Corporate Moving update April 2026
Global Corporate Moving continues to operate within a complex shipping and regulatory environment. Regional instability, sustainability investment, industry consolidation and regulatory reform are shaping freight capacity, cost structures and service reliability. Organisations managing international relocations should remain attentive to disruption risks and structural changes across the shipping sector.
Santa Fe Relocation launches European export sea freight groupage service in the Netherlands
Santa Fe Relocation has launched a new European sea freight export groupage service at its Amsterdam branch. Five destinations are currently available: Canada via Toronto, the USA via Charleston, Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai. Dubai remains subject to change while the Middle East crisis continues. This service consolidates moves from across Europe at Santa Fe’s customs bonded warehouse in Amsterdam. It supports container loading, EU export customs clearance and sea freight export via Rotterdam. The initiative has been developed in partnership with MOBILITAS.
FIDI highlights impact of Middle East crisis on global moving operations
FIDI Global Alliance has alerted Affiliates to the impact of the escalating conflict in the Middle East on international moving and relocation operations. In an open letter, Secretary General Jesse van Sas outlined how instability in key areas, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, is leading to suspended or rerouted services. This is driving delays, increased costs and reduced reliability. He noted that geopolitical developments are becoming a consistent factor in global mobility and logistics. Cost volatility and operational disruption now require ongoing planning and management. Affiliates are advised to communicate clearly with clients and set realistic expectations on timing, routing and cost.
MSC becomes first container carrier to reach 1,000 ships
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has become the first container carrier to operate 1,000 ships, following delivery of the 11,480 TEU vessel MSC Migsan. MSC remains the world’s largest container line, with a fleet approximately 57% larger than its nearest competitor, Maersk. Its total capacity of 7.3 million TEU is close to the combined fleets of Hapag-Lloyd, Ocean Network Express, Evergreen and HMM. Founder Gianluigi Aponte has transferred ownership of the business to his children, Diego and Alexa, marking a transition in leadership for the company.
Industry confidence shows cautious improvement
The FIDI Global Business Cycle Barometer continues to track performance across the moving industry. After two challenging years, recent data indicates a return to cautious optimism. The Barometer measures current performance against the same period in the previous year and captures expectations for the next quarter. Results since 2019 reflect ongoing volatility shaped by the pandemic, geopolitical disruption and shipping challenges. In 2025, members reported declines in revenue, profit and staffing levels, alongside rising operational costs. Business confidence remained positive overall, peaking at 16 in Q2 before falling to 1 in later quarters, indicating weaker sentiment during the traditional peak season. Some organisations have reported strong results, supporting a mixed outlook for the industry.
Global mobility coalition expands scope and structure
Six leading industry associations — CERC, CHPA, EuRA, FIDI Global Alliance, IAM and WERC have expanded their collaboration under a new structure, now named the Coalition for Associations in Global Mobility. Originally formed in 2022 as the Coalition for Greener Mobility, the group has broadened its focus beyond sustainability to address wider industry challenges. It is now a UK-registered not-for-profit entity with formal governance, enabling long-term collaboration, funding and the inclusion of new members. The coalition aims to strengthen coordination across the sector, support knowledge sharing and develop practical responses to industry challenges. New members are expected to join, with working groups planned on key topics including corporate resources and professional practice.
Strategic considerations for organisations
Organisations managing international relocations should monitor regional instability closely, particularly where shipping routes remain exposed to geopolitical disruption. They should also plan for continued cost pressure linked to service reliability, market consolidation and broader structural change across the shipping sector. Close coordination with relocation providers remains important to maintain shipment visibility, respond quickly to operational changes and manage risk across moving programmes.
Santa Fe Relocation continues to monitor market developments and regional conditions closely to support informed decision-making across Corporate Moving programmes. For further guidance, please contact your designated Santa Fe consultant.
Henk Schutte
Group Move Supply Chain Manager
Santa Fe Relocation
henk.schutte@santaferelo.com
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