Ground Freight








Asia

North America

Ground Freight

Ontario asks for federal assistance to evacuate remote Canadian towns as wildfires ravage them

Canada is experiencing more wildfires now than in mid-July of the previous two years, and the area that has been burned has increased compared to the year 2025. The majority of fires are located in remote parts of central provinces such as Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. In recent years, wildfires have affected remote indigenous communities disproportionately. Indigenous Services Canada reported that 1,600 people had been evacuated due to fires in First Nations communities as of July 15, 2015. CBC News reported that the Namaygoosisagagun First Nation in northwestern Ontario, also known by its former name Collins First Nation was evacuated...

Ground Freight

Ontario seeks federal assistance for evacuations due to wildfires, as the smoke spreads

Ontario asked for federal assistance on Thursday to evacuate people from remote northern communities that were ravaged by wildfires. Smoke brought poor air quality to Toronto and the Northeastern U.S. Canada now has more active fires than in the previous two years, and has a larger burned area compared to the year 2025. The majority of fires are located in remote parts of central provinces such as Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. Jill Dunlop said that Ontario's Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Jill Dunlop stated on X, "In response the the significant threat of wildland fires in the north of Ontario, the...

Ground Freight

Canadian wildfire smoke chokes Toronto and threatens US cities

Toronto's air quality was the worst in the world on Wednesday, as smoke from wildfires in?northwestern?Ontario smoldered the skies and spread to the northeastern United States. Residents were warned about their health and asked to limit outdoor activity. Environment Canada reported that Toronto's Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), which is classified as "very risky," was 10+. Forecasts indicated that hazardous conditions might persist until Thursday night. New York City started feeling the effects a few days before the World Cup Final in New Jersey on Sunday. Local authorities issued a warning when air quality reached a dangerous level. They urged...

Ground Freight & Logistics

Toronto's air quality is the worst in the world due to wildfires in Northern Ontario

Toronto's air ranked as the worst among major cities worldwide on Wednesday as smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario darkened skies and prompted residents to limit outdoor activity as temperatures continued to rise. Environment Canada reported that Toronto's Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), which is classified as "very risky," was 10+. Forecasts indicated that hazardous conditions might persist until Thursday night. IQAir, a Swiss company that specializes in air quality, ranked Toronto the world's worst city for air quality, beating out Kinshasa, Delhi, and other cities. In recent years, wildfire smoke from Canada's north has spread to large areas of...

Ground Freight

Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific defend proposed $85 Billion Merger

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have told an U.S. government agency that they are willing to sell?stakes? in smaller railroads, as part of the $85 billion proposed?merger. The deal will create the first U.S. coast to coast?freight railroad?operator. Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have said that they will not be able to control the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis, Kansas City Terminal Railway or TTX Company following the merger. The railroads, which are owned jointly with other major carriers, are operated by independent management. Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have said that they will divest their ownership in these...

Ground Freight

FedEx Freight predicts a revenue growth of up to 6% for the rest of 2026

FedEx Freight announced on Thursday that it expects its revenue to 'rise between 4% and 6% in the seven months leading up to December 31, while adjusted operating income will grow between 0.8% and 7.5%. This comes just weeks after completing a'separation? from parent FedEx Corp. FedEx Freight, based in Memphis, is the leading provider of LTL (less-than-truckload) services. Multiple shipments, from multiple customers, are transported on one truck and then routed via a network service centers where they're transferred to other trucks that have similar destinations. Freight trucking firms have reported?improved industrial demand, citing U.S. manufacturing activity that?grew for...

Logistics

FedEx drops on margin concerns, as investors consider freight impact

FedEx shares fell 6% on Wednesday before the bell, as lower margins in the core delivery segment sparked investor concerns about the company's transition following the spinoff?of?its highly profitable trucking division. FedEx spun off its FedEx Freight trucking division earlier this month in an effort to focus more on its delivery business. Investors are scrutinizing the slimmed down company to boost profits and reduce cost. FedEx Federal Express' operating margin fell from 8.4% to 7.7% as employee salaries, benefits and outsourced transportation costs increased. The U.S. Logistics firms, including UPS and FedEx, have seen their volume drop due to the...

