All thawed out
Reefer sustainability just got a big leg up with a collaboration between SeaCube and GreenSee. This collaboration uses “SeaCube’s green and net-zero reefer leasing options, powered by Greensee’s AI-driven CO2 emissions reporting technology,” to set “a new standard for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in cold chain logistics,” according to a news release.
Refrigerated containers account for about 10% of a ship’s container capacity but can consume 20%-30% of a vessel’s total power output. Shippers can now lease more eco-friendly containers while also maintaining product quality and energy efficiency.
“As a global leader in refrigerated intermodal equipment leasing, SeaCube is dedicated to investing in transformative sustainability solutions,” Gregory Tuthill, SeaCube Containers chief commercial officer, said in the release. “These initiatives not only help customers meet their rigorous sustainability targets but also significantly reduce the carbon footprint of refrigerated transport.”
Temperature checks
Not to be outdone by the SeaCube and GreenSee collaboration, the NX Group is partnering with Tive for all things tracking and monitoring services. Tive’s ability to give shippers an accurate picture of what’s happening with cargo in transit is the crucial part the the NX Group needed for its semiconductor business. Turns out semiconductors have stringent shipping requirements.
According to a news release, “The NX Group has positioned the semiconductor industry as a priority industry in the ‘NX Group Business Plan 2028 Dynamic Growth 2.0 – Accelerating Sustainable Growth,’ and is accordingly accelerating its semiconductor-related logistics initiatives. Tive accurately records the timing of shock on cargo through acceleration measurement that maintains higher stability and incorporates humidity control in addition to temperature control. This will further improve the quality of the Group’s end-to-end transportation services that monitor cargo status, especially those provided to semiconductor-related companies requiring strict temperature, humidity and shock control.”
Food and drug
The drug category that continues to sweep the nation is GLP-1, more commonly known as Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound. These new drugs are designed to help lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. Originally designed as a diabetes drug for managing blood sugar, they have morphed into a more mainstream weight-loss approach as 12% of the adult population of the U.S. has used GLP-1 drugs.
Taking advantage of the popularity of the drugs is none other than the frozen food giant Conagra Brands. Following its intensive consumer research on frozen food trends, the company is releasing GLP-1-friendly foods. This isn’t necessarily an entirely new brand of food but an enhancement to the existing lineup.
According to a Food and Wine article, “The company will add an ‘On Track’ badge to 26 of its Healthy Choice frozen food items. This suggests that the products are high in protein, low calorie, and a good source of fiber, making them ‘GLP-1 friendly,’ per the brand. The badge, which lists the amount of fiber per serving, along with the phrase ‘GLP-1 Friendly,’ is designed to help shoppers easily find options to suit their needs.”
Cold chain lanes
This week’s market under a microscope heads to the largest market in the Southeast, Atlanta. Following the trend of most markets in the U.S., this week reefer outbound tender rejections hit a peak and reefer outbound tender volumes plummeted as carriers and shippers alike have skeleton crews running between Christmas and New Year’s.
Atlanta’s reefer outbound tender rejection rates’ coming back down to 12.38% does indicate that there is sustained pressure on spot rates that will carry on into the new year. As for the rest of 2024, there isn’t much disruption to come.
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Shelf life
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Wanna chat in the cooler? Shoot me an email with comments, questions or story ideas at moconnell@freightwaves.com.
See you on the internet.
Mary
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