1.WorldACD: Airfreight rates have risen by 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels.

On December 26th, according to the latest market data from WorldACD, the current global average airfreight rates are 50% higher than the levels before the pandemic. This is attributed to a significant rebound in demand and prices over the past few months, especially for cargo flights originating from China.

Preliminary data for Week 50 (December 11th to 17th) indicates that global cargo tonnage and average rates remain stable compared to the previous week. The recovery from the seasonal low after Thanksgiving is faster compared to the same period last year. These findings are based on over 400,000 transactions covered by WorldACD's weekly data.

Source: The Stat Trade Times

2.Southern Airlines Logistics Successfully Launches First Fully Independent Cross-Border Service in Central China Region

On December 26th, Southern Airlines Logistics transported a batch of goods via its first fully independent cross-border route from Wuhan Tianhe Airport to London Heathrow. These goods will be distributed to 212 consumers, covering the entire UK. This marks the successful launch of Southern Airlines Logistics' first fully independent cross-border service in the central China region. The cross-border route integrates the entire transportation chain, including the first mile, middle segment, and last mile. Platform sellers can enjoy end-to-end services, from doorstep pickup to final delivery, while consumers and sellers can access real-time logistics information for cross-border goods online.

Source: Southern Airlines Logistics

3.SF West Air Cargo Hub Expected to Complete Inspection and Acceptance by the End of Next Year

On December 26th, it was reported that the construction of SF West Air Cargo Hub project is progressing rapidly. Long Yuhua, the project manager of SF West Air Cargo Hub, stated that the primary structure construction is underway for the first distribution center. The construction of the second and third ramps is in progress for the three levels, and the fourth elevated platform is undergoing the primary structure construction for the second level. The plan is to complete the two-level main structure construction of the distribution center before the Chinese New Year and achieve the topping-out of all structures by June next year, aiming for completion and acceptance by the end of next year.

Source: China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing Air Cargo Branch

4.DHL and JAL Collaborate to Jointly Operate 767-300F

On December 26th, DHL International Express and Japan Airlines (JAL) signed a long-term contract to jointly operate JAL's Boeing 767-300 freighters. The goal of this new partnership is to meet the growing international express and e-commerce transportation demands in East Asia.

JAL's collaboration with DHL will support the previously announced plans to use Boeing 767-300ER freighters to connect Japan, Seoul, Shanghai, and Taipei. JAL is set to commence freight operations on February 19th next year. The company has already delivered one passenger-to-freighter converted 767-300ER and plans to add two more 767-300 freighters to its conversion orders.

Source: aircargo news

5.Cainiao International Expands Self-operated Delivery Stations in Spain

On December 26th, as the year-end promotions, such as "Double 11," "Black Friday," and Christmas, approach, Cainiao International Express is accelerating its expansion in Spain. It has added self-operated delivery stations in several regions, including Biscay, Asturias, Majorca, and La Coruña. In addition, trucks departing from Cainiao's Madrid distribution center to various regions are now making daily trips, speeding up the end-to-end delivery process, thanks to coverage in 47 cities.

Since officially launching its self-operated business in Spain in 2021, Cainiao's local self-operated delivery network's fulfillment capabilities have rapidly improved. In September this year, Cainiao, in collaboration with AliExpress, officially introduced the "Global 5-Day Delivery" international express service, with Spain being one of the first landing markets. During this year's Double 11 and Black Friday promotions, Cainiao's Madrid distribution center experienced an 800% YoY increase in daily parcel processing.

Source: Cainiao International

6.eBay US: eBay International Shipping Program Now Offers Combined Shipping Option

On December 26th, eBay announced that its new option, Combined Shipping, is now officially available in the eBay International Shipping Program. This option allows multiple items from the same order to be combined and shipped in one package. The Combined Shipping option enables buyers to purchase multiple items from the same seller and reduce shipping costs.

Sellers who have already registered for the eBay International Shipping Program do not need to take any action. All eligible items listed by the seller will automatically be updated, and combined shipping orders will be displayed in the same way as any other domestic order. Sellers only need to combine multiple items in the same package and ship them to the domestic shipping center established by the eBay International Shipping Program.

Source: eBay

7.Several Shipping Companies Impose Additional Fees on the Red Sea Route

On December 26th, due to recent incidents of merchant ships being attacked in the Red Sea area, several international shipping companies have announced the temporary suspension of the Red Sea route and subsequently stated that, due to the detour causing increased transportation costs, they will raise freight quotes.

Maersk Group announced that, starting from the 21st, it will impose an interruption surcharge on 27 routes affected by the Red Sea transportation blockade. Additionally, a new surcharge will be added to these routes starting next year. For example, on routes from North America to the Middle East, starting from January 1st next year, the transportation cost for a 20-foot standard container will increase by $1,000, approximately 7,100 Chinese Yuan.

DFDS Group has also announced that it will charge additional fees on 11 routes. For example, on the route from Northern Europe to Asia, the transportation cost for a 20-foot container has increased by $325, approximately 2,300 Chinese Yuan. German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd announced on the 22nd that it will also impose additional charges.

Source: CCTV Finance

8.Maersk Prepares to Resume Shipping Operations in the Red Sea

On December 26th, shipping giant Maersk stated that the company is preparing to resume shipping operations in the Red Sea. Earlier, the company had temporarily suspended the passage of its ships through the Strait of Mandeb in early December due to attacks on its vessels. Maersk mentioned that more details about the resumption would be announced in the coming days.

Source: Jiemian News