The Freight Buyers' Club

Mike King
  • 5.0 (3)
  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
The Freight Buyers' Club

The Freight Buyers’ Club podcast is a new home for anyone with a professional interest in international trade, container shipping, procurement, logistics and air cargo. Each episode your host, award-winning journalist Mike King, will be speaking to leading decision-makers, analysts, journalists, operators and shippers to get their take on current freight and logistics markets and the challenges and opportunities ahead. You can subscribe to receive each episode direct to your inbox at: thefreightbuyersclub.com

  1. 4D AGO

    The Great American Shipping Reset: Tariffs, Port Fees & Policy Fallout

    Major new U.S. shipping policies are here — and they’re shaking global trade. In this special two-part episode of the Freight Buyers’ Club, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, we break down the latest U.S. tariffs, port fee changes, and policy strategy shifts that are reshaping global trade, logistics and freight. In Part One: Tactical Insights for Shippers & Importers We’re joined by: ➡️ Cindy Allen, CEO of Trade Force Multiplier & former CBP/FedEx exec ➡️ Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta Topics covered: ✔️ New U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports ✔️ De minimis changes (under $800 rules) ✔️ SME survival strategies amid tariff chaos ✔️ How shipping companies are adapting ✔️ What this means for the Transpac contract season ⚓ In Part Two: The Strategy Behind the Chaos (from 35.00) We talk to: ➡️ John McCown, maritime veteran, author & former liner exec ➡️ Sal Mercogliano, maritime historian & creator of What’s Going on With Shipping We dig into: ✔️ The White House plan to rebuild U.S. maritime dominance ✔️ Controversial port fees on Chinese-built vessels ✔️ Shipbuilding policy & Jones Act barriers ✔️ America’s maritime labour crisis ✔️ U.S. rejection of IMO emissions rules ✔️ Section 301 investigations & chokepoint strategy   LINKS & RESOURCES: Ep. 39 with NRF’s Jon Gold: #39 The White House Kid: Tariff On, Tariff Off https://youtu.be/aIOrTc_v3oY : Tariffs On, Tariffs Off? Jon Gold (NRF) Explains Retail Supply Chain Chaos https://youtu.be/mHLNTSxmPDA Executive Order: Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/restoring-americas-maritime-dominance/ What do YOU think? Will these new policies protect American shipping — or choke it? Drop your thoughts in the comments. ️ Listen to Freight Buyers’ Club wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe for weekly deep dives into global trade & shipping. Hit the YouTube bell so you don’t miss what’s next. Episode in more detail: 00:00 Introduction to the Freight Buyers Club 01:37 Introduction to Today's Two-Part Episode 02:11 Cindy Allen's Background and Expertise 02:35 Discussion on US Tariffs and Trade Policies 03:58 Peter Sand's Analysis on Container Markets 11:04 Impact of Tariffs on US Businesses 19:48 Challenges Faced by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 23:31 Changes in De Minimis Exemptions 28:23 Global Container Shipping Market Trends and US Port Fees   Part 2 (35.00) 36.05 Trump’s Maritime Policies – Pros & Cons 41:53 Executive Order and Maritime Prosperity Zones 42:16 Political Dynamics in US Shipping Policy 43:00 International Collaboration in Shipbuilding 45:09 Chinese Built Ships and US Ports Fees 45:58 US Trade Representative's Revised Plan 47:10 Industry Reactions to New Shipping Fees 55:31 Challenges in US Shipbuilding and Seafarer Pool 01:04:25 US Rejection of IMO Emissions Rules 01:06:12 Federal Maritime Commission's Role and Future

