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JOSCAR Accreditation: A Milestone for Excellence

Mar 31, 2025 | , ,

Metro has been awarded JOSCAR accreditation, a key industry benchmark that demonstrates our commitment to continuously meeting the rigorous standards required by key sectors, including aerospace, defence, and security.

JOSCAR (the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register) is a highly respected, collaborative accreditation system used by major players across aerospace, defence, and security. It validates suppliers against a comprehensive set of criteria — from operational capability and supply chain risk, to ethical practices and regulatory compliance.

Achieving JOSCAR accreditation involved a rigorous evaluation of our internal systems and processes to ensure alignment with JOSCAR’s stringent requirements. Our dedicated compliance team worked tirelessly to implement necessary changes and enhancements.

For our customers, this accreditation isn’t just a badge — it’s proof of our readiness, reliability, and resilience in complex, high-compliance supply chains.

What This Means for You

By achieving this accreditation, we’ve:

  • Reduced procurement friction for customers who rely on JOSCAR to streamline supplier selection
  • Demonstrated our operational transparency and readiness to support sensitive and high-risk projects
  • Reinforced our commitment to continuous improvement, in line with our ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditations

In practical terms, this means that existing and future clients can onboard us faster to work on projects, with full confidence that we meet the industry’s highest standards.

Continual Investment in Excellence

JOSCAR is one of several initiatives we’ve undertaken to align our systems, people, and culture with the expectations of the sectors we serve. Whether you’re managing a global defence project, a secure aerospace supply chain, or a high-compliance logistics program, we’re positioned to support you with the professionalism and precision you require.

If you’d like to learn more about what our JOSCAR accreditation means for your business or supply chain, EMAIL Laurence Burford.

European roadmap to recovery

ICS2 and ELO: Preparing for the Next Phase of EU Border Compliance

Mar 28, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As of 1st April, the European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) entered its final implementation phase; a critical milestone for businesses moving goods into the EU. 

Designed to enhance the safety and security of EU-bound shipments, ICS2 is now live across all transport modes, including road and rail, in addition to air, maritime, and inland waterways.

Import Control System 2

ICS2 introduces a standardised, data-driven pre-arrival notification for goods entering the EU. The system mandates the submission of accurate and complete Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) before arrival at the EU’s external border. These declarations allow customs authorities to perform detailed risk assessments and target high-risk consignments before they enter the supply chain.

This not only improves customs enforcement but supports a more secure and streamlined trade environment.

This latest phase introduces two key updates:

  1. 1. Mandatory House Bill Filings for Surface Containerised Movements
    This update predominantly affects sea freight and applies to:

    • Goods moving to the EU
    • In-transit shipments through the EU
    • Freight Remaining on Board (FROB)
  1. 2. Live ICS2 Filing for Road and Rail Movements
    Both accompanied and unaccompanied trailers now fall under ICS2’s scope. Businesses must submit ENS data 1 to 2 hours before EU arrival, depending on the transport type. Timing is critical — incomplete or late submissions could lead to delays, detentions, or even denied entry.

The Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire

As introduced during our most recent webinar, ELO is not to be confused with the 70s rock band, it represents a major evolution in French customs procedures.

ELO is an extension of France’s import/export pairing process. Under the new system, every crossing from GB into France will require a declaration barcode, which also supports onward movement into the remaining 27 EU countries. The goal is to digitise and streamline freight verification, with a single ELO envelope covering the full logistics trail.

Metro’s Briefing Webinar

On Friday, 28th March, Metro hosted its second industry webinar, focusing on the latest regulatory developments. The webinar audience were briefed by our experts on the latest regulatory developments, including ICS2 declarations, the introduction of ELO, updates and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). 

They were also updated on changes to the UK Customs Declaration Service (CDS) for exports, evolving trade agreements such as the CPTPP, and implications of the Windsor Framework for Northern Ireland.

The session aimed to ensure attendees are not just compliant but well-positioned to optimise their supply chain strategies in this evolving regulatory landscape.

Stay connected with Metro for expert-led insights, upcoming webinars, and on-the-ground support to navigate new regulatory frameworks confidently. EMAIL Andy Fitchett to register your interest.

Bridge on ship

Sea Freight Market Review

Mar 18, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The global ocean freight market is undergoing a period of transition in 2025, influenced by regulatory changes, shifting trade patterns, and evolving carrier alliances. While demand remains strong in key regions, rate volatility persists due to supply chain disruptions and excess capacity.

The ocean freight sector is experiencing considerable adjustments as carriers adapt to regulatory and economic shifts. The EU ETS expansion now covers 70% of maritime emissions, leading to higher surcharges and operational costs for carriers.

Supply/Demand
Capacity growth is projected to slow to 5% in 2025 after record vessel deliveries in 2024. However, supply chain disruptions persist due to global port congestion and ongoing Red Sea diversions are soaking up excess capacity.

The restructuring of major shipping alliances is further shaping the industry landscape, with the dissolution of 2M, the formation of the Premier Alliance by THE Alliance, and the launch of Gemini Cooperation in February 2025.

