US Rail Freight Declines Midyear Amid Industry Shifts

US Rail Freight Declines Midyear Amid Industry Shifts

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates a year-over-year decline in U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume for the week ending June 25th. While sectors like chemicals and agricultural products experienced growth, coal and metals saw decreases. Year-to-date freight volume is slightly down, with a more significant drop in intermodal traffic. The rail industry needs to proactively transform by improving efficiency, expanding services, and embracing digitalization to address challenges and capitalize on future opportunities.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Tech Adoption Boosts Supply Chains Amid Trade Wars

Tech Adoption Boosts Supply Chains Amid Trade Wars

A Descartes Systems Group study reveals that 74% of supply chain leaders consider technology crucial for growth, with an even higher percentage among high-growth companies. Global trade intelligence is the top technology choice at 36%, followed by trade analytics and supply chain mapping. Businesses are actively leveraging technology to address trade challenges and drive growth. This highlights the increasing importance of technology in navigating the complexities of modern supply chains and achieving strategic objectives.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Unveils Tech Network to Streamline Global Border Control

WCO Unveils Tech Network to Streamline Global Border Control

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched the Technology Network (TeN), aiming to be a leading global hub for border management technology. This platform facilitates information exchange, experience sharing, and collaboration among customs administrations, technology providers, and other stakeholders. It promotes technological innovation and application to improve global border management. Companies can register their products for free, and customs administrations can search for the latest technology solutions. The goal is to collectively build an intelligent border management ecosystem.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sorsogon Port Emerges As Vital Hub in Philippines Abaca Trade

Sorsogon Port Emerges As Vital Hub in Philippines Abaca Trade

Sorsogon Port is a vital port located on the southeastern tip of Luzon Island in the Philippines, serving as the capital of Sorsogon province. It functions as a barge port connecting the Philippines and Indonesia, and is a significant distribution center for agricultural products like abaca and copra. Linking to Manila via land and sea routes, the port plays a crucial role in regional trade, facilitating the movement of goods and contributing to the economic activity of the surrounding area.

09/29/2025 Port Encyclopedia
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Baltimore Port Opens Temporary Channel to Ease Cargo Backlog After Bridge Collapse

Baltimore Port Opens Temporary Channel to Ease Cargo Backlog After Bridge Collapse

The collapse of the Baltimore bridge has triggered a supply chain crisis at the port. While a temporary channel offers some relief, extensive debris removal, underwater surveys, and dredging operations are underway. The port closure impacts the transportation of automobiles, agricultural products, and other goods, requiring businesses to adapt. The reconstruction presents both challenges and opportunities, potentially leading to port upgrades and modernization. The focus remains on restoring full operational capacity and mitigating further disruptions to the global supply chain.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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Chongqings Foreign Trade Grows 47 Amid Emerging Market Demand

Chongqings Foreign Trade Grows 47 Amid Emerging Market Demand

In the first four months of 2025, Chongqing's total foreign trade volume reached 226.46 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 4.7%. General trade and bonded logistics progressed simultaneously, with private enterprises becoming the main driving force for growth. ASEAN was the largest trading partner, and emerging markets showed potential. Exports of advantageous products such as laptops, motorcycles, and mobile phones remained stable. Intermediate goods and agricultural products performed well, jointly promoting the high-quality development of Chongqing's foreign trade.

05/19/2025 Logistics
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Mississippi River Drought Threatens US Supply Chains

Mississippi River Drought Threatens US Supply Chains

Drought conditions have lowered the Mississippi River to its lowest level in a decade, causing waterway closures, hundreds of stranded vessels, and hindered agricultural product transport, leading to soaring freight costs. Concurrently, US imports are projected to fall to a near two-year low, reflecting weakened demand and ongoing supply chain challenges. The combination of extreme weather events and slowing global demand is exacerbating economic uncertainty. The low water levels are severely impacting the ability to move goods along this vital waterway.

12/29/2025 Logistics
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West Coast Port Labor Talks Ease Congestion for WA Agriculture

West Coast Port Labor Talks Ease Congestion for WA Agriculture

Progress is expected in the West Coast port labor negotiations, with a preliminary agreement potentially reached between the ILWU and PMA, alleviating the challenges faced by Washington State's agricultural exports. Port congestion has severely impacted the local economy, necessitating data-driven solutions for businesses to optimize their supply chains. Establishing diversified and resilient strategies is crucial to mitigating future disruptions and ensuring continued economic stability in the region. These measures are vital for navigating the ongoing complexities of global trade.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Committee Updates Global Trade Classification Standards

WCO Committee Updates Global Trade Classification Standards

The 57th session of the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Committee holds significant implications for global trade. This session adopted several commodity classification decisions, classification opinions, and amendments to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, covering sectors like food and beverages, plastic products, agricultural machinery, and electronics. Businesses should closely monitor the WCO official website, enhance communication with customs authorities, and improve their own classification capabilities to effectively navigate new trade challenges. Staying informed is crucial for compliance and efficient international trade operations.

01/26/2026 HS Code Query
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Uschina Trade Deal Leaves Logistics Firms Facing Uncertainty

Uschina Trade Deal Leaves Logistics Firms Facing Uncertainty

While the US-China Phase One trade deal was signed, trade uncertainties remain. The agreement mandates significant increases in Chinese purchases of US agricultural products, goods, and services, but achieving these targets faces challenges. Logistics and supply chain companies should monitor the agreement's implementation, diversify supply chains, optimize logistics networks, strengthen risk management, and flexibly adapt to evolving trade policies. The deal's impact on existing tariffs and potential future trade tensions necessitates a proactive approach to mitigate disruptions and ensure business continuity.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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