Protecting margins in a volatile intermodal market

Geopolitical tension, tariffs and volatile market conditions have made the start of the year demanding for the intermodal transport sector. Changing freight rates have led to a push for market consolidation both among regional and global players. While size matters, true synergies will only be achieved if you can actually control operations day-to-day.

Freight Rates and Global Rerouting Putting Pressure on Operations

Persistent uncertainties regarding tariffs and supply overcapacity have led to a notable decline in intercontinental freight rates. The global logistics network continues to face pressure from various external factors and frequent route adjustments disrupt the reliability of shipping schedules. These challenges have resulted in extended transit times and significant congestion at major global ports. Increased collaboration between shipping lines, such as the Gemini Cooperation between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, has been reported to improve schedule reliability, asset turnover and cost efficiency. This operational success, coupled with Hapag-Lloyd’s recent merger agreement with ZIM, suggests that strategic M&A activity will remain a primary driver of industry consolidation throughout 2026.

Introduction of EU Emissions Trading System

Shifts in intercontinental traffic patterns inevitably influence the entire value chain, directly impacting intra-continental feeder and rail operations. In Europe, the requirement for full Emissions Trading System (ETS) compliance has introduced additional operational costs for shortsea shipping providers. These increased expenses are threatening a modal shift back toward road transportation as businesses seek to maintain cost efficiency. As a result, the industry risks losing the progress it has made in shifting cargo away from highways, leading directly to more road congestion and higher emissions.

Need for Improved Cargo Integrity

At the same time, the stakes for the cargo itself are rising with an increased targeting of high-value goods across the supply chain. When the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released its new estimates in October 2025, they estimated that annual cargo theft reached $6.6 billion across the supply chain in the United States alone, a significant increase year-on-year. Combating smuggling and cargo theft are large societal issues that require collaboration between authorities, shipping and transportation industry. However, as it is very challenging to pinpoint the location where an incident has occurred, it is fundamentally difficult to secure convictions or mitigate future events.

Balder Supports Improved Bottom-Line through Real-Time Asset Visibility

In a market full of unpredictable schedules, changing volumes, and regulations, operational blind spots quickly become a major financial liability. Keeping a close watch on container positioning and demurrage exposure is a practical way to protect your margins. Real-time tracking lets your team spot delays before they turn into extra fees. Integration of real-time delivery and pickup data, through automatic geofences, gives a new dimension on how to utilize your assets. It can also add an extra safety layer against expensive demurrage and detention costs. Operators can also be notified upon an unexpected door opening, supporting earlier intervention and automatic reporting towards authorities. This visibility also gives you the hard data needed to prove your service reliability to premium customers and defend your bottom line.

At the end of the day, real-time asset visibility provides the practical oversight you need to navigate a volatile market.