    1h 12m

  2. APR 17

    The White House Kid: Tariff On, Tariff Off

    Tariffs on. Tariffs off. And no one’s quite sure what comes next. In this episode, host Mike King digs into the chaos surrounding U.S. trade policy, as shippers, retailers, and forwarders scramble to make sense of the White House’s shifting stance on China, exemptions, and trade deals. With tariffs appearing and disappearing overnight, the cost of global sourcing and international supply chains has never been murkier. Joining Mike to break it down: Jon Gold, VP of Supply Chain and Customs Policy, National Retail Federation Brandon Fried, Executive Director, The Airforwarders Association Key topics include: ✅ China tariffs and trade war updates ✅What impact the confusion is having on container shipping ✅S. import and export uncertainty ✅ Retailers’ response to supply chain disruption ✅ Impact of ending de minimis on air cargo ✅ Why electronics are exempt—but textiles aren’t ✅ The 90-day tariff pause (and what it doesn’t cover) ✅ Can reshoring really work for U.S. manufacturing? This is essential listening for logistics professionals, freight forwarders, importers, exporters, and anyone watching the U.S.–China trade relationship. Subscribe for more expert insights into freight, trade, and supply chain strategy. Also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Supported by: Ontegos Cloud [https://www.ontegos.cloud/]

    43 min

  3. APR 9

    Robots, resilience and rerouting freight: DHL China's CEO on 2025

    In this exclusive interview, The Freight Buyers’ Club host Mike King speaks to Aditi Rasquinha, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Greater China, about the evolving dynamics of global trade and supply chains amid a spiralling US-China trade war. From navigating the new US tariff regime to understanding China's automation advantage, Aditi shares how major shippers are rethinking resilience, rerouting freight, and managing geopolitical uncertainty. She explains how demand patterns are shifting, where DHL is investing for growth, and why automation—not cheap labour—is now China's competitive edge. They also discuss front-loading strategies by ocean and air, transpacific volume jitters, and why multi-shoring—not just China Plus One —is here to stay. This is a sharp, insider look at the freight world’s most strategic market—what’s changing, what’s staying, and what’s next. This episode was produced with the support of Ontegos Cloud (https://www.ontegos.cloud/). This episode was produced with the support of Ontegos Cloud (https://www.ontegos.cloud/). Note: Mike references his YouTube Trump tariff explainer in this podcast. This can be found here: https://youtu.be/cSuHi6BB4mg?si=eT_o_LNc3-UrhDOh Title: TRUMP’S TRADE WAR EXPLAINED: Shipping & Logistics   #logistics #supplychain #freight #transportation #shipping #cargo #supplychainmanagement #logisticsmanagement #freightforwarding #tradewar #tariffs

    38 min

  4. MAR 31

    Tariff Day is coming: Breaking down the new trade war

    With new Trump administration tariffs set to take effect on April 2, 2025—dubbed “Tariff Day” or even “Liberation Day” by some—businesses are bracing for impact. In this special episode of Freight Buyers Club, host Mike King speaks with Cindy Allen, CEO of Trade Force Multiplier and former U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) insider, about the evolving trade landscape. They break down the latest tariffs, their impact on supply chains, and what companies can do to prepare. From steel and aluminum duties to China’s retaliation and the complexities of enforcement, this is a must-listen for anyone navigating global trade. This is an edited version of a longer interview with Cindy in EP37. Produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group.  Learn more at dimerco.com.

    13 min

  5. MAR 26

    'Tariff Day’ April 2, CBP insights, de minimis timelines, and Robert van de Weg’s new CEO role