Logistics

FedEx's margin hit is a concern for investors as they gauge the freight spin-off company's fortunes

FedEx shares fell 7% on Wednesday before the bell, due to investor concerns about the 'transition' of the company following the spin-off of its highly profitable trucking unit. FedEx spun off its trucking division, FedEx Freight earlier this month, in an effort to focus on the delivery business. Investors are scrutinizing the slimmed down company to boost profits and reduce cost. FedEx Federal Express' operating margin fell from 8.4% to 7.7% as employee salaries, benefits and outsourced transportation costs increased. Fuel prices have risen due to the Iran 'war' and changes in U.S. Trade Policies. Volumes have also been affected...

Logistics

FedEx expects a 11% increase in revenue by 2026 after strong fourth-quarter profits on pricing

FedEx, a global delivery company, said that it expects its revenue to increase?about 11 percent and earnings per share to be in the range of 16 to 18 dollars. This comes after reporting on Tuesday a higher profit for the fourth quarter, helped by increased rates. FedEx's fiscal year has been aligned with the calendar. The fiscal year of FedEx ended on May 31, previously. This comes just weeks after FedEx Freight was spun off on June 1, as part of a multi-year effort to streamline its operations and reduce costs by billions of dollars. FedEx reported an adjusted profit...

Transport Infrastructure

Grupo Mexico, U.S. partner eye Argentina grain freight network in Milei privatization push

Mexico's Grupo Mexico Transportes (GMXT), has signed a contract with the United States. Wabtec, a rail technology company, will bid jointly for Argentine's state-run cargo operator Belgrano Cargas y Logistica BCYL (BCYL), a GMXT employee said on Thursday. Source requested anonymity as they were not authorized by GMXT to discuss the deal. The privatization of BCYL, which is proposed by President Javier Milei, is part of his drive to transfer state owned companies into private ownership. Argentina will soon publish the documents for the privatization of BCYL. BCYL operates three of the largest freight trains in Argentina. The company didn't...

Ground Freight & Logistics

Wall Street indexes drop 1% due to tech and Iran War worries

Investors are uncertain as the major U.S. indexes closed more than 1% down on Wednesday. Chipmaker shares have continued to decline and renewed tensions between?the U.S. After one of the largest exchanges of gunfire overnight in the Middle East War since April, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. will attack Iran "very hard". Nvidia, Broadcom and other semiconductor companies were the main drags on the S&P 500. Investors are concerned about the stretched valuations in the semiconductor sector. The Cboe Volatility Index has advanced for the second consecutive day. In recent days, volatility has increased. Tom Hainlin is an...

Transport Infrastructure

US lawmakers propose to end 12% excise duty on heavy-duty vehicles

Two U.S. Senators proposed Tuesday to 'end' the 12% federal excise tax for heavy-duty trucks. They said that this could increase sales of cleaner, newer models. Republican Senator Todd Young, and Democrat Senator Angela Alsobrooks, noted that the tax "adds between $15,000 and $30,000 to the price of a new heavy truck, trailer or semi-trailer chassis and tractor" and encourages the continued use of older vehicles. Engines from before 2010 are found in about?one fifth of the largest trucks on the roads. Alsobrooks stated that the bill would support "a modern trucking sector, allowing the adoption of newer trucks which...

Europe

Passenger Transportation Services

German rail operator targets 80% on-time performance for long distances by 2035

The German state-owned rail company Deutsche Bahn aims to achieve 80% punctuality for 'long-distance' traffic by 2035. This is when the company hopes to complete a years-long reorganization and network overhaul. Evelyn Palla, the chief executive of the company, presented this goal to its supervisory board Wednesday as part a 10-year plan. Palla stated that the group would abandon earlier, growth-driven plans and focus on "realistic facts" instead. Germany's rail champion has become a symbol of national frustration. Deutsche Bahn has stated that in?2025 only a little over 60% of its long-distance train services will be on time. Deutsche Bahn...

Passenger Transportation Services

Deutsche Bahn blames technical issue for nationwide rail standstill

A'security source' said that nothing indicated sabotage. After one of the largest incidents in the history of the country, train services were resumed Wednesday. The incident affected passengers on regional and long-distance trains as well some local transport networks. The scheduled replacement of a technical component appears to be the cause of the disruption yesterday of the GSM-R system digital railway radio, according to Philipp Nagl of Deutsche Bahn Infrastructure. He added that "we are analysing how this disruption occurred as a matter a highest priority" in a statement. A security source stated that despite repeated warnings by intelligence agencies...

