Navigating the Blank Market: How FreightAmigo Helps Shippers Overcome Supply Chain Disruptions

Introduction: The Rise of the Blank Market

In the ever-evolving world of global logistics, a new challenge has emerged for shippers and freight forwarders alike - the "blank market". This term refers to the increasing prevalence of blank sailings, where ocean carriers cancel scheduled voyages due to various factors such as low demand, operational issues, or strategic capacity management. As we navigate through 2025, the blank market has become a significant concern for businesses relying on international shipping, particularly in the Trans-Pacific Eastbound (TPEB) trade lanes.

Recent data paints a stark picture of the current situation:

• More than 25% of weekly service loops are already cancelled for late April and early May (Weeks 17-19) in the TPEB trade.
• Eight weekly service loops have been completely suspended by major alliances and carriers.
• The cancellation rate for Week 19 of 2025 surpasses that of Week 19 in 2020, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As logistics professionals, we at FreightAmigo understand the challenges posed by this blank market. In this article, we'll explore the causes and impacts of increased blank sailings, and more importantly, how our Digital Logistics Platform can help shippers and freight forwarders navigate these turbulent waters.

Understanding the Causes of the Blank Market

Several factors have contributed to the current surge in blank sailings:

1. US-China Trade Tensions

Ongoing trade disputes between the United States and China continue to impact shipping volumes. Recent developments include:

• The U.S. Trade Representative's revised plan to impose fees on Chinese-built and Chinese-operated vessels, set to take effect on October 14, 2025.
• President Trump's statement that existing tariffs on China "will come down substantially, but it won't be zero."
• China's Ministry of Commerce denying any ongoing tariff-related negotiations with the U.S.

2. Anticipated Reduced Demand

Ocean carriers are proactively withdrawing capacity in response to expected decreases in shipping demand. This is evidenced by:

• A 50% cancellation rate observed for shipments from China to North America.
• Muted volume growth forecasts from Southeast Asia to North America.

3. Capacity Management Strategies

Carriers are employing various tactics to manage capacity, including:

• Deploying smaller vessels on certain routes
• Blanking scheduled sailings
• Suspending entire service loops

4. Operational Challenges

Some blank sailings are a result of operational issues, such as mispositioned vessels, particularly on routes from Northwest India to the U.S. East Coast.

The Impact of the Blank Market on Shippers

The increasing prevalence of blank sailings poses several challenges for shippers:

1. Reduced Shipping Options

With fewer available sailings, shippers may struggle to find suitable vessel space for their cargo. This can lead to delays in getting products to market and potential inventory shortages.

2. Potential Rate Increases

As capacity tightens, carriers may implement rate increases. Several carriers have announced General Rate Increases (GRIs) and Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) for various trade lanes, including:

• GRIs effective around May 1 for the TPEB market
• PSS for TPEB shipments scheduled for the second half of May
• PSS ex North Europe beginning May 13
• GRIs and PSS for East Mediterranean routes at the beginning of May

3. Schedule Reliability Issues

Blank sailings can disrupt carefully planned supply chains, leading to missed connections and delayed deliveries. This is particularly problematic for time-sensitive cargo or just-in-time inventory systems.

4. Increased Complexity in Logistics Planning

With the shipping landscape becoming more unpredictable, shippers must be more proactive and flexible in their logistics planning. This may require more frequent adjustments to shipping schedules and strategies.

How FreightAmigo's Digital Logistics Platform Addresses Blank Market Challenges

At FreightAmigo, we understand the complexities of the current shipping environment. Our Digital Logistics Platform is designed to help shippers and freight forwarders navigate these challenges effectively. Here's how our solutions address the specific issues posed by the blank market:

1. Real-Time Visibility and Tracking

Our platform connects to more than 1000 reputable airlines and shipping lines, providing real-time tracking of shipment status. This enhanced visibility allows shippers to:

• Quickly identify potential disruptions caused by blank sailings
• Make informed decisions about alternative routing options
• Keep customers updated about potential delays or changes in delivery schedules

2. Comprehensive Quote Comparison

FreightAmigo's Digital Platform allows users to compare door-to-door freight quotes for various transportation modes, including:

• International courier
• Airfreight
• Sea freight
• Rail freight
• Trucking solutions

This comprehensive comparison helps shippers find the most efficient and cost-effective shipping options, even when faced with limited ocean freight capacity due to blank sailings.

