News in Brief podcast | Week 40 2025 | Trade war, legal battles & government shutdown

From tariffs to lawsuits, this week’s episode is packed with supply chain drama. 

Host Charlotte Goldstone kicks off the episode with an update on another wave of US tariffs — a move that could drag transpacific rates even lower.  

Gavin van Marle breaks down the latest freight rate moves, and explains why China’s Arctic shortcut isn’t tempting the likes of MSC. 

Then, Alex Lennane joins to unpack the air freight story. A US government shutdown could cause delays and disruptions for cargo, while new sanctions on Mexico’s aviation sector are rattling cross-border trade — and Europe’s regulators are firmly in Washington’s sights, too. 

We also dive into the legal frontlines: Flexport’s courtroom battle with Freightmate is heating up, and Maersk is staring down a class action over its pension plan. Plus, a few exclusive hints at what’s coming up on The Loadstar and what’s been on The Loadstar Premium.  

If you’re struggling to keep on top of constant supply chain updates across modes, The Loadstar’s News in Brief will neatly round up all you might have missed from last week!  

It’s only 16 minutes… Listen now! 

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