BTX Blog

SUMMARY

Jet fuel is more than double year-ago levels, crude oil is near $110 a barrel and volatile diesel prices mean fuel surcharges are likely to remain a significant, and fast-moving, part of transportation costs in air, ocean and trucking through the end of the year. Air cargo load factors are rising while capacity stays flat, transpacific ocean carriers are continuing blank sailings, and truck posts in North America are well below last year. On the positive side, the gradual return of container services to the Suez Canal is restoring shorter Asia–Europe routings and adding capacity, which may improve transit reliability for European trade.

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The most impressive Halloween transformation may be turning a costume from raw materials into a finished product delivered precisely when you need it.

SUMMARY

Crude above $100/barrel is flowing through to jet fuel, bunker and diesel costs, which is why air, ocean and truck rates are well above last year even where underlying demand is only moderately stronger. Fuel-related surcharges are likely to remain a meaningful part of total freight cost while energy markets stay elevated.

SUMMARY

Across modes, fuel is the common thread. Crude above $100 per barrel and record diesel are lifting surcharges and operating costs in air, ocean and trucking, and shippers should be aware that these pressures may persist while Hormuz and Red Sea risks remain unresolved.

Capacity conditions differ by mode. Air cargo demand is growing faster than capacity, ocean carriers are actively managing supply through blank sailings ahead of Golden Week, and trucking capacity has loosened slightly week over week even as rates stay well above last year. Transit planning around holiday-related congestion and storm disruption in Asia is worthwhile.

SUMMARY

The supply chain environment is still defined by tightening capacity across nearly every mode rather than by demand shocks. In air and ocean, carriers are actively managing capacity through blank sailings and fleet deployment decisions, which means available space — not just price — is the variable shippers should watch most closely heading into peak season. Below, we break down some of the key data points we're tracking this peak season. 

Order from Chaos: A Unique Trade Show Story

Last month the BTX Marketing team had the opportunity to visit, Shoppe Object, a tradeshow in mid-Manhattan, New York City. Our goal was not only to experience a tradeshow in action but also to gain valuable insight into the logistics role BTX plays in orchestrating such an event. We were expecting chaotic, packed aisles, multi-story booths from major brands, and enough foot traffic that walking the entire floor in a single day would be a challenge.

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Early peak season: what’s different in 2026

Early peak season in 2026 means ocean freight rates are rising weeks ahead of normal, as shippers front‑load inventory before tariffs and events like the FIFA World Cup, tightening capacity and stretching port infrastructure before traditional Q3 peaks. Instead of a gentle ramp in July and August, we are seeing a sharp step‑up in June.

Reno, Nev. – BTX Global Logistics celebrated the new ownership of its Reno, Nevada, branch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held recently. Members of the BTX team, the local community, and the Chamber of Commerce gathered for the event.