Ground Freight & Logistics

Prologis, based in the U.S., makes a $16.6 billion offer for UK Segro Public after being rejected

Prologis announced on Wednesday that warehouse landlord Segro had rejected its PS12.6billion ($16.62billion) all-share acquisition proposal. The British firm urged shareholders, to pressure the British board to engage the U.S. Logistics firm. Prologis argued that the FTSE 100 company has traded at a persistent discounted to its net 'asset value. It also faces structural constraints, including limitations on its balance sheet which prevents it from unlocking 'value in its data center development pipeline and artificial intelligence. Prologis urged Segro shareholders to encourage the Segro Board to engage with Prologis in order to present a binding proposal to Segro's shareholders. Segro...

Western Europe

East Asia

Transport Infrastructure

RPT-LME is considering easing rules in order to promote Hong Kong as a metals hub

Four industry sources have said that the London Metal Exchange may ease rules to boost Hong Kong's status as a "metals location", including allowing aluminium storage outside. This is in line with China's "drive" for greater influence on global metals markets. Hong Kong was designated as an LME warehouse in July 2025. However, very little metal has actually been deposited since then. Two sources claimed that HKEx executives asked warehouse companies to remove any barriers in order to make Hong Kong a viable storage location. In a consultation paper published in March, the 149-year old LME suggested outside storage for...

Transport Infrastructure

LME looks at easing rules for Hong Kong to become a metals hub

Four industry sources have said that the London Metal Exchange is looking at easing its rules to promote Hong Kong as a "metals location". This is in response to China's desire for greater control over global metals markets. Hong Kong became an LME warehouse in July 2025. However, very little metal was deposited since then. Two sources claimed that HKEx executives asked warehouse companies to remove any barriers in order to make Hong Kong a viable storage location. In a consultation paper published in March, the 149-year old LME suggested outside storage for aluminum "on a site-by-site basis". Four sources...

Ground Freight

Media reports: South Korea's concrete delivery halt threatens Samsung and SK Hynix chip factory work

South Korean media reported that the industrial action of South Korean truckers tasked with transporting concrete could delay major expansion projects at semiconductor 'plants by SK Hynix and?Samsung Electronics. The National Ready-Mixed Concrete Transport Workers' Union has suspended deliveries throughout the Seoul metropolitan region starting Monday. It said that this work stoppage would affect?around 8,000 members, as they demanded higher rates and other changes. The Chosun Ilbo reported that the participating union members blocked deliveries from?two cement plants in Pyeongtaek on Thursday, stopping the pouring concrete at the site of Samsung Electronics's chip plant. According to South Korea's Newsis, citing...

Ground Freight & Logistics

AFC partners with regional and international lenders, including Citi, for Lobito Corridor

A senior official revealed that the Africa Finance Corporation, the lead developer of the U.S.-backed Lobito mineral transport corridor, is in discussions with at least 10 African and foreign financiers including Citigroup to raise $3-5 billion for this project. The AFC has begun preparing for the construction of a key transport project, which will combine existing and new railway lines to link copper and cobalt mining areas with?Angola’s Atlantic port of Lobito. The project is a part of Washington’s effort to curb Chinese influence and secure access to strategic metals, minerals, and coal in Africa. AFC is currently in discussions...

Ground Freight

Standard Chartered provides $2.33 billion in funding for Tanzania Railway

Standard Chartered Bank announced on Tuesday that it had successfully arranged a $2.33billion syndicated finance facility?for a Standard 'Gauge -Railway?Project?in Tanzania. The money will be used to finance two stretches on a planned 1,219 km rail line linking the port and commercial capital of Dar es Salaam with?the lakeside town of Mwanza. The bank said that Yapi Merkezi, a Turkish company, and China's China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation would be responsible for the work. The bank added that funding was obtained from commercial banks, export credit agencies and development finance institutions. The bank said: "The construction of the Standard Gauge...

