized two MSC vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, bookings into the Persian Gulf have collapsed 66% year over year, and Somali pirates are back. The maritime risk picture is deteriorating fast.In this episode, Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver cover:Transpacific NYFI movements by subtrade, including why Northeast Asia rates are more volatile than other originsWhy 20-foot and 40-foot rates on the Transatlantic have completely decoupled -- and what that means if you're shipping dense cargoAsia-North Europe spot rates weakening toward pre-crisis levels, while futures markets signal a recovery into MayIran seizing MSC vessels, the Hormuz closure, and the return of Somali piracyPlastics supply risk: why a Dow Chemical warning about ethylene and polyethylene shortages should be on every importer's radarOcean carrier reliability at 62% -- why the industry has systematically underperformed pre-pandemic norms, and what that means for global capacity

Ocean freight markets are sending mixed signals this week: Asia-Europe spot rates are falling, Pacific rates are ticking up, and Atlantic rates jumped sharply, but the bigger story is the widening spread between what different shippers are paying and what that uncertainty means.In this episode, Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver cover:Why expanding rate spreads across Asia-Europe, Transpacific, and Atlantic trades signal growing market uncertaintyThe Strait of Hormuz situation: the failed opening, vessel U-turns, Iranian attacks on ships, and what comes nextBunker fuel prices in context: why current levels, while high, are not the crisis they appear to beU.S. consumer sentiment hitting a 66-year record low and what that means for container volumes

US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of violating the current ceasefire, by firing at ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Lars Jensen, former director at Maersk, and now CEO at Vespucci Maritime spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

What could a US navy blockade at Strait of Hormuz mean for international shipping? Lars Jensen, a former director at Maersk, and now CEO at Vespucci Maritime spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

To tell us more about these arrangments, Maritime expert, Lars Jensen.

We get the latest on the war with Tara Kangarlou Global Affairs journalist and author of The Heartbeat of Iran. Also the impact of the US-Israeli war on Iran could be "substantially larger" than the economic chaos seen in the 1970s.That's the view of Lars Jensen, a shipping expert and former Director at Maersk.

We get the latest on the war with Tara Kangarlou Global Affairs journalist and author of The Heartbeat of Iran. Also the impact of the US-Israeli war on Iran could be "substantially larger" than the economic chaos seen in the 1970s.That's the view of Lars Jensen, a shipping expert and former Director at Maersk.

The Strait of Hormuz crisis has abruptly changed the tone of the ocean freight market.In this week's Supply Chain Secrets episode, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen are joined by Peter Stallion of Clarksons to unpack what is happening right now and what it means for shippers, carriers, and NVOCCs navigating another wave of volatility.Peter brings the perspective of one of the world's largest shipping brokers and futures market participants, explaining how financial tools are beginning to complement traditional freight procurement strategies.In this episode: • Why the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed to container shipping • How fuel spikes and emergency surcharges are spreading across global trades • Why freight indices have not yet fully captured the market shock • What freight futures actually are and why adoption is accelerating • How procurement teams can use hedging as a complement to carrier relationships and market expertiseThe big takeaway: volatility is no longer rare. The industry is beginning to develop tools designed to operate in it.

Recorded live during TPM26 in Long Beach, this episode breaks down the rapidly escalating situation involving Iran and what it means for ocean shipping immediately. Lars Jensen walks through the on-the-ground implications for the Strait of Hormuz and the ripple effects that can spread congestion and rate spikes far beyond the Middle East.The team also explains why “Phantom GRIs” show up in quote-based indices, what that means for contract negotiations, and why transaction-based indices like NYFI can help separate market sentiment from what shippers actually pay.Finally, NYSHEX CEO Gordon Downes joins to outline how index-linked contracts and hedging tools can help shippers and NVOCCs manage structural volatility, including practical first steps and how to get started.

This week's Supply Chain Secrets is jam-packed. Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver dig into sharp post–Chinese New Year moves: loaded spot rates falling faster than expected, spreads tightening across Pacific trades, and what that means for market certainty. We unpack carrier results, network changes from Ocean Alliance's “Day 10,” and real operational risk in the Red Sea return.The headline story: Hapag-Lloyd's agreement to acquire most of ZIM's fleet: what it means for Gemini, MSC, and competitive dynamics in the Transpacific and beyond. Lars breaks down why the deal matters strategically (fleet composition, charter vs. owned tonnage, and network implications), and why shippers, NVOCCs and carriers should be watching service reshuffles closely this contract season.If you want data-forward insight into where rates are actually moving, how to read market spreads (not just headlines), and what consolidation means for your routing and negotiation strategy — press play.

