The Freight Buyers' Club

Mike King
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  • BUSINESS NEWS
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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. 2 DAYS AGO

    Trade wars & Trump's new rules: A container shipping legend's survival guide

    The global trading landscape is experiencing seismic shifts under President Trump's administration. In this pivotal episode of The Freight Buyers' Club (https://www.thefreightbuyersclub.com/), we decode the impact of new tariffs, de minimis rule changes, and escalating geopolitical tensions reshaping supply chains worldwide. Join host Mike King with two industry powerhouses: Bronson Hsieh, former Chairman of Evergreen and Yang Ming Shipping, reveals how smaller carriers can outperform industry giants and shares his outlook on shipping profitability amid market turbulence Kathy Liu, VP of Global Sales & Marketing at Dimerco Express Group, unpacks the air freight implications of U.S. policy changes and provides strategic insights for companies eyeing Vietnam as their next manufacturing hub As the industry prepares for TPM25 in Long Beach in early March, we explore pressing questions about carrier contract negotiations, emerging Asian manufacturing alternatives, and innovative logistics solutions in Southeast Asia. Discover how leading companies are adapting their e-commerce and container shipping strategies to navigate this new era of global trade. Presented in partnership with Dimerco Express Group. Learn more at dimerco.com

    34 min

  2. 4 DAYS AGO · BONUS

    5 FMC moves to watch in 2025, with 'The Maritime Professor'

    In this standalone interview from EP34 of the The Freight Buyers' Club (https://www.thefreightbuyersclub.com/), produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, host Mike King speaks with maritime law expert Lauren Beagen, ‘The Maritime Professor’, about the top five regulatory and policy issues that could impact freight buyers in 2025: Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Leadership & Powers – With Louis E. Sola as the new FMC Chair, what changes should shippers expect? Will the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) remain intact? Detention & Demurrage Policy – Ongoing legal battles over pandemic-era charges could reshape D&D regulations. Panama & U.S. Policy – The FMC’s role in addressing Chinese influence, corruption, and water level issues at the Panama Canal. Container Shipping Alliances & MQCs – How the FMC is scrutinizing carrier agreements and minimum quantity commitments (MQCs) in contracts. The SHIPS Act & National Security – U.S. flagged fleet expansion, supply chain security, and scrutiny of Chinese shipping dominance. Plus, shipbuilding initiatives & eBLs!

    29 min

  3. FEB 12

    TPM25 preview: Tariffs, reshoring, and the art of contract negotiations

    In episode 34 of The Freight Buyers' Club (https://www.thefreightbuyersclub.com/), produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group (https://dimerco.com/), we dive into the critical factors shaping this year's ocean freight contract negotiations. As the transpacific contracting season approaches at TPM25 to be held at Long Beach at the start of March, we examine how spot rates, minimum quantity commitments, new carrier alliances, and US trade policy are influencing shipper strategies. With spot rates tumbling, uncertainty around tariffs, and the emergence of the Gemini Cooperation shipping alliance promising improved schedule reliability, what should freight buyers consider when planning their 2025 contracts? Host Mike King speaks with industry veterans Jon Monroe of Jon Monroe Consulting, Mark Szakonyi from Journal of Commerce, and maritime law expert Lauren Beagen to unpack these market dynamics and explore how regulatory changes at the Federal Maritime Commission could impact shipping contracts and detention and demurrage policies.   Guests Mark Szakonyi, executive editor, Journal of Commerce Jon Monroe, founder, Jon Monroe Consulting Lauren Beagen, maritime lawyer and host of ‘By Land and By Sea Podcast’

    1h 15m

  4. FEB 10

    Scan Global’s Mads Drejer talks ‘permacrisis’, trade wars and supply chain resilience

    In this illuminating episode of The Freight Buyers Club Insight series, produced with the support of Ontegos Cloud (https://www.ontegos.cloud/), host Mike King sits down with Mads Drejer, Global CCO and COO of Scan Global Logistics, for a wide-ranging discussion on freight markets and modern logistics leadership. From navigating tariff wars to embracing what Drejer calls our new state of "permacrisis," the conversation offers unique insights into how global trade has become more resilient amid constant disruption. Drejer shares SGL's distinctive approach to growth and technology, explaining why the company puts people before automation and "customer obsession" ahead of "competition obsession”. The discussion covers everything from the Red Sea crisis and changing carrier alliances to why logistics has finally "moved into the boardroom" post-COVID. Drejer also offers a refreshingly optimistic take on the future, arguing for a balance between technological advancement and human expertise, while explaining why the industry must adapt to attract and retain younger talent. https://www.thefreightbuyersclub.com/

    46 min

  5. FEB 4

    Trump’s tariffs, what Flexport got wrong, and the air cargo shake-up ahead, with Neel Jones Shah

