Logistics insights from the GCL Team

For most vehicle exporters, the core requirements are already well understood - secure handling, compliant documentation, and reliable shipping schedules. Disruption tends to occur at specific operational points within the movement, particularly during collection, preparation, and export processing. Collection and preparation at origin Many issues arise before vehicles leave the UK. Delays typically occur where: vehicle details are incomplete or incorrect collection timings a

Over the past few years, global trade has faced repeated disruption - from the Ukraine conflict to ongoing instability in the Red Sea, and more recently tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz. While these events are widely reported, their impact on day-to-day shipping is often less clear. In practice, they continue to affect freight rates, transit times, and reliability across most trade lanes. What’s driving the disruption Since 2022, key global shipping routes have been af

We are monitoring the developing security situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on global transport services. Carrier operational changes may result in reduced capacity, longer transit times and additional costs across certain trade lanes.

As we approach the Chinese New Year, we would like to provide you with important shipping guidance during this holiday period. About the Holidays Firstly, here is a little background info about Chinese New Year; When:  Chinese New Year starts on February 10th 2024, marking the Year of the Dragon (specifically the Wood Dragon). Duration: Chinese citizens enjoy an 8-day public holiday from February 10th to February 17th. Lunar Calendar:  The festival's date varies, falling bet

During a conversation with a client last week, the topic of loading and unloading containers came up. This particular business manufactured refrigeration units in the UK, that were then shipped to the US. Before switching to GCL they had experienced problems lifting their goods into the container when positioned on the back of a trailer. Following discussions with GCL, we highlighted that a side-lifter would provide them with a solution. The refrigeration units were top heavy

As demand for containers rocketed as the world came out of the Covid-19 pandemic, freight rates followed suit. Now, as demand decreases,...

Industry experts estimate that over half of goods transported around the globe are uninsured. One of the biggest misconceptions amongst cargo owners is they don’t need to purchase cargo insurance when using a freight forwarder. The primary reason for cargo owners refraining from buying cargo insurance, sometimes referred to as marine insurance, is the assumption that by using a freight forwarder, the cargo is automatically insured. Whilst the freight forwarder will have insur

After shipping rates from Asia increased sharply during the pandemic, over the last few months the prices have declined just as dramatically. Ocean shipping spot rates, whilst still falling, appear to have started to flatten out. Whether this represents a degree of stabilisation or a lull before a return to a more turbulent market, only time will tell. What we can say, is that it is now considerably cheaper to move goods via sea freight, to and from China, than it was 6 month