US Port Labor Talks Resume Amid Automation Dispute

US Port Labor Talks Resume Amid Automation Dispute

The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have resumed negotiations to avert a potential port strike on January 15th. Automation remains a central point of contention in the talks. Failure to reach an agreement could significantly disrupt global supply chains, impacting trade and potentially leading to economic consequences. The outcome of these labor negotiations is crucial for maintaining the stability and efficiency of port operations across the United States.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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East Coast Gulf Ports Ratify Sixyear Labor Pact to Avoid Disruptions

East Coast Gulf Ports Ratify Sixyear Labor Pact to Avoid Disruptions

A six-year labor agreement has been reached at 36 ports along the US East and Gulf Coasts, ensuring wage increases and automation protections, bringing stability to the supply chain. This collaboration between the International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance avoids the risk of strikes while laying the groundwork for port modernization and future development. This agreement is crucial for maintaining smooth operations and preventing disruptions in the vital maritime transportation network.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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IATA Requires Warehouse Lease or Ownership for Cargo Agents

IATA Requires Warehouse Lease or Ownership for Cargo Agents

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) mandates warehouse lease agreements or proof of ownership as a compulsory requirement for IATA freight forwarder accreditation, applicable to both branches and headquarters. This measure aims to regulate the market, enhance industry safety and service standards, ensure the secure storage and handling of goods, mitigate risks, and improve service quality. It emphasizes the importance of proper warehouse infrastructure and legal compliance for IATA-accredited freight forwarders.

01/27/2026 Warehousing
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US Rail Freight Auto Petroleum Up As Coal Declines

US Rail Freight Auto Petroleum Up As Coal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic decreased by 7.9% year-over-year for the week ending May 9, while intermodal traffic increased by 3.8%, showing a diverging trend. Shipments of motor vehicles & parts and petroleum products increased, while coal shipments decreased significantly. Year-to-date, rail freight traffic is down 1.8%, and intermodal traffic is up 1.7%. Rail freight companies need to actively transform and expand their intermodal transportation business.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines in February Raising Economic Worries

US Rail Freight Declines in February Raising Economic Worries

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both declined year-over-year for the week ending February 4th. While shipments of commodities like motor vehicles and petroleum increased, coal and grain volumes decreased. Overall, North American rail performance was weak, reflecting regional economic linkages and global economic downturn risks. The decline in freight volume may signal a potential economic slowdown and challenges for the supply chain.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Air Cargo Sector Adapts to Stricter Prearrival Data Rules

Air Cargo Sector Adapts to Stricter Prearrival Data Rules

The Airforwarders Association (AfA) will hold a summit in Los Angeles focusing on security compliance issues such as Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI). The summit will explore the implementation details of PLACI, the possibilities and challenges of phased implementation, technological solutions, and the future direction of regulatory policies. The aim is to help freight forwarders adapt to the new regulatory environment and improve the security and efficiency of the air cargo supply chain.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rebounds in Early 2025 Amid Economic Recovery

US Rail Freight Rebounds in Early 2025 Amid Economic Recovery

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows significant growth in U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume during the third week of January, with gains across various commodities. Coal, chemicals, and nonmetallic minerals led the increase. Cumulative data from early 2025 also indicate continued positive momentum. Key drivers include economic recovery, supply chain easing, increased energy demand, and infrastructure development. The industry faces both opportunities and challenges, requiring continuous innovation to thrive.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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WCO Boosts Anticounterfeit Efforts with Rights Holders

WCO Boosts Anticounterfeit Efforts with Rights Holders

The World Customs Organization (WCO) convened another meeting of the Global Congress on Combating Trafficking in Counterfeit and Pirated Goods (GCTD), aiming to strengthen communication between rights holders and customs authorities to combat counterfeit goods. The outcomes of this meeting will directly influence the work of the WCO's Anti-Counterfeiting and Piracy (CAP) Group, providing crucial support for global intellectual property protection. This collaboration is essential for effectively addressing the challenges posed by the trade in fake and pirated products.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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FMC Probes Container Shipping Delays As US Exports Lag

FMC Probes Container Shipping Delays As US Exports Lag

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) met with lawmakers to discuss alleged violations of the Shipping Act by ocean carriers. This stems from issues faced by U.S. exporters, including container shortages and detention and demurrage fees. The FMC is investigating these practices and may seek legislative support to strengthen regulation and modernize the Shipping Act. The focus is on ensuring fair practices within the container shipping industry and addressing concerns raised by American businesses regarding potential anti-competitive behavior and unfair charges.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Smart Supply Chains Boost Efficiency with Iot NFC Tags

Smart Supply Chains Boost Efficiency with Iot NFC Tags

This paper explores how IoT technologies, specifically temperature-sensing smart tags and NFC tags, can transform products into intelligent communication platforms, optimizing the supply chain. It highlights the advantages of IoT in product tracking, anti-counterfeiting traceability, accurate forecasting, customer interaction, and cold chain monitoring. The paper also provides recommendations for deploying IoT solutions, aiming to help businesses embrace the era of smart supply chains. By leveraging these technologies, companies can improve efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness throughout their entire supply network.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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