Freight markets are turning earlier—and faster—than seasonal patterns would suggest. In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen unpack why Pacific spot rates are collapsing well ahead of Chinese New Year, how this downturn compares to historical seasonality, and what that means for carriers and shippers alike.Lars also introduces a deeper way to look at the market: not just the headline rate, but the spread around it. Using real NYFI data, he explains how wide or narrow spreads reveal market uncertainty, negotiating power, and whether shippers are truly “in market.”The conversation then shifts to the latest on tariffs, global demand bifurcation, carrier earnings, and early steps toward a Red Sea reopening, including Gemini network moves and what a gradual return could look like in practice.A data-driven look at where the market is weakening, where risk remains, and how alignment—not headlines—matters most heading deeper into 2026.

Rates are rolling over earlier than expected, and the gap between quoted and paid freight rates is widening again.In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down what's driving the post–Chinese New Year slowdown, why quoted spot rates tend to exaggerate both peaks and troughs, and what that means for shippers heading into contract season. Lars also shares a concrete example showing how index choice alone can materially change freight costs—especially when proxies are used instead of actual loaded-rate data.The conversation then turns to trade policy and geopolitics, including fresh tariff threats, the EU–India trade deal, Q4 carrier earnings, Panama Canal developments, and renewed uncertainty in the Red Sea.For anyone planning budgets, contracts, or capacity in 2026, this episode offers timely perspective on where the market may head next—and where hidden risk still lives.

Freight markets are turning earlier than usual. In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down sharp declines in quoted rates, early signs that the Chinese New Year peak has already passed, and what actual paid spot rates are signaling across key trades.Lars also walks through a real-world example showing how choosing the wrong index in an index-linked contract can materially impact costs, underscoring why detail matters as indexing gains traction. The conversation then turns to tariffs and the Red Sea, where new signals—from carrier routing decisions to a fresh Houthi warning—suggest risk may not be fully behind us yet.A practical discussion on what shippers should watch as volatility continues into 2026.

As 2026 gets underway, early signals are already diverging. In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen are joined by Matthew Chicalace of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics to break down the growing gap between quoted and paid rates, early NYFI movements post–Chinese New Year, and what those signals really say about the market.The conversation also dives into rising interest in index-linked contracts, how forwarders and carriers are approaching contract season, and why volatility remains structural. Finally, Lars unpacks the latest developments around the Red Sea reopening, geopolitical risks tied to Iran and Greenland, and how quickly trade lanes could shift again in 2026.A timely discussion on how shippers are navigating uncertainty—and why flexibility and alignment matter more than ever.

As 2026 gets underway, early market signals are already diverging. In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down where freight rates are heading post-Chinese New Year, what the latest Container Trade Statistics reveal about global demand, and why North America continues to lag the rest of the world.They also explore escalating geopolitical risks — from Iran and the Strait of Hormuz to Greenland and terminal ownership — and what these flashpoints could mean for global shipping lanes, capacity, and pricing. Finally, the conversation returns to a familiar conclusion: volatility isn't going away, and understanding the gap between quoted and paid rates is becoming more critical than ever.A timely look at what's shaping early 2026 — and why shippers should stay alert.

This week on Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen are joined by Sagil Capital Partner Mark Hendricks to break down how freight rate volatility is affecting both shippers and investors. They cover the latest NYFI and SCFI movements, widening differences between sub-trades, the newest global reliability numbers, and updates on the ONE Henry Hudson and Red Sea routing. Mark shares how equity investors value shipping companies in unstable markets and why futures and hedging tools matter as 2026 looks increasingly unpredictable.In this episode:Rate swings across Pacific and East Coast tradesHow investors model volatility in shipping equitiesWhy futures and hedging could lower financing riskUpdates on reliability, general average, and Red Sea trafficA fast, digestible look at the forces shaping container shipping and financial markets heading into 2026.

Rates are dropping, pirates are reappearing, and demand is diverging across the globe. In this episode, Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver unpack what last week's NYSHEX London event revealed about market volatility — and why the container industry's “old normal” isn't coming back.They cover:Sir Richard Dearlove's surprising optimism on the Red Sea crisisWhy NYFI data shows loaded spot rates collapsing againThe widening gap between 20' and 40' ratesWhat's behind North America's lagging demandAnd yes — the return of Somali piracy.Because in container shipping, stability isn't the new normal — adaptability is.

