October 21, 2025 Cargoccino
Your bi-monthly serving of supply chain news, brewed by BlueCargo, for quick reads with your favorite drink.
Lessons from VMA25: Efficiency Is More Than Speed
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At this year’s Virginia Maritime Association conference, the conversation turned from speed to transparency. Industry leaders agreed that technology and collaboration are redefining efficiency across the supply chain. For BlueCargo, this means continuing to build the tools that make every container count, from visibility to verified billing accuracy.
Walmart Bets on U.S. Manufacturing
Walmart is doubling down on domestic production to strengthen its supply chain resilience. The move aims to shorten lead times, reduce dependency on overseas suppliers, and cushion against geopolitical disruptions. With billions earmarked for U.S. manufacturing partnerships, Walmart’s bet reflects a growing reshoring trend among major retailers.
Port of Colombo Congested as Volumes Surge
A cargo influx has left Sri Lanka’s Colombo Port operating beyond 80% capacity. Terminals are congested, several carriers are skipping calls, and delays continue to ripple across regional routes. Despite new infrastructure, inland bottlenecks and storage inefficiencies are amplifying the strain. This is a stark reminder of how quickly fragile networks can reach their limits.
Source: JOC
🎥 Watch: Alexandra Griffon on SupplyChain Brain
BlueCargo CEO Alexandra Griffon sat down with SupplyChain Brain to discuss how AI-powered freight auditing is reshaping accuracy standards for global shippers. Her key message highlights how precision and transparency now define the discipline of freight auditing, shaping how shippers measure performance and trust their data.
Tariff Tensions Send Air Freight Soaring
Talk of a new 100% tariff on Chinese goods has sent importers scrambling to beat the November 1 deadline, and air freight rates rising 19% in a week. Carriers have added capacity to handle the surge, but volatility remains high as shippers race to move time-sensitive cargo. The skies are busy again, but stability remains uncertain.
Source: JOC
BlueCargo Signs MOU at the Belgian Economic Mission
As part of the Belgian Economic Mission in Los Angeles, led by HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium, BlueCargo signed an MOU with an international 3PL, TLS-EXPRESS, to strengthen transatlantic logistics ties for shippers. The partnership promotes transparency, efficiency, and smoother trade between Europe and the U.S. which is a timely commitment to building more resilient global routes.
Farewell to a Port Visionary
The entire BlueCargo team sends our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Mario Cordero, whose leadership has shaped the Port of Long Beach, and inspired so many across our industry.
For over two decades, Mario championed innovation, environmental stewardship, and collaboration setting a global example of what it means to lead with both vision and purpose. His work on the Green Port Policy, and commitment to progress, built a foundation that will guide ports and supply chain professionals for years to come.
As he prepares for retirement at the end of 2025, we celebrate his remarkable career and thank him for his lasting impact on maritime trade and sustainability.
From all of us at BlueCargo: congratulations, Mario, and thank you for leading with heart.
☕ What’s Brewing at BlueCargo? ☕
We’re refining the way customers explore their data dashboards: smoother navigation, faster insights, and more clarity across your freight spend.
Meet our team in person this month:
📍 SCITC (South Carolina) - chat with Tyler and Gideon
📍 HIM 25 (Houston) - connect with Shane and Aurélie to explore how AI can simplify international freight audits and spend management.
🗓️ Schedule your meeting early as conference calendars fill up fast. 👉 Book a Meeting with Our Team
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