    This two-part episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club Podcast, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, unpacks the biggest trade and freight disruptions of 2025, from new U.S. tariffs and de minimis rule changes to air cargo market challenges and supply chain resilience strategies. In Part 1, host Mike King is joined by Greg Knowler (Senior Editor-Europe, Journal of Commerce) and Cindy Allen (CEO & Managing Director, Trade Force Multiplier) to analyse: Tariff Day or Liberation Day? What to expect from Trump’s April 2 tariff hikes and why they could be a game-changer for global trade. De minimis chaos and e-commerce disruption – How the failed rollout of new U.S. import rules in February created market turmoil, and whether regulators are ready this time. Container shipping market outlook – With the Red Sea crisis ongoing and rates fluctuating, what’s driving the latest spot rate trends? Trans-Atlantic frontloading and trade retaliation – How businesses are adapting to rising uncertainty, and why U.S.-Europe trade flows are shifting. U.S. Customs and policy implementation – Insights from Cindy Allen’s time at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on how government agencies enforce trade policy. Freight procurement strategy – How BCOs can navigate unpredictable tariffs, shifting shipping costs, and regulatory uncertainty. In Part 2, Mike sits down with Robert Van de Weg (CEO, ‘mas’ cargo airline) for an exclusive discussion on the air cargo market, including: The freighter and air cargo outlook for 2025 – Will demand and rates continue to soften, or are new disruptions ahead? How de minimis and tariff changes are impacting air cargo flows – What shippers and airlines must prepare for. Navigating a volatile freight market – Lessons from Robert’s leadership experience at KLM Cargo, Cargolux, Atlas Air, and ECS Group. Opportunities and risks for freighter operators in 2025 – How ‘mas’ is planning its fleet expansion amid uncertainty. The future of air cargo – What shippers, forwarders, and airlines must do to stay ahead in an unpredictable market. Produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group. Learn more at dimerco.com. Featuring Cindy Allen, CEO and Managing Director, Trade Force Multiplier Robert Van De Weg, CEO, ‘mas’ cargo airline Greg Knowler, Senior Editor-Europe, Journal of Commerce Mike King, Host and Producer, The Freight Buyers’ Club Produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group.  Learn more at dimerco.com.   Episode in more detail Part 1 – Greg Knowler and Cindy Allen with Mike King   Chaos at London Heathrow airport (3.28) Container shipping market outlook and disruptions (6.19) Cindy Allen: U.S. tariffs, implications and confusion over duties (9.09) Tariff retaliation vs U.S. (16.25) Explained: U.S. de minimis regulations and implementation options (18.48) Is the Trump administration working with CBP and other agencies (26.16) Post-de minimis, who applies and collects duties? (29.08) 301 hearing and taxing U.S. port calls (33.22) Liberation Day? Tariff Day? What to expect on 2 April (36.42) Trans-Atlantic frontloading (39.46) Global air cargo rates outlook and de minimis impact (40.40) A new era for t...

    1h 13m

  6. MAR 20

    SMEs in the freight squeeze: Insider survival tactics from 30-year ocean veteran Stephanie Loomis

    In this episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, host Mike King is joined by ocean freight executive Stephanie Loomis, who brings over 30 years of industry experience at major logistics providers including DHL, DB Schenker, Kuehne + Nagel, and Rhenus. Fresh from the TPM25 conference in Long Beach, Stephanie and Mike break down the key takeaways from the event and analyse the seismic shifts happening across the global container shipping industry. They dive into the evolving liner alliance structures, exploring how MSC’s independent strategy, ONE’s excellence, and Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd’s Gemini Cooperation are reshaping service offerings. Stephanie also unpacks the pressure mounting on small and mid-sized shippers and forwarders, explaining why the days of smaller players securing rates comparable to BCOs may be over—and what SMEs must do to stay competitive. The conversation moves to the outlook for transpacific freight negotiations, examining the impact of Red Sea disruptions, market softening, and spot rate volatility. With tariff uncertainty ever present, Stephanie provides crucial insights into how forwarders and importers should structure their contracts to balance MQCs, visibility, and spot market flexibility. As policy changes threaten to drive up shipping costs, the discussion turns to President Trump’s US shipbuilding push, the controversial $1.5M per-port call fee set to be imposed on Chinese ships, and the geopolitical implications of China’s dominance in vessel construction. More specifically, can the US realistically rebuild its maritime and manufacturing sectors, or will these policies backfire on American shippers and consumers? Rounding off the episode, Stephanie and Mike explore the role of technology in driving efficiency across the supply chain, from digitalization to AI-driven logistics solutions. Tune in for a fast-paced, insight-packed discussion on what lies ahead for ocean freight buyers in 2025. Key Topics Discussed: Takeaways from TPM25: What’s changing in container shipping? Carrier strategies: MSC, Maersk-Hapag, ONE’s primacy and the future of alliances The growing divide between large BCOs and SME freight buyers Transpacific rate negotiations: What importers need to know Tariff uncertainty and how forwarders are managing the risk US shipbuilding ambitions: Reality check or political posturing? How tech and AI are reshaping logistics and freight procurement This episode is sponsored by Ontegos Cloud. Learn more at Ontegos Cloud. Listen now on all major podcast platforms, YouTube, and http://www.thefreightbuyersclub.com. Follow The Freight Buyers’ Club and Mike King on LinkedIn for more insights and industry updates!