Container shipping just won't sit still.This week, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen unpack the latest volatility across global trades — from Pacific spot rates showing strange regional “vibrations,” to a 20–30% capacity surge on the transatlantic that's pushing rates to decade lows.They also break down the temporary pause in the U.S.–China trade war — what it really means for importers heading into 2026 — and why a new uptick in Somali piracy adds one more layer of complexity to an already unsettled market.Topics include:Pacific rate patterns after Golden WeekMSC's mega-vessels reshaping the AtlanticThe U.S.–China tariff “ceasefire” and its 12-month deadlineRenewed piracy risks off East Africa

Freight rates might look like they're holding steady — but when you adjust for inflation, the real story tells a very different tale.In this week's Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down why inflation-adjusted freight rates on major trade lanes have quietly slipped below pre-pandemic levels, even as indices like the SCFI show nominal increases.They also discuss how politically charged tariffs are blurring the line between trade policy and politics, and why a single Caribbean port closure could trigger ripple effects across the Americas.

What happens when AWS failures disable your Stop Recording button?You let Lars Jensen keep talking — and you get one of the most in-depth updates yet. In this week's Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars unpack:Why IMO's “Net Zero” framework just became a zombie proposal,How that decision could stall billions in green-fuel investment,Why spot-rate spikes may be more sentiment than substance, andThe latest on the Red Sea ceasefire and tariff tension between the U.S. and China.This episode proves that when you can't stop recording, you might just capture your best conversation yet.

Tariff whiplash, “China's USTR,” and a carbon levy vote—yet spot rates look oddly calm. Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen cut through the chaos: Trump's 100% tariff warning vs. the Nov 10 tariff snap-back, China's mirror policy (including the 25% ownership twist), and last-minute U.S. duties on ship-to-shore cranes (with 150% proposed on terminal gear). We also unpack why Trans-Pac spot rates paid are at ~12-month lows despite $3k GRI filings, and what CTS load-date demand says about where volumes are really headed.What you'll learn:How (and whether) to front-load, and what carriers' GRI filings signal vs. what's likely to stickThe operational ripple effects of China's mirror rules—beyond US–China lanesMEPC carbon levy timing (2027 processes, 2028 payments), plus U.S. retaliation talk and practical impactPlaybook: procurement timing for port equipment, contract/GRI strategy, and communicating risk to your CFOActionable guidance in under 30 minutes—so you can protect margins before the next headline hits.

The one and only Tichoblanco, aka Tichoblancoshoes, aka just plain old Ticho, is BACK. Where's he been?Well he'll tell ya all about that. What's he been up to? The biggest answer to that is: happily grinding on his Østmo x Iron Boots project along with Cheng and Kai from Iron Boots, and Østmo boots mad genius maker Lars Jensen. Lars was actually our first-ever guest on this show, back at a time when he was still making any boot he wanted, in any size, and any leather, and getting hundreds of people to enter a lottery for it. The power of Lars.Ticho's here to recount his personal story of meeting Lars even before all THAT, and how their pan-oceanic friendship eventually birthed one of the cooler and most unique ongoing collaborations out there anywhere—which is about to hit an entirely new level, one you'll be able to see up close at Boot Camp 2025 Chicago this November. Yes we'll talk about that too. Here's the man they call Tichoblanco, on the Shoecast.  Support the Shoecast, get full bonus episode access, and join the most interesting shoe-and-boot-loving community on the internet with a Stitchdown Premium membershiphttps://www.stitchdown.com/join-stitchdown-premium/Check out our site!https://www.stitchdown.com/2025 dates and location for Stitchdown's Boot Camp 3—the world's fair of shoes and boots and leather and more—coming soon.https://www.stitchdownbootcamp.com/

In this week's Supply Chain Secrets podcast, hosts Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen unpack the latest developments shaping container shipping and global trade.Lars calls in from Curaçao with an update on freight rates across the Pacific and how carriers' blank sailings are reshaping capacity as Golden Week slows volumes. He dives into the USTR's new restrictions on Chinese-owned vessels — and how China's maritime legislation hints at potential retaliation against U.S. shipping interests.The episode also explores:Why “booked vs. shipped” rates can tell two very different stories — and how indices like NYFI reveal what's actually moving in the marketHow the IMO's new charcoal transport regulations aim to prevent vessel firesThe latest on Red Sea security after another Houthi attack on a Dutch multipurpose vessel, and the EU's ongoing Operation Aspides responsePacked with context, clarity, and real-world insights, this episode breaks down how data, policy, and geopolitics continue to collide across the global supply chain.

