Our global freight forwarding network keeps our customers freight moving across the world.

MSC's new multimodal solution 'a significant step for Saudi logistics'

Supply chain stakeholders across the Persian Gulf continue to devise new regional connectivity strategies as widespread port disruption makes moving cargo in and out of the conflict zone a challenge. MSC has established an integrated multimodal transhipment service out of Saudi Arabia, claiming a first for the region, in collaboration with multiple local authorities, including MAWANI and ZATCA (customs). "The new corridor directly connects King Abdullah Port and Jeddah Islamic Port with King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam on the Arabian Gulf," said MSC's Saudi Arabia president and CEO, Hisham Al Ansari. He said Medlog, a group arm of MSC offering specialised intermodal logistics, would spearhead the multimodal operations. "The service combines road and rail connectivity via Riyadh Dry Port, creating a seamless inland corridor and enabling door-to-door connectivity for transhipment cargo across the kingdom," he added. Medlog has already "tested the waters" with a successful trial shipment along the corridor, the carrier claimed. Industry sources see the multimodal solution as a major boost for regional trade flow, with the potential to strengthen supply chain resilience and ease transit hurdles. "This is a significant step for Saudi logistics," one logistics executive said. "Through this integrated corridor, importers have the flexibility to choose their port of entry in a very volatile situation." Because of mounting congestion at Jeddah, MSC was already pushing customers to reroute shipments through King Abdullah Port. Indeed, industry updates suggest all mainline carriers serving Middle East trades have been struggling to get cargo out of alternative gateways in the region due to severe inland capacity shortages and cross-border complexities. As a result, some, particularly CMA CGM, have stopped accepting shipments to the Middle East that include haulage, where the cargo owner typically handles the landside leg of logistics. And the disruption continues to keep freight rates from India to Saudi Arabia elevated. According to market updates, average booking rates from Nhava Sheva (JNPA) are $6,000 per teu and $6,600 per 40ft for Jeddah/King Abdullah; and $5,800 and $7,000 for Dammam. Meanwhile, the Middle East war has taken a heavy toll on container volumes passing through DP World terminals - with flagship Jebel Ali the most bruised. Jebel Ali handled just 374,000 teu in Q2, crashing down 90% on the year, data shows, even as the port facility remains operational with intermittent shutdowns. As marine passage through the Strait of Hormuz remains a chokepoint, DP World has moved to invest in two new terminals in Fujairah, which has been a lifeline for disrupted Middle East supply chains. "This will provide cargo owners with greater flexibility, more choice, and enhanced supply chain resilience, while reinforcing our confidence in the UAE's future as a leading global trade and logistics hub," said the company.

De minimis is dead, and now legally buried

Key takeaway: The Court of International Trade's ruling that IEEPA authorizes the President to revoke duty-free treatment for sub-$800 imports removes the last legal uncertainty hanging over a year-old policy shift that has already reshaped cross-border parcel economics. The last shippers hoping the courts might resurrect the de minimis exemption can stop hoping. On August 13, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled unanimously that President Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to eliminate duty-free treatment ...

Expeditors: 'No signs of slowing demand from AI hyperscalers'

DHL Group coined 'smart industrial growth' during the current earning season. As far as data centres are concerned, all eyes are on what may happen if... actually... the financing boom outruns physical reality? We looked at that topic in detail yesterday, after some scary regulatory-related news emerged earlier this week from the US. At the same time, Expeditors - one of the top performers during the current earning season - answered in writing, its usual way, some key questions from investors.