The evolving security situation across the Middle East is now materially affecting both ocean and air freight networks, with implications extending far beyond the region itself. The Middle East is currently classified as high-risk for international transport operations, and the…

The simultaneous disruption in the Persian Gulf and continued Red Sea avoidance is creating a supply chain shock without modern precedent. Metro’s latest application release is giving you unprecedented visibility. With vessels held or diverting, Gulf-bound cargo potentially discharging at…

In a decision that reshapes the mechanics of U.S. trade policy, the U.S. Supreme Court has curtailed the use of emergency powers to impose broad import tariffs.  The outcome is not the removal of tariffs, but a shift in how…

Birmingham International Airport, a long-standing strategic hub partner of Metro, has confirmed an ambitious growth programme that will strengthen its infrastructure and bolster its role in air cargo logistics and global connectivity. Building on years of collaborative development with Metro…

As global trade patterns shift and US tariffs reshape export economics, many UK fashion brands are re-evaluating where growth will come from next. For an increasing number, the answer is closer to home. The European Union — a £250bn clothing…

The opening months of 2026 are bringing clearer signs of a cooling UK labour market — a notable shift after several years of acute skills shortages and sustained wage inflation.  In the logistics and supply chain sector, this transition marks…

2025 marked a breakthrough year for Metro as we continued to advance the MVT digital platform, delivering new applications, enhanced visibility, and significant improvements to our underlying infrastructure.  These investments reflect our commitment to helping customers operate more efficiently, make…

Container shipping capacity remains under pressure as carriers increase blanked sailings, schedule reliability weakens and port congestion ties up vessels across key gateways. According to maritime researchers Drewry, 136 sailings were cancelled in February across the transpacific, Asia–Europe and transatlantic…

Metro has expanded its UK footprint with the opening of three new offices in Leeds, Liverpool and Belfast, as part of its continued national growth strategy. Investing in strategically important locations reinforces Metro’s long-term commitment to building a stronger regional…

Severe winter weather across the United States has triggered the sharpest short-term trucking spot rate spike in more than three years, with disruption now filtering upstream into inland rail and intermodal hubs. Snow and ice blanketing large parts of the…

As Metro accelerates its UK and international expansion, the business has strengthened its People function with the appointments of Paul Davies as Head of Organisational Development, who will be launching a comprehensive suite of new training initiatives designed to support…

The Global Trade Observatory Outlook 2026, based on insights from more than 3,500 senior supply chain executives globally, delivers a clear message: customs is now the single biggest operational constraint in global trade.  According to the report: At a time…

Chinese New Year 2026 falls on Tuesday, 17 February, marking the start of the Year of the Fire Horse. While the official public holiday in China runs from 17–23 February, the operational impact on global supply chains is far longer….

Air freight markets have entered the new year on firmer footing than many expected, with volumes rebounding sharply through January as shippers accelerate movements ahead of earlier-than-usual Chinese New Year factory shutdowns.  While underlying demand remains uneven, front-loading has concentrated…

Sterling has strengthened meaningfully against the US dollar and held a relatively firm range against the euro, reshaping landed costs, sourcing decisions and margin dynamics for UK importers and exporters. As of early February 2026, GBP/USD has traded near multi-year…

With the flow of goods providing the real momentum, global trade closed 2025 at record levels, with the outlook for an even more robust 2026.  Despite geopolitical tension, shifting trade policy and lingering supply-chain risk, the movement of physical goods…

Hopes of a return to Red Sea and Suez Canal transits are fading again as renewed security threats from the potential resumption of Houthi attacks inject fresh uncertainty into global container shipping.  While some carriers had begun cautiously testing the…

While headline capacity and rate volatility have eased, equipment positioning, schedule reliability and geopolitical uncertainty continue to shape outcomes for temperature-controlled chemical cargo. Reefer demand remains structurally resilient. Unlike typical consumer goods, temperature-sensitive chemicals, additives and intermediates move within mission-critical…

The trans-Pacific sea freight market is entering 2026 with pre-Chinese New Year volumes rising earlier than usual, spot rates climbing sharply and carriers leaning on capacity discipline to manage risk. Despite Chinese New Year falling later than usual this year,…

Average east-west spot freight rates strengthened into December as peak-season demand lifted pricing, and while they eased back over the year-end, early January data shows a sharp rebound in demand. Outbound air freight rates from Asia rose firmly into December,…

Metro continues to invest in capability, coverage and customer leadership as part of its expansion plans for 2026. The appointment of Jonathan Cheyne as Key Account Director for the USA reflects that commitment, reinforcing Metro’s commercial focus and customer engagement…