3. Multi-Modal Shipping Solutions

By offering a range of transportation modes on our platform, we empower shippers to explore alternative shipping methods when ocean freight options are limited. This flexibility can help maintain supply chain continuity despite blank sailings.

4. Automated Documentation

Our platform's ability to automate shipment documents streamlines the booking process, allowing shippers to quickly secure available capacity before it's taken. This agility is crucial in a market where vessel space is at a premium due to blank sailings.

5. 24/7 Expert Support

Our round-the-clock logistics expert support ensures that shippers have access to professional guidance whenever needed. This becomes particularly valuable when navigating the complexities of rescheduling shipments or finding alternative solutions due to blank sailings.

6. Integration of AI and Big Data

FreightAmigo's platform leverages artificial intelligence and big data analytics to provide insights and recommendations. This can help shippers:

• Predict potential disruptions caused by blank sailings
• Identify optimal shipping routes and schedules
• Make data-driven decisions to mitigate the impact of the blank market

7. Customs Clearance and Insurance Solutions

Our one-stop platform offers integrated customs clearance and cargo insurance services. This comprehensive approach helps shippers manage potential delays or complications arising from rescheduled shipments due to blank sailings.

Strategies for Navigating the Blank Market with FreightAmigo

To help our clients effectively manage their shipping operations in the current blank market, we recommend the following strategies:

1. Diversify Shipping Options

Utilize FreightAmigo's multi-modal shipping solutions to spread risk across different transportation methods. This approach can help maintain supply chain flexibility when faced with limited ocean freight capacity.

2. Plan Ahead and Book Early

With reduced capacity due to blank sailings, it's crucial to plan shipments well in advance. Use FreightAmigo's platform to compare quotes and secure space early, especially for critical or time-sensitive cargo.

3. Stay Informed

Leverage FreightAmigo's real-time tracking and market insights to stay updated on the latest shipping trends, blank sailing announcements, and potential disruptions.

4. Consider Alternative Routes

Use our Digital Platform to explore different routing options, including transshipment or multi-leg journeys, which may offer more stable schedules in the face of blank sailings.

5. Optimize Inventory Management

Work with your supply chain partners to adjust inventory levels and production schedules to account for potential shipping delays caused by blank sailings.

6. Leverage Data Analytics

Utilize FreightAmigo's AI and big data capabilities to analyze historical shipping data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions about future shipments.

7. Maintain Open Communication

Use our platform's communication tools to stay in close contact with carriers, customers, and other stakeholders, ensuring all parties are aware of potential changes or delays due to blank sailings.

Conclusion: Thriving in the Blank Market with FreightAmigo

The blank market presents significant challenges for shippers and freight forwarders, but with the right tools and strategies, these obstacles can be overcome. FreightAmigo's Digital Logistics Platform offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to help businesses navigate the complexities of modern shipping, including the increased prevalence of blank sailings.

By leveraging our platform's real-time visibility, multi-modal shipping options, automated documentation, and expert support, shippers can maintain efficient and resilient supply chains even in the face of capacity constraints and schedule disruptions.

As we continue to innovate and expand our Digital Logistics Platform, FreightAmigo remains committed to helping our clients transform and redefine their logistics experience. By combining cutting-edge technologies like AI, big data, FreighTech, FinTech, InsurTech, and GreenTech, we're not just adapting to the challenges of the blank market - we're creating new opportunities for growth and efficiency in the global shipping industry.

In these uncertain times, let FreightAmigo be your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of international shipping. Together, we can turn the challenges of the blank market into opportunities for innovation and success in your supply chain operations.