Proforma scheduled liner capacity on the Asia-North Europe trade is set to be reduced by around 11% once the transition to the new shipping alliance set-up is complete. The combined weekly capacity drop of some 28,000 TEU equates to a total reduction of 221,000 TEU across all services. However, the number of individual weekly sailings between Asia and North Europe is expected to increase from 26 (under the previous alliances and standalone services) to 28, potentially improving frequency and flexibility for shippers.

Global port congestion remains a pressing issue, particularly in China and vessel utilisation remains high, with only 0.2% of the global liner fleet currently idle. The industry is also witnessing an increase in blank sailings, with 47 announced through mid-April, affecting Transpacific and Asia-Europe trade routes. The Transpacific market, in particular, is experiencing notable disruptions, with 43% of blank sailings concentrated in this corridor.

Expectations that Red Sea diversions would ease, returning an estimated 2 million TEU to global circulation, were dampened over the weekend following missile exchanges between the US and Yemen’s Houthi rebels. MSC CEO Soren Toft stated, “Suez simply isn’t safe to transit at the moment, and there’s no immediate prospect of a return.” This continued instability may prolong disruptions and return pressure on rates.

Market
Meanwhile, the Shanghai Containerised Freight Index (SCFI) has dropped 17% since January and despite strong cargo demand in select regions, the market remains vulnerable to downward pricing pressures.

Demand remains resilient but uneven, with North America and India seeing stronger performance, whereas Europe’s slower economic growth is weighing on export activity. Chinese exports have exceeded expectations, driven in part by early shipments ahead of potential tariff adjustments.

The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) has reached its lowest level since January 2024 and while rates are below their pandemic-era peaks they are still 79% higher than pre-pandemic averages from 2019.

At Metro, our fixed-rate agreements on popular shipping routes provide a practical safeguard against rate volatility, offering predictable costs for effective budgeting. Whether you’re managing high-volume trade lanes or seeking greater stability for your supply chain, our tailored solutions can help you thrive in 2025.

To discover how Metro can strengthen your business and provide peace of mind, EMAIL our Managing Director, Andy Smith, today.

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Air Freight Market Review

Mar 18, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The global air freight market in February and early March reflected moderate year-on-year (YoY) growth, with total worldwide tonnages up 5% in February and 2% higher YoY in early March.

However, market dynamics remain volatile, influenced by shifting trade policies, geopolitical factors, and eCommerce trends.

Asia-Europe air cargo showed strong demand recovery in March, with tonnages rising 4% week-on-week (WoW) and while average spot rates softened they remain 20% higher YoY. Meanwhile, transatlantic routes saw weaker demand from Europe, with London Heathrow and Frankfurt spot rates declining amid softer outbound trade.

Market Situation
Global air cargo tonnages rose 5% YoY in February, supported by an 8% surge from Asia Pacific and a 4% rise in North America and Europe. However, Middle East & South Asia (MESA) volumes declined by 6%, reflecting last year’s Red Sea-driven demand spike.

By early March (Week 10), Asia-Europe trade saw significant WoW volume gains:

  • China to Europe tonnages increased by 5%
  • Hong Kong to Europe volumes grew by 6%
  • Japan & Taiwan to Europe rose by 7%
  • Thailand & Singapore to Europe surged by 9%

Despite these volume increases, average spot price indices on Asia-Europe lanes declined by 3%. However, YoY spot rates remain significantly higher (+20%), supported by China (+14%), Hong Kong (+22%), Japan (+19%), and Thailand (+38%).

Global air cargo markets remained relatively stable through February and early March, with weekly demand fluctuations balancing out across key regions.

  • Asia-Europe: Despite a 4% WoW tonnage rebound in Week 10, rates dipped as supply-demand balances shifted.
  • Transatlantic (Europe to USA): Weaker outbound demand put spot rates under pressure at London Heathrow and Frankfurt.
  • Middle East to Europe: Demand weakened with Dubai-to-Europe tonnages falling 15% WoW.

Global air freight rates remained 6% higher YoY, though Asia-Europe pricing showed a mixed trend, with falls on all the major trade lanes, though rates remain significantly higher than last year.

  • Asia-Europe remains 20% higher YoY.
  • China to Europe still stands 14% higher YoY.
  • Hong Kong to Europe are up 22% YoY.

The Asia-Europe air cargo market rebounded in early March, with tonnage gains but slightly softer rates as market conditions adjusted. Meanwhile, transatlantic routes saw demand weakness, leading to rate declines from major European hubs. Moving forward, trade policies, geopolitical shifts, and capacity adjustments will continue to influence global air cargo pricing and volumes.

In a volatile air cargo market, securing capacity and competitive rates is critical. Metro’s air freight, charter, and sea/air solutions ensure your shipments move efficiently, even on the busiest trade lanes. With block space agreements (BSA) and capacity purchase agreements (CPA) in place, we guarantee space and stable pricing when you need it most.

Whether you’re shipping urgent, high-value, or sensitive cargo, our global expertise and strategic carrier partnerships keep your supply chain running on time and within budget.

EMAIL Elliot Carlile, Operations Director, today to explore how Metro’s air freight solutions can optimise your logistics.

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