The latest Supply Chain Secrets dives into the widening gap between quoted rates and what's actually paid. Lars Jensen explains how the NYFI reveals a “phantom peak” that never materialized on the Trans-Pacific, the sharp declines on Asia–South America, and why Golden Week isn't offering carriers relief.We also break down Trump's tariff announcements, what the upcoming USTR fees mean for carriers (and how Seaspan and Hede Shipping are reacting), and look ahead at the vessel order book and why 2027 could mark the bottom of the cycle.

In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down the latest volatility in container shipping. Asia–Europe rates continue their seasonal slide, while the Pacific faces a dramatic collapse in demand just as carriers push blank sailings. Lars explains why the gap between quoted and paid spot rates matters, why blank sailings may slow—but not stop—rate erosion, and how Golden Week timing is shaping strategy. The conversation also covers the looming U.S.–China tariff pause deadline, MEPC decarbonization politics, and CMA-CGM's latest move in intermodal rail.

In this week's episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down the latest shifts across major trades.Asia–Europe: Spot rates dip below spring levels, but Lars explains why it's not yet a full collapse.Trans-Pacific: A striking bifurcation—rates out of Southeast Asia/China erode while Northeast Asia (Korea, Japan) surges by $500/FEU.Atlantic: After months of stability, head-haul rates slide from $1,800 to $1,500 per FEU.Capacity Updates: Carriers move beyond blank sailings, with Gemini canceling an entire service for Q1 2025.Tariff Watch: Mexico considers hikes on Chinese imports, raising the specter of retaliation.Safety & Compliance: Nearly 11% of cargo is misdeclared—new AI initiatives aim to reduce fires, accidents, and container losses.Get the latest maritime news here!

In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen unpack the latest twists in global trade. They cover falling Asia–Europe spot rates, unexpected tariff exemptions affecting hundreds of commodities, and the stark divide between booming global container demand and declining U.S. volumes. Lars also sheds light on rumors around HMM's ownership shift and the sudden tightening of U.S. visa rules for seafarers—changes that could complicate crew logistics for ocean carriers. 

What's harder than catching Lars Jensen on stable Wi-Fi? Predicting what's next in global supply chains.Fresh off summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, Lars' next stop was Comoros — and let's just say the Wi-Fi didn't make the climb. But a spotty signal can't stop Supply Chain Secrets. This week's update is packed with hard-hitting market realities for shippers, forwarders, and carriers alike:Trans-Pacific spot rates slipping into unsustainable territoryTariff risks that could shake demand just before the holidaysService cancellations tied to USTR fees and alliance shiftsAir freight providers pulling back on small parcels under new rulesA fiery disruption at Hamburg adding to Europe's bottlenecksFrom mountain peace to market pressure, this episode captures the contrast between digital detox and supply chain chaos.

In this episode, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down the latest shifts in ocean freight rates, revealing why long-term contracts offer far less insulation from spot market volatility than many shippers think. They compare NYFI and CTS data to show the hidden correlation between contract and spot pricing, then dive into a volatile week in trade policy—from unpredictable “reciprocal” tariffs to a surprise penalty on Indian imports that could hit cargo loaded before the rules even existed. 

This week on Supply Chain Secrets, Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver dive deep into the tariff chaos rattling US importers, a collapse in 20-foot container rates with big implications for US exporters, and why equipment shortages could blindside your bookings. Plus, we unpack reliability stats, looming Q4 deadlines, and the twist in the Hutchison Ports deal that's reigniting geopolitical tension in Panama. 

Is peak season already over? In this no-holds-barred episode of Supply Chain Secrets, guest host Don Davis and industry veteran Lars Jensen deliver a firehose of insight. They expose the vanished Trans-Pacific peak, decode the chaos behind West vs. East Coast rate disparities, and unpack what looming tariffs and overcapacity mean for your freight strategy.Lars dives deep into real NYFI spot rate data, global emissions trends, and the shipping industry's dirty secret: a structural overcapacity problem that scrapping and slow steaming can't solve. Don adds frontline insight into customer booking behavior, holiday crunch risks, and why shippers may be gambling too long on a “wait-and-see” strategy.Key Takeaways for Shippers:Peak season came—and went. Are you behind already?Why East Coast rates are holding—but West Coast optimism vanished.16% fleet growth vs. 10% TEU growth = long-term overcapacity warning.How new EU emissions data proves carriers are speeding up—but still late.The October Chinese Golden Week could cause a crunch. Are you ready?If you ship cargo, this is the insider episode you can't afford to miss.

