US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in September Raising Economic Worries

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in September Raising Economic Worries

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both declined year-over-year in the third week of September. Gains in grain and metallic ores were offset by decreases in coal, miscellaneous carloads, and nonmetallic minerals. Despite the recent downturn, year-to-date rail freight and intermodal traffic remain up compared to the same period last year. This suggests a mixed picture of the economy, with some sectors showing growth while others are experiencing contraction, as reflected in the varying commodity transport volumes.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Railroad Merger Risks US Chemical Industry CEO Warns

Railroad Merger Risks US Chemical Industry CEO Warns

American Chemistry Council CEO Chris Jahn warns that the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern railroad merger could negatively impact U.S. manufacturing. He emphasizes the potential for service degradation and increased rates, urging regulators to address monopoly risks within the rail industry. Jahn suggests learning from Canada's reciprocal switching model to ensure fair competition and safeguard the American economy. He believes the merger warrants careful scrutiny to prevent harm to manufacturers and consumers due to reduced service options and higher costs. The focus should be on maintaining a competitive and efficient rail network.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Chemical Council CEO Opposes Railroad Mergers Over Monopoly Concerns

Chemical Council CEO Opposes Railroad Mergers Over Monopoly Concerns

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) warns that a merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern could exacerbate railroad monopolies and harm the chemical industry. The ACC argues that such a merger would reduce competition, leading to higher prices and potentially impacting the reliable transport of vital chemicals. They are urging regulatory agencies to conduct a thorough review and ultimately reject the proposed merger, citing concerns about its potential negative impact on the chemical sector and the broader economy. The ACC believes the merger would stifle innovation and limit transportation options for chemical manufacturers.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Wig Market Booms Amid Rising Beauty Demand

Global Wig Market Booms Amid Rising Beauty Demand

The wig market is experiencing explosive growth, with young consumers as the main driving force. Human hair wigs are highly sought after for their realism and comfort, with some products even selling out and factories' orders booked until next year. This market surge is driven by the dual forces of the "Appearance Economy" and "Consumption Upgrade." To stand out in the fierce competition, businesses need to focus on product innovation, quality assurance, brand marketing, and channel expansion. They must adapt to the evolving demands of the modern consumer to capitalize on this booming market.

02/06/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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TAP Air Portugal Expands Routes and Cargo Services

TAP Air Portugal Expands Routes and Cargo Services

This article provides a detailed overview of TAP Air Portugal's route network, cargo services, and relevant codes. It covers the airline's profile, destinations served, characteristics of its cargo services, cargo tracking methods, and an introduction to its Lisbon hub airport. Furthermore, it provides methods for querying airline codes, aiming to help readers comprehensively understand TAP Air Portugal and conveniently utilize its services. This includes information relevant for both passenger and cargo operations, focusing on accessibility and ease of use for potential customers and partners.

08/21/2025 Airlines
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Benin Customs Adopts Competency Model to Enhance Efficiency

Benin Customs Adopts Competency Model to Enhance Efficiency

With the support of the Swedish government through the WACAM project, Benin Customs has successfully implemented a competency-based human resource management system. This system covers key areas such as recruitment, training, and performance evaluation, aiming to enhance the overall effectiveness of the customs administration. The Minister of Finance expressed support for the project and hopes to extend it to the tax department. A pilot competency assessment project will be launched at Cotonou Airport, laying the foundation for the modernization of human resources within Benin Customs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lao Customs Adopts Japanese Expertise to Curb Smuggling

Lao Customs Adopts Japanese Expertise to Curb Smuggling

In 2017, Lao Customs officers participated in a training program on airport compliance and enforcement, supported by the World Customs Organization and sponsored by the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund. The training aimed to enhance Lao Customs' capabilities in passenger risk management. Through theoretical learning and practical exercises, participants mastered key skills such as risk assessment, risk profiling, and target selection. They also learned practical methods including verbal and non-verbal risk assessment and questioning techniques. This initiative contributes to the modernization of Lao Customs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Aviation Industry Advancing Toward Netzero IATA Reports

Aviation Industry Advancing Toward Netzero IATA Reports

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a sustainability consulting service to empower aviation businesses in reducing their carbon footprint and achieving net-zero transition. The service covers carbon footprint assessment, net-zero strategy development, emissions reduction leverage analysis, ESG disclosure and reporting, airport decarbonization, and technological innovation. IATA will also host a series of industry events to provide a platform for exchange and collaboration on sustainable development within the aviation sector. This initiative aims to accelerate the industry's progress towards a more environmentally responsible future.

01/08/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Datadriven Strategy Aims to Optimize Global Air Freight

Datadriven Strategy Aims to Optimize Global Air Freight

This article, from a data analyst's perspective, delves into the 7 key steps of international air freight, from booking to delivery, emphasizing the role of data-driven approaches in optimizing each stage. Through intelligent booking, warehouse optimization, customs clearance process optimization, airport collaboration, efficient customs clearance, last-mile delivery, and data feedback, the aim is to improve the efficiency of international air freight, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. Data analysis is crucial for identifying bottlenecks and implementing targeted improvements across the entire supply chain.

01/15/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Ukchina Air Cargo Expansion Fuels Ecommerce Growth

Ukchina Air Cargo Expansion Fuels Ecommerce Growth

A European freight company is increasing its Bournemouth-Chengdu cargo flights to six times a week, offering nearly 700 tons of capacity and boosting China-UK air freight capabilities. In partnership with Shenzhen-based express logistics, Bournemouth Airport is becoming a new UK gateway for e-commerce. Sichuan Province has signed a cargo development agreement to optimize customs clearance processes, further supporting the growth of cross-border e-commerce. This expansion enhances trade efficiency and provides more opportunities for businesses engaged in both markets.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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