The pressure is on for ocean freight in the coming months as companies are shipping earlier to avoid delays ahead of the year-end holiday shopping season.
Renewed economic growth in ASEAN countries will give rise to demand for cross-border road transportation as trade recovers, according to a DHL whitepaper.
As ocean freight enters its peak season, high demand is pushing container lines to order new vessels though it is not expected to ease delays or lower rates in the short term.
Despite the lack of bellyhold capacity, demand for air freight remains strong as ocean freight struggles with persistent reliability and capacity issues.
Disruptions in container shipping and the shrinking cost differential between air and ocean are contributing to a strong, positive air freight outlook.
Ocean carriers have failed to meet soaring demand, which continues to outstrip supply and force shippers to consider modal shifts ahead of the peak season in August.