Bjorn Vang Jensen: Venezuela to Suez, Spot vs Contract Strategy & What Freight Buyers Must Know in 2026

Freight rates, container capacity, and tender strategies are about to get complicated in 2026 — and Bjorn Vang Jensen is here to cut through the noise. Bjorn Vang Jensen (EVP Global Head of Ocean at EasySpeed International Logistics) has worn every hat in the freight industry: buyer, forwarder, consultant, and shipping executive. With 38 years of experience including major freight buying roles at electronics and automotive giants, he brings a unique perspective on what's really shaping container markets in 2026. IN THIS EPISODE WE COVER: - Venezuela intervention and Greenland threats: What actually impacts freight markets vs. what's just noise- The 3 big factors shaping freight in 2026: Tariffs, geopolitics, and the Suez Canal return- Why carriers will drip-feed the Suez reopening (not flood it) — and what that means for Asia-Europe rates- The 70/30 contract strategy: Why Bjorn's 13-year data analysis shows contract rates beat spot- Container shipping reliability: Can carriers charge more for it? Should you pay for it?- China+1 becomes 3+China: The real sourcing trends happening in 2026- Why geopolitical risk is now "line item #1" in every freight budget (not just a checkbox) KEY QUOTES: "For every week you have port problems, it takes a month to dig yourself out." "70% contract, 30% spot — that's my recommendation for 2026." "Geopolitical upheaval used to be a checkbox risk. Now it's the #1 bullet point." ABOUT BJORN VANG JENSEN:EVP Global Head of Ocean at EasySpeed International Logistics, with previous senior roles as a major freight buyer at global electronics and automotive companies. 38 years in container shipping. This episode is produced with the support of OntegosCloud — the freight forwarder profitability specialist. RELATED EPISODE:We Need to Talk About…Reliability: Container Shipping's Problem Childhttps://youtu.be/0B_EsmxkY9Y Hosted by Mike King, award-winning business journalist specializing in global trade, shipping, and logistics. https://youtu.be/0B_EsmxkY9Y TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro & Guest Introduction1:00 - Tender Season & What Bjorn's Up To2:43 - Venezuela & Greenland: Geopolitical Noise vs. Reality6:57 - The 3 Big Factors Shaping 202610:22 - Suez Canal Return Strategy: Chaos or Managed Roll-Out?14:50 - Carrier Strategy: Capacity, Blanking & Rate Management18:10 - Container Shipping Reliability: Can You Charge for It?21:52 - Trans-Pacific Buying Strategy: The 70/30 Rule23:50 - Asia-Europe Contract Data: Only 2 Windows Where Spot Won26:00 - Why Relationships Matter in Contract Negotiations27:00 - Sourcing Trends: China+1 Becomes "3+China"29:40 - Geopolitical Risk: From Checkbox to Line Item #131:00 - Wrap & Final Advice