Radiant's Freight Market Update

This week: Hormuz disruption risk remains high; Canada Post questioned in committee review; Air cargo resumes in Doha.

Current Critical Industry Trends

Hormuz is being framed as open, yet disruption risk remains elevated. Any return of traffic is likely to remain conditional and fragile, rather than signaling a full return to corridor stability.

Canada Post audit practices questioned in committee review. While Canada Post defended its 1,500 annual audits and contractor standards, MPs remained unconvinced that the system fully prevents driver misclassification. The issue now centers on transparency and whether compliance controls extend far enough into the supply chain.

Ocean

War risk cover is available through the Lloyd’s and London company markets, but insurance does not remove operational risk. Vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz remains affected by crew safety concerns and mine threats, which are difficult to verify.

Ports

Baltic energy hubs feel impact of renewed attacks. Damage at Primorsk forced firefighting efforts and short term operational pauses, underscoring how exposed major export facilities have become. For markets dependent on steady Baltic flows, the risk profile has clearly shifted.

International

Europe activates long awaited Mercosur agreement. The EU Mercosur trade deal will begin May 1, connecting major South American economies with the 27 nation European market. At its core, the agreement reflects a strategic effort to diversify supply chains and reduce external dependencies.

Trucking

Highway 401 truck parking proposal rejected in Milton. A plan to establish 154 truck spaces on an existing paved site was voted down over access design and floodplain considerations. The outcome underscores how difficult it remains to expand parking capacity along key freight corridors.

Rail

2025 was a record year for rail freight at the Port of Gothenburg. During harsh winter conditions in Northern Sweden, rail service proved to be an essential route for cargo. Northern rail corridors carried more than 72,000 TEU during this record-breaking year.

CPKC’s transnational railway is progressing towards environmental goals. A recent report highlights work in capacity improvements, track upgrades, and advanced inspection technology.

Air

Air cargo activity is resuming in Doha. Qatar Airways Cargo has been granted temporary authorization to operate across select markets in Asia and Europe. While progress is underway, some embargoes remain and full operations have not yet resumed.

Technology

Investment in AI continues to grow through 2031. More than $44 billion is expected to be spent on AI over the next five years, with nearly one-third directed toward supply chain industries. Eight key areas, including planning and operations, are expected to see the highest levels of adoption.

Other

A strong move towards sustainability. The world’s first 100% recycled plastic sheets have been introduced for securing air cargo in Hong Kong. This initiative reduces the use of virgin plastic and supports efforts to lower the industry’s overall carbon footprint.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

The Radiant Network's supply chain and logistics updates provide valuable insights on freight trends, customs regulations, global news, economics, tech, and more. The Radiant Network includes the brands Radiant World Trade Services, Radiant Global Logistics, Radiant Canada, Radiant Road & Rail, Adcom, Airgroup, SBA, and Distribution By Air.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Radiant World Trade Services is a part of Radiant Logistics, Inc. (NYSE American: RLGT), a publicly traded third-party logistics company that provides technology-enabled global transportation and value-added logistics solutions to a diverse account base. They offer comprehensive services including freight forwarding, truck and rail brokerage, warehouse and distribution, customs brokerage, order fulfillment, inventory management, and technology services. Radiant has an extensive network of offices throughout North America and other key markets worldwide.