    In this episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club Insight series (https://www.thefreightbuyersclub.com), host Mike King sits down with Neel Jones Shah—former senior executive at Flexport, Delta, and United—to dissect the biggest forces shaping air cargo in 2025. From Trump’s latest tariffs and their impact on e-commerce exports to the slow pace of air freight digitalization, Neel shares candid insights on where the industry is headed. He also reflects on Flexport’s bold ambitions, why combination airlines may have the upper hand in a downturn, and how geopolitical risks—from the Suez Canal to de minimis rules—will shake up supply chains. Could air cargo be facing a major slump? Brought to you by Ontegos Cloud (https://www.ontegos.cloud). Guest Neel Jones Shah, former senior executive at Flexport, Delta Airlines and United Cargo.  Episode in more detail: Highlights from a fascinating career (1.26) The evolution of freight buyers (3.49) Flexport: achievements and mishaps (5.34) Why is the air forwarding supply chain digital-resistant? (9.13) Trump’s tariffs will hit e-commerce hard—here’s how (15.00) Air freight supply vs demand (21.28) Does tariff uncertainty discourage diversification? (23.00) Geopolitical risks in 2025 (25.00) Is a bearish storm looming for air cargo? (28.15) Winners and losers (31.16) Why is air cargo so slow? (33.51) How to make supply chains better for BCOs (36.17)

    38 min

  6. JAN 29 · BONUS

    Drewry’s Philip Damas on 2025 Ocean Freight & Market Trends

    Philip Damas, Managing Director at Drewry Shipping Consultants and head of Drewry Supply Chain Advisors, delivers an in-depth analysis of container shipping markets, current market trends, the supply-demand balance and what the possible reopening of the Suez Canal means for freight rates. He also shares actionable advice for shippers: from negotiating freight contracts amid market volatility, to preparing for potential impacts of new tariffs and alliance realignments. This is part 2 from episode 31 of The Freight Buyers' Club (https://www.thefreightbuyersclub.com/), produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group (https://dimerco.com/). Full EP links are here: Website: https://www.thefreightbuyersclub.com/podcast/what-shippers-want-and-how-they-get-it/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ndF5J1fuLrIG8EhXowW1P?si=98fce131dea3461d Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-shippers-want-and-how-they-get-it-with-ttis/id1668766055?i=1000685061106 YouTube: https://youtu.be/T7sxLMcEWF8?si=dee9jCAr9G8zByq9

    24 min

  7. JAN 22

    What shippers want (and how they get it) with TTI's Mctaggart and Drewry's Damas

    In episode 31 of The Freight Buyers' Club, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, we explore the strategies and insights shippers need to navigate the ever-changing world of freight procurement and supply chain management. First, Alan Mctaggart, VP of Global Logistics at Techtronic Industries (TTI), shares invaluable lessons from his 35-year career, including his role in scaling TTI's supply chains as the company grew from $2 billion to over $13 billion in revenue. Alan provides a behind-the-scenes look at managing complex global supply chains for major brands like Milwaukee Power Tools, AEG, RYOBI, and Hoover, and reveals how TTI tackled freight challenges during disruptions like the pandemic and trade wars. He explains how he balances freight tenders between forwarders and carriers, and how TTI uses long-term and short-term freight contracts. He also gives freight buyers critical advice about the importance of personal relationships with vendors at all levels, how to benchmark practices against industry competitors to stay ahead, and how to ensure contracts are watertight, including critical success factors like fixed pricing, space allocation, and compensation clauses. Later, Philip Damas, Managing Director at Drewry Shipping Consultants and head of Drewry Supply Chain Advisors, delivers an in-depth analysis of container shipping markets, current market trends, the supply-demand balance and what the possible reopening of the Suez Canal means for freight rates. He also shares actionable advice for shippers: from negotiating freight contracts amid market volatility, to preparing for potential impacts of new tariffs and alliance realignments.   Guests Alan Mctaggart, VP, global logistics, Techtronic Industries Philip Damas, Drewry managing director and head of Drewry Supply Chain Advisors

    1h 17m

  8. JAN 8

    Freight playbook 2025: Robbert van Trooijen talks leadership and strategy

    In this Insight episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, host Mike King is joined by Robbert van Trooijen, founder of Inception Partners and former Regional President for Maersk, to provide forwarders and shippers with expert insights into the pressing challenges shaping supply chains in early 2025. With U.S. East and Gulf Coast port strikes potentially disrupting global trade from January 15, President Trump’s upcoming inauguration on January 20 driving regulatory uncertainty, and container shipping alliances set to realign in February, this timely discussion helps listeners prepare for the year ahead. Robbert draws on decades of leadership experience to explore how carriers and logistics companies are approaching capacity disruptions, geopolitical risks, and shifting U.S. trade policies. He also delves into contracting strategies, M&A trends, and the role of technology in cost reduction and operational efficiency. Sponsored by Ontegos Cloud, this episode delivers actionable strategies to help you navigate 2025’s early disruptions. Guest Robbert van Trooijen, Maersk veteran and founder of Inception Partners LLC

    38 min
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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

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