Alex Whiteman

London

Features Editor at FreightWeek

Reporter at The Loadstar

Managing Editor at Project Cargo Global

Articles

Business case for commercial use of the Beluga 'was not there', says Airbus

1 week ago | theloadstar.com | Alex Whiteman |Alex Lennane

Airbus has taken the “reluctant” decision to axe the commercialisation of its heavylift Beluga aircraft, realising “the business case was not there”. Speaking to The Loadstar in Dubai on the sidelines of IATA’s World Cargo Symposium (WCS) today, head of freighter marketing at the French aircraft manufacturer Crawford Hamilton said it was a decision not taken lightly. “It is not a high-payload aircraft, it is more high-volume, as we had designed it to carry aircraft parts,” said Mr Hamilton.
Air cargo watches and waits as trade chaos creates 'slowbalisation'

1 week ago | theloadstar.com | Alex Whiteman |Alex Lennane

Air cargo is in a “wait-and-see moment”, as the industry tries to navigate through the chaos wrought by the US’s sweeping new tariff regime. Changing trade rules have combined with geopolitical risks, creating a moment of unprecedented uncertainty, said trade facilitation programme officer at the International Trade Centre Alina Fetisova, at IATA’s World Cargo Symposium in Dubai today.
'It’s healthy competition' Maersk tells forwarders bidding for same business

4 weeks ago | theloadstar.com | Alex Whiteman |Gavin van Marle

Maersk said the “competition is on,” when asked what the future was for forwarders in the face of the company’s integrator strategy. Responding to a question from The Loadstar on the eve of a naming event for its latest methanol-fuelled vessel in Rotterdam, Maersk North Europe managing director Ole Trumpfheller said Maersk was bidding for the same volumes as forwarders, describing it as “healthy competition”.
Running the rule over DHL's green targets

Dec 5, 2024 | theloadstar.com | Alessandro Pasetti |Alex Whiteman

Just as three major institutional investors remain in the eye of the storm for their ESG actions and are probed in a coal antitrust lawsuit, it is a great time to delve into an investor pack disclosed by DHL Group, one of the main proponents of Green Logistics to 2030 and beyond. What should be done in a friendlier manner to save the planet, is just as pivotal in the debate as who is going to pay to for greener freight, ...
AI series: AI – the next, and necessary, stage in the SaaS/cloud-computing revolution - The Loadstar

Sep 18, 2024 | theloadstar.com | Alex Whiteman

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has dominated headlines for several years , taking the airspace previously monopolised by “blockchain”.
New German border controls could cost 'tens of millions' in delays, claim shippers - The Loadstar

Sep 12, 2024 | theloadstar.com | Alex Whiteman

Supply chain leaders are urging Germany to rethink an expansion of stricter border controls from 16 September or face major disruption.
Norfolk Southern CEO set to quit following misconduct allegation

Sep 9, 2024 | theloadstar.com | Alex Whiteman

Norfolk Southern chief executive and president Alan Shaw is reportedly set to resign amidst a company-led investigation into alleged workplace misconduct. The US rail operator confirmed on Sunday its board of directors had retained the services of a law firm, which would conduct what it said would be “an independent investigation” of the allegations that have been levelled at Mr Shaw.
Air Canada warns of cargo disruption if strike goes ahead

Sep 9, 2024 | theloadstar.com | Alex Whiteman

Air Canada has told its cargo customers to expect more than a week of disruption if a planned 72-hour strike goes ahead on Tuesday (17 September), noting it was preparing for the worst. Industrial action has been threatened by the Air Line Pilots Association (Alpa), representing some 5,200 Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge pilots, if an agreement with the Canadian flag carrier cannot be reached.
CSSC unveils 27,500teu design to be next shipping giant

Sep 9, 2024 | theloadstar.com | Alex Whiteman

A massive Chinese ship design presages a new generation of 27,500teu giants hitting the market before the decade is out. It is rare to find an available slot at one of the Far East’s largest shipyards at the moment, thanks to overwhelming demand for containerships and tankers, pushing delivery dates out to 2029 and beyond.
Union urges Hamburg port workers to agree deal following disruptive weekend

Sep 9, 2024 | theloadstar.com | Alex Whiteman

Signs of a breakthrough have emerged in the standoff between German dockers and their port employers after an escalation at the weekend saw trains locked out of the Port of Hamburg. Following five rounds of negotiations, the Central Association of German Seaport Enterprises (ZDS) tabled an offer that the union representing the port workers, Ver.di, has recommended be accepted. It is now surveying members on their response.