    43 min

  7. MAR 5

    EXPLAINED: U.S. tariffs escalating tensions with China, Canada, and Mexico - Paul Bingham

    Fresh U.S. tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China are reshaping global trade dynamics, creating unprecedented challenges for businesses worldwide. Filmed live at #TPM25 in Long Beach on March 4, in this episode of The Freight Buyers' Club, Paul Bingham, Director of Transportation Consulting at S&P Global Market Intelligence, offers an in-depth analysis of these transformative trade policies.   Sponsored by Dimerco Express Group [https://dimerco.com/], this episode provides business leaders, economists, and trade professionals with crucial perspectives on the evolving global trade environment. Don't miss this expert analysis that goes beyond headlines to explore the nuanced reality of international commerce.

    11 min

  8. MAR 5

    BREAKING: MSC, BlackRock, Hutchison, and Container Shipping Trade Wars with Lars Jensen

    As news broke at #TPM25 in Long Beach that MSC/BlackRock had acquired most of Hutchison Port Holdings' global port network—including key Panama terminals flagged by President Trump for excessive Chinese control—host Mike King breaks down the deal with container shipping expert Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime. They also dive into tariff wars, the container shipping outlook, Suez, and potential US port fees for container lines. Key Highlights: Exclusive insights into the massive MSC/BlackRock deal involving Hutchison Ports Deep dive into the latest Trump administration trade policies and tariffs Unpacking the potential impacts on transatlantic and global trade Expert perspectives on shipping uncertainty, port operations, and future market challenges Timestamps: 0:00 - MSC/Blackrock Hutchison Ports Deal 3:00 - New Tariffs Landscape 5:00 - Trade Uncertainty and Market Volatility 7:00 - Peak Season and Shipping Dynamics 9:00 - Potential US Port Fees and Shipping Implications Recorded live at #TPM25 in Long Beach on March 4th, this episode provides critical insights for anyone involved in global logistics, shipping, and international trade. Big thanks to Dimerco Express Group for supporting this episode of  @thefreightbuyersclub2866  https://dimerco.com/ www.thefreightbuyersclub.com Featuring Lars Jensen, Maritime Expert and CEO of Vespucci Maritime Host: Mike King

    12 min
See All (68)

    Ratings & Reviews

    5
    out of 5
    3 Ratings

    About

    The Freight Buyers’ Club podcast is a new home for anyone with a professional interest in international trade, container shipping, procurement, logistics and air cargo. Each episode your host, award-winning journalist Mike King, will be speaking to leading decision-makers, analysts, journalists, operators and shippers to get their take on current freight and logistics markets and the challenges and opportunities ahead. You can subscribe to receive each episode direct to your inbox at: thefreightbuyersclub.com

    Information

    You Might Also Like

    Content Restricted

    This episode can’t be played on the web in your country or region.

    To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

    Stay up to date with this show

    Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
    Select a country or region

    Africa, Middle East, and India

    Asia Pacific

    Europe

    Latin America and the Caribbean

    The United States and Canada