Global freight planning is being reshaped by three outcomes of the Iran War—fuel shock, tighter air capacity, and Strait of Hormuz disruption—according to a report from Dimerco Express Group, the Taipei-based global shipping and logistics service provider.

Under that pressure, the freight market is increasingly driven by fuel costs, rerouting, and geopolitical disruption rather than a broad demand surge, the firm said in its “April 2026 Asia-Pacific Freight Report.” Overall, the report points to continued expansion in global manufacturing, but with softer momentum, higher operating costs, and tighter booking conditions across key air, ocean, and rail lanes.

The report listed four data points to support that conclusion:

• Jet fuel rose from about $95 per barrel in late February to $197 per barrel by March 20.
  
• Taiwan air freight rates increased by roughly 20% to 30% on disrupted lanes.
• North America air freight rates rose 20% to 50% as fuel surcharges and rerouting intensified.
• China-Europe rail hubs imposed $300 to $500 per container increases in March, with broader market increases now moving above $500 per container.

“April is shaping up to be a cost-driven freight market, not a broad demand-driven one,” Catherine Chien, Chairwoman of Dimerco, said in a release. “We are seeing fuel shock and Middle East rerouting tighten air capacity from Taiwan, Korea, and across Southeast Asia, while ocean carriers layer in bunker-related surcharges and rail into Europe moves higher as shippers look for alternatives. If disruption around the Strait of Hormuz continues, shippers should expect elevated freight costs, shorter rate validity, and more route-specific volatility across Asia-Europe and Asia-North America in the weeks ahead.”

The Chicago freight broker Echo Global Logistics Inc. has agreed to acquire ITS Logistics, a third-party logistics provider (3PL) based in Reno, Nevada, saying the combined companies will become a transportation and logistics platform with revenue of $5.4 billion.

Founded in 1999, ITS Logistics is known for its drop trailer and trailer pool program, DropFleet, as well as its capabilities in dedicated capacity, intermodal and drayage solutions, freight security, omnichannel fulfillment, and sustainability-focused transportation strategies, the firms said.

Echo said its technology platform leverages automation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to support pricing, capacity sourcing, shipment execution, and exception management.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but ITS Logistics will continue operating with its existing leadership team.

"Joining forces with Echo marks an exciting new chapter for ITS Logistics," ITS CEO Scott Pruneau said in a release. "Echo's truckload brokerage scale, managed transportation platform, strong cross-border capabilities, and broad multimodal offering — combined with its technology platform and AI-driven innovation — will enable us to elevate our service offerings and provide enhanced value to our customers. Together, we will be well equipped to help customers navigate the increasing complexity of today's supply chain, offering smarter, more connected execution and powerful solutions that drive results."

Capping off a year of “uneven global trade conditions,” the Port of Oakland handled 179,580 twenty-foot containers (TEUs) in December 2025, marking a slight 1.7% decrease from year-over-year totals.

Growth in exports offset soft import numbers, as loaded imports declined 12.8%, while loaded exports increased 10.9%, the port said.

“December reflected the kind of uneven performance we’ve seen across the industry, with softer imports and strong export activity,” Bryan Brandes, Port of Oakland Maritime Director, said in a release. “That difference is more about timing and adjustment than any fundamental change in demand.”

Likewise, port leaders said a slight dip in container volume for the full calendar year of 2025 marked “a notable outcome amid ongoing economic and policy uncertainty.” The prt handled 2,253,976 TEUs, finishing the year essentially flat (-0.4%) compared to 2024.

“In an environment defined by uncertainty, maintaining stability matters,” Brandes said. “Our focus throughout the year was on keeping cargo moving reliably and predictably, ensuring customers could continue to move goods efficiently as trade conditions shifted.”