US Rail Freight Growth Slows Amid Shifting Demand

US Rail Freight Growth Slows Amid Shifting Demand

For the week of October 4, 2025, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes increased year-over-year, but growth decelerated. Freight volume saw a slight increase of 0.002%, while intermodal grew by 6.7%. Declining coal shipments reflect the ongoing energy transition. Supply chain challenges continue to limit intermodal's full potential. Year-to-date figures still indicate overall growth. Future focus should be on infrastructure investment, technological innovation, and sustainable development to maintain momentum and address evolving market dynamics.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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North American Intermodal Volume Falls in July Recovery Expected

North American Intermodal Volume Falls in July Recovery Expected

According to the Intermodal Association of North America, intermodal volumes in July decreased by 9.8% year-over-year, with a cumulative decrease of 9.6% for the year. Key factors include economic downturn, high inventory levels, and reduced consumer demand. The association anticipates a potential recovery in the second half of the year. Businesses should focus on monitoring the economic situation, optimizing operations, expanding services, strengthening technological innovation, and deepening collaboration to address challenges and seize opportunities.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Nextgen Supply Chain Conference 2025 Focuses on Digital Resilience

Nextgen Supply Chain Conference 2025 Focuses on Digital Resilience

The Next Generation Supply Chain Conference 2025 brings together industry leaders, focusing on key issues such as digital transformation, supply chain resilience, and sustainability. The conference explores the application of technologies like AI, robotics, and digital twins in the supply chain. It emphasizes that companies should actively embrace digitalization and build an agile, intelligent, and sustainable supply chain ecosystem to address future challenges. This includes adapting to disruptive events and building more robust and flexible supply chains.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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DHL Invests 300M in North American Logistics Expansion

DHL Invests 300M in North American Logistics Expansion

DHL Supply Chain announced a $300 million investment in North America to accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies across 350 facilities. This initiative aims to address e-commerce and omnichannel challenges while improving operational efficiency and service levels. Key technologies include collaborative robots, artificial intelligence, and autonomous vehicles. DHL also emphasizes a human-centric approach, leveraging technology to support talent development. Furthermore, the company will establish an Americas Innovation Center to drive the future of logistics.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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WCO ICC Partner to Streamline Customs Spur Global Recovery

WCO ICC Partner to Streamline Customs Spur Global Recovery

The World Customs Organization and the International Chamber of Commerce jointly issued a statement emphasizing strengthened cooperation to accelerate customs and trade facilitation measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This aims to ensure smooth global trade flows and support economic recovery. Both organizations will focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by providing tools and resources through their respective platforms. They will jointly address challenges and work towards reshaping the global trade system.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Reforms Global Trade Rules for Crossborder Ecommerce

WCO Reforms Global Trade Rules for Crossborder Ecommerce

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has issued guidelines to regulate cross-border e-commerce, covering data management, risk control, facilitation, security, tax collection, data analysis, partnerships, and legal frameworks. These guidelines aim to promote trade facilitation, ensure security, effectively collect customs duties, and provide a clear framework for global trade. They address the challenges of the digital economy and foster the sustainable development of cross-border e-commerce, ultimately creating a more efficient and secure global trading environment.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Shipping Delays Persist Postcustoms Clearance

Global Shipping Delays Persist Postcustoms Clearance

It's normal for international express shipments to experience delivery delays after customs clearance, as these are independent processes. Factors include warehouse sorting, information lag, delivery scheduling, address issues, and remote area dispatch. It's recommended to check the local delivery depot, contact the recipient, and follow up with customer service. Furthermore, optimizing logistics plans and improving customer communication can enhance overall cross-border logistics efficiency. Addressing these issues proactively can minimize frustration and improve the customer experience.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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WCO Leads Push for Sustainable Supply Chain Revival

WCO Leads Push for Sustainable Supply Chain Revival

The World Customs Organization (WCO) announced its 2021 theme as "Customs bolstering Recovery, Renewal and Resilience," highlighting the crucial role of customs in the sustainable recovery of global supply chains. Through digital transformation, strengthened international cooperation, and enhanced personnel capabilities, customs administrations can better address future challenges and ensure the smooth and secure flow of global trade. This includes adapting to new technologies and fostering collaboration to build more resilient and adaptable supply chains in the face of disruptions.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Strengthens Environmental Rules to Curb Illegal Waste Trade

WCO Strengthens Environmental Rules to Curb Illegal Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is strengthening its collaboration with the Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network (ENFORCE) to enhance customs' role in combating the illegal cross-border trade of waste. Through capacity building, information sharing, international cooperation, and policy advocacy, the WCO assists its member customs administrations in effectively implementing the Basel Convention. This collaborative effort aims to address global environmental challenges and build a sustainable future by preventing and countering illegal waste shipments across borders.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Japans Ecommerce Firms Adapt Shipping Amid Labor Crunch

Japans Ecommerce Firms Adapt Shipping Amid Labor Crunch

The Japanese e-commerce sector is undergoing a shipping cost revolution driven by labor shortages. Zozotown is experimenting with self-determined shipping fees, Locondo introduced a 'non-urgent' delivery option, and Askul encourages bulk purchases. Major e-commerce platforms are actively exploring diverse strategies to balance cost control and user experience in response to rising logistics expenses. They are striving to find sustainable solutions that address the challenges posed by the evolving landscape of e-commerce fulfillment in Japan.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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