Transport Infrastructure

Argentina port protest delays 10 ships waiting for grain

A source said that?truckers blocking access to the terminal in Argentina's Quequen port, who were demanding higher freight rates, caused at least 10 vessels to be delayed on Tuesday. Source: "No trucks entering with grain. We are completely paralyzed." Source: The protest was'staged by truckers camped along the road leading to the port. They are blocking grain trucks from passing while they negotiate tariff increases with grain storage companies and farm producer groups,' the source stated. In 2025, Quequen in the Buenos Aires province loaded 2.4 millions metric tons (that's 20%) of soybeans, which is equal to the oilseeds exported...

Ground Freight

CME approves the storage of aluminium and lead in Hong Kong

CME Group, the U.S. commodities trading exchange, has approved its first base metal storage facility in Hong Kong. This is a move to expand its warehousing footprint in Asia. CME said in a Friday statement that it had approved GKE Metal Logistics’ application to store aluminium, lead and deliverables against Comex aluminium futures and lead 'futures' in the Chinese Special Administrative Region. The statement stated that the GKE site has a storage capacity of 6,500 metric tonnes for both aluminium and lead. In 'February, it was reported that the CME would?approve the storage facilities in Hong Kong and Taiwan in...

Ground Freight

South Korea is considering nationwide driving restrictions as oil prices rise

Senior officials have said that South Korea may extend driving restrictions to the public if global oil prices continue to rise. This is because authorities are trying to curb energy demand amid supply constraints due to the U.S./Israeli war against Iran. Finance Minister Koo Yon-cheol'said 'on Sunday that the government may expand restrictions on the use of passenger cars beyond public institutions if oil prices increase to $120-$130 a barrel, from the current range of $100-$110. The policy, if it were to be extended to all citizens, would mark the first national driving restrictions since 1991, when the government implemented...

Ground Freight

The record soybean harvest is slowed by the backlog of trucks at Brazil River port

The logistics of one of the main export hubs in the world for soybeans are being overwhelmed by a record harvest. Backlogs for soybeans being moved from the world's biggest producer and exporter highlight ongoing logistical challenges in Brazil's agriculture supply chain. A large portion of Brazil's soybean harvest is headed for China. It's a shame here in Miritituba," said trucker Jeferson Borges da Silva who, after driving 1,200km from Mato Grosso waited for a?30 km (20 mile) queue. "We have been waiting in line for 2 days, this was the worst year yet." Miritituba is a crucial transshipment point...

Ground Freight

HOLD Gupta, a businessman, was denied permission to appeal the Trafigura nickel fraud case.

The 'London High Court' refused to allow Indian businessman Prateek gupta, who was found guilty of defrauding commodities trader Trafigura by using fake nickel cargoes. The Geneva-based 'Trafigura' alleged that Gupta had been the mastermind behind a fraudulent "Ponzi Scheme" where he and his firms agreed to deliver high-quality nickel 99.8% but delivered low-value materials or even worthless ones instead. Gupta admitted he didn't deliver high-grade Nickel cargoes, but said Trafigura?staff designed the scheme. Former Trafigura head nickel trader Sokratis Oikonomou denies this. Last month, Judge Pushpinder Saini found that Gupta's companies and Gupta had induced Trafigura to sign contracts...

Ground Freight

Sources say CME will list Hong Kong and Taiwan warehouses as part of the Asia Aluminium push.

Three sources who are directly familiar with the matter have confirmed that CME Group will approve Taiwan and Hong Kong to be warehouse locations for aluminum. This is as the U.S. commodity exchange intensifies its competition against the London Metal Exchange (LME) Asia. The new locations planned would be a major expansion for CME, as the region accounted last year for two thirds of the global production of metals used in packaging and transportation. CME's Asian warehouse footprint is currently limited to Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea. C. Steinweg and Pacorini Global Services, warehouse operators in Taiwan's port of Kaohsiung...

Ground Freight

In January, the share of copper from China in LME stock fell.

Data from the London Metal Exchange showed that in January, the share of China-made metal in available London Metal Exchange stock fell as metals from other Asian nations, South America, and?Africa flooded in. Available copper inventories The?LME?is at its highest level since late February 2025, as it has become the preferred place for traders to store metals in the U.S.A. and Asia. Data showed that the percentage of copper stocks of Chinese origin in LME's warehouses - those on warrant or available - was 70% at the end last month. This is down from 79% in December. A LME warrant...