News & Insights

These updates are a blend of information from supply chain and news sources, together with local insights from partners and carrier notices Virus latest Worldwide confirmed cases - 24,642 across 28 countries, with China accounting for 24,627, or 99% of cases.Number of deaths have reached 49... Read more

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) the world's busiest air cargo hub began the phased introduction of X-ray screening of air freight shipments in January, moving to 100% compliance in 18 months. We will be monitoring performance closely in any post-Coronavirus peak. Mandatory X-ray screeni... Read more

With the continuing escalation of the Coronavirus pandemic, it is expected that ocean and air shipments out of China will be significantly affected in the coming weeks. The extended Chinese New Year holiday, travel restrictions and impact on manufacturing will present multiple and complex challen... Read more

The UK formally leaves the European Union today at 11pm, to enter an eleven month transition period and while there will be no change to UK/EU trade, Metro is accelerating preparations for the new processes that will follow transition The transition period will last until the 31st December 202... Read more

This update includes a summary of developments in the last 48 hours, actions by airlines, the short-term outlook for supply chains and the likely impact of demand once contamination is under control. The situation in China is evolving quickly. Please see below a summary of development in the l... Read more

There is no evidence that coronavirus can be transferred on cargo shipped from Wuhan or China, which means that contamination will not spread to the UK on freight. There is no evidence that coronavirus can be transferred on cargo shipped from Wuhan or China. Coronavirus spreads through cont... Read more

While they may have ended 2019 with rising rates and a buoyant spot market, largely due to blanked sailings, the global container shipping lines will need to control capacity in 2020 better than they have in the past, particularly with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) low-sulphur fue... Read more

With the Brexit withdrawal agreement bill moving irrevocably into legislation, some may think it provides an opportunity to relax, but Metro are accelerating preparations to support customers in the Brexit stages that will follow this year’s transition. With the Conservatives enjoying their ... Read more

If you follow the project forwarding press you may have seen reports on our joint venture partner Fracht’s, multi-modal transportation of the 515 tonne tunnel boring machine, Mary from the recently completed River Humber utility tunnel to its home in Germany, while a second boring machine trans... Read more

Fuelled by volume reductions, IMO 2020 surcharges, and increasing demand ahead of Chinese New Year, Asia-Europe container spot rates are hitting levels not seen in years and could increase further in the run up to Chinese New Year. The traditional Chinese New Year spike in demand, before facto... Read more

Felixstowe is set to be hit by industrial action over Christmas, after 110 engineers at Felixstowe voted 98% in favour of strike action over plans to outsource their employment. The stoppages will take place on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 December, and the Unite union have indicated intention of... Read more

Metro are proud to sponsor the next BIFA Young Forwarder Network meeting in the Midlands. On 08.01.20 @ The Botanist, 14-16 Temple Street, Birmingham Continuous learning and professional development is inherent in Metro’s ‘contract’ with every member of its team, which is why supporting ... Read more