Conex News - Weekly Update: September 12, 2025 - September 19,2025 in Global Container Industry

Empty Containers Now Make Up 41% of Global Shipping

A new report has revealed a striking figure: 41% of containers moving across the globe are empty. This imbalance is a byproduct of uneven trade flows, where exports and imports don’t match up geographically, leaving carriers to reposition large numbers of containers without cargo.

The problem isn’t just wasted space—it drives up costs for shipping companies, adds pressure to congested ports, and ripples down to businesses that rely on steady freight supply. Analysts warn that unless repositioning practices improve, the imbalance could worsen as global demand shifts. Some solutions include strengthening regional trade lanes, coordinating repositioning more effectively, and using digital platforms to track container flows more accurately.

The report serves as a reminder that while containers symbolize efficiency in global trade, even the simplest steel box can highlight the inefficiencies of a complex system.

Source: Marine Insight

Over 2,400 Containers Seized in Greece in Major Customs Fraud Case

In Greece, one of the largest shipping-related seizures in recent memory took place when authorities intercepted more than 2,400 containers at the Port of Piraeus. The operation, codenamed Calypso, was led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and focused on a wide-reaching customs fraud and smuggling network.

Investigators allege that criminal groups exploited Europe’s busiest maritime gateways to slip goods into circulation while evading duties and oversight. The scale of the seizure highlights both the opportunity and risk inherent in containerized trade—while it enables global commerce at massive scale, it also provides cover for illicit activity when controls are weak.

Port officials stressed that such enforcement is critical not only to protect state revenues but also to maintain the integrity of Europe’s supply chains. The seizure has sparked renewed calls for stronger cross-border coordination in container monitoring and customs enforcement.

Source: Eppo

COSCO and Shenzhen Port Announce High-End Logistics Hub in Yantian

Looking east, COSCO Shipping has unveiled plans to build a state-of-the-art logistics hub in Yantian, one of China’s busiest container ports, in partnership with Shenzhen Port.

The new facility is designed to integrate smart logistics, digital platforms, and value-added services. COSCO’s investment reflects a larger industry trend: shipping lines are increasingly investing directly into port infrastructure to exert more control over supply chains and improve reliability.

For China, the hub strengthens Yantian’s role as a regional gateway, while for customers it promises smoother connections, better tracking, and a stronger buffer against the kind of disruptions seen globally in recent years. Analysts note that by consolidating shipping, port, and logistics functions, COSCO is positioning itself at the center of the Asia-Pacific trade network at a time when resilience and efficiency are in high demand.

Source: Journal Of Commerce

Amazon Opens Logistics Network to Walmart, Shopify, and Shein Sellers

Amazon has expanded its Multichannel Fulfillment (MCF) program, giving independent sellers access to its delivery network even if they operate on rival platforms like Walmart, Shopify, and Shein. The move marks a significant step in Amazon’s strategy to position itself as a logistics provider beyond its own marketplace.

By using Amazon’s network, sellers can tap into shared inventory pools, fast delivery times, and simplified fulfillment without needing separate systems for each sales channel. “We’re making it easier for sellers, especially SMBs, to grow faster and more efficiently across their sales channels,” said Peter Larsen, VP of Amazon Multichannel Commerce and Fulfillment.

The announcement follows Amazon’s decision to raise pay for warehouse and transportation workers to more than $23 an hour, while also lowering healthcare costs. Analysts note that Amazon’s logistics push could pressure rivals, as merchants selling on Walmart or Shopify might now depend on Amazon for fulfillment—blurring the lines between competition and cooperation in e-commerce logistics.

Source: PYMNTS

Riverstone Logistics Relocates Headquarters to Rock Hill with $16.4 Million Investment

Charlotte-based Riverstone Logistics announced it will move its corporate headquarters to Rock Hill, South Carolina, investing $16.4 million and creating 159 jobs with average salaries of $91,000. The relocation marks Riverstone’s first site in South Carolina and will anchor at The Thread, a 400,000-square-foot redevelopment of former mill and warehouse space into office, retail, and event facilities.

Founded in 2017, Riverstone specializes in freight brokerage for consumer electronics, building materials, and appliance installation. CEO Charlie Workmon cited Rock Hill’s alignment with the company’s vision for growth and innovation: “Rock Hill offers the perfect home for our next chapter,” he said.

Local leaders welcomed the move as a boost for both wages and redevelopment. The new jobs significantly outpace York County’s average annual salary of $61,620, and Mayor John Gettys emphasized the city’s focus on attracting high-wage employment. The relocation also underscores the success of The Thread and broader University Center redevelopment projects, which have been recognized nationally for transforming downtown Rock Hill into a hub for business, sports, and community life. Riverstone’s new headquarters is expected to be operational by July.

Source: Herald

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