Trade Guide

Artificial intelligence is reshaping supply chain management by improving visibility, prediction, and intelligent decision-making across forecasting, inventory, logistics, and supplier risk. This article provides a comprehensive overview of AI applications in the supply chain, examines emerging opportunities such as autonomous orchestration and circular-economy models, and discusses key challenges including data quality, transparency, and organizational readiness.

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping global logistics faster than any technology before it. From real-time route optimization to predictive demand planning and automated warehouses, AI now sits at the center of modern supply chains. In this article, we break down what’s happening today, the emerging opportunities ahead, and how AI is redefining the future of smart, efficient, and resilient logistics operations.

Demurrage and per diem are two of the most confusing—yet costly—charges in container shipping. While both relate to time limits on using containers, they apply at different stages of the logistics process. In this guide, we break down what each fee means, how they’re calculated, and the best strategies to avoid unexpected charges and keep shipping costs under control.

Transshipment plays a major role in global logistics, and a handful of ports handle most of this activity. In this guide, we look at the world’s top transshipment hubs for 2024–2025, highlight their TEU volumes, and explain what makes each port a critical connection point in global trade.

Transshipment ports are the backbone of global logistics, enabling cargo to move efficiently between trade lanes and vessel networks. Yet their impact on supply chains is often overlooked. This guide explains what transshipments are, how they operate, and why they influence everything from shipping schedules to large-scale disruptions in global commerce. We also highlight the world’s major transshipment hubs and their role in keeping international trade flowing smoothly.

In container shipping, “gate in” and “gate out” mark crucial points in a container’s journey through a terminal. These steps impact freight quotes, storage fees, and overall logistics efficiency. In this guide, we explain what each term means, how they affect billing, and why tracking gate movements is vital for smooth container operations.

Empty container repositioning is one of the biggest logistical hurdles in global shipping. Imbalances between import and export volumes often leave containers stranded where they’re not needed. In this guide, we explore the causes, economic impact, and innovative strategies—like data-driven planning and smart routing—to make repositioning more efficient and cost-effective.

The container shipping industry in 2025 faces rapid change—from fluctuating freight rates to evolving trade routes. In this guide, we highlight the world’s top 10 container shipping companies, their market share, and how each is navigating economic uncertainty, sustainability goals, and shifting global trade dynamics.

Small changes in customer demand can create big ripples across the supply chain—this is the bullwhip effect. In this guide, we explain how forecasting errors, delays, and poor communication amplify demand swings, and outline effective strategies to stabilize operations, cut costs, and improve supply chain performance.