This week on Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down the rollercoaster of recent Trans-Pacific rates—why they surged, why they collapsed just as quickly, and how tariffs are reshaping peak season entirely. They explore how geopolitical uncertainty and shifting trade policy are leaving both carriers and shippers scrambling. Plus, Lars explains why August 1 could be a breaking point for U.S. importers trying to plan amid chaos. 

In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver returns from Iceland to catch up with Lars Jensen on a whirlwind of global trade developments. They unpack the escalating U.S.-Canada dispute triggered by Canada's Digital Services Tax, analyze softening Trans-Pacific rates despite high quotes, and spotlight a surprise spike in Atlantic westbound rates. Lars also breaks down the unusually tight Asia–East Coast South America market and a sudden border closure between Thailand and Cambodia. Plus, for once—some good geopolitical news as tensions ease in the Iran–Israel conflict. 

In this episode, guest host Don Davis joins Lars Jensen to unpack what he calls the most drastic market swing since the financial crisis. Spot quotes from Asia to the USWC surged—then plummeted in real-world execution, with a $1,500 per FFE drop in just one week. Lars breaks down the data gap between quotes and actual bookings, and how mismatched timing between demand and capacity triggered a rapid unwinding. They also explore the geopolitical implications of rising Middle East tensions and how it could impact shipping lanes and oil prices. A must-listen for anyone watching rates, risk, and reliability in today's supply chain.

In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, guest host Don Davis and Lars Jensen unpack the latest ripple effects across global shipping. From the unfolding Israel-Iran conflict and misinformation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, to erratic Trans-Pacific freight rates and spot rate premiums from Northeast Asia, they break down what's real, what's noise, and what it means for shippers. Plus, they explore how U.S.-China tariff confusion and European port congestion could reshape peak season planning. Amid all the volatility, one thing is clear: the supply chain is strained—but still standing. 

Spot rate indices are surging, but what are shippers actually paying? In this episode, Lars Jensen joins from Sicily (yes, right next to an erupting volcano) to unpack why the NYFI freight index is diverging from traditional benchmarks like the SCFI. Caroline and Lars explore how quote-based indices can mislead, what's really happening on the ground, and why South America's demand boom is quietly reshaping capacity flows. Plus, they discuss how upcoming tariff shifts, port disruptions, and demand front-loading could whiplash the market by August. Sign up for free NYFI freight rate data at nyshex.com/indices

In this week's episode of the Supply Chain Secrets Podcast, Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver unpack the sharp spike in spot rates out of China, dissect new capacity injections, and clarify the latest legal developments around U.S. tariffs. From NYFI and SCFI comparisons to the ripple effects on global reliability and port congestion, this episode offers timely insight for shippers navigating a market in flux.Sign up for free NYFI freight index data at nyshex.com/indices

This week on Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen unpack the realities behind recent shifts in container pricing and trade policy. With U.S.–China tariffs in limbo, and equipment imbalances starting to ripple across the market, Lars estimates up to 500,000 TEU of cargo could be waiting in China—setting the stage for potential U.S. port congestion and a spot rate surge.Also on deck:-Why 20-foot containers are sometimes more expensive than 40s—and how NYFI reveals the volatility-What makes NYFI different from other indices when market pressure builds-A breakdown of the USTR revision and its overlooked inland impacts-The UK–EU trade deal as a sign of more non-U.S. alliances to comeGet the facts. Spot the trends. Subscribe to the NYFI:

This week on Supply Chain Secrets, Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver unpack the biggest trade development of the year: a surprise 90-day tariff pause between the U.S. and China. But don't be fooled—this isn't a trade deal, it's a ceasefire. Lars breaks down the predictable—and chaotic—domino effects already unfolding: empty shelves, congested ports, volatile freight rates, and a scramble to move peak-season cargo before the next deadline hits. Plus, they explore the latest NYSHEX Freight Index (NYFI) data and what it reveals about rates, equipment risk, and demand distortions. From peak season panic to port bottlenecks, this episode helps shippers brace for what's next.

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.