Global Supply Chains Stabilize As Trade Volatility Eases

Global Supply Chains Stabilize As Trade Volatility Eases

Descartes' latest global shipping report indicates seasonal growth in U.S. imports, improved port efficiency, and signs of supply chain normalization. The West Coast ports' share is decreasing, while the East Coast is rising. Import growth in China is slowing but remains dominant. Experts believe the supply chain is stabilizing, but labor issues and geopolitical risks persist and require continuous monitoring. The report highlights shifts in port dominance and emphasizes the ongoing need for vigilance despite positive trends in supply chain performance.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Canadian West Coast Port Workers Strike Again Disrupting Supply Chains

Canadian West Coast Port Workers Strike Again Disrupting Supply Chains

Canadian West Coast ports are facing a potential strike, threatening to severely disrupt supply chains and impact global trade. The situation calls for strengthened dialogue between parties to avoid work stoppages. Mitigation strategies include diversifying supply chains to reduce reliance on single points of failure and investing in infrastructure improvements to enhance port efficiency and resilience. A prolonged strike could have significant economic consequences, underscoring the importance of proactive measures to address the underlying labor dispute and ensure the smooth flow of goods.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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West Coast Canada Port Workers Reach Labor Deal

West Coast Canada Port Workers Reach Labor Deal

A tentative agreement has been reached again in the labor negotiations at Canada's West Coast ports, after a previous agreement was rejected by the union. The new agreement aims to address issues such as wages, benefits, and working conditions, but still requires ratification by union members. This event highlights the vulnerability of supply chains and the economic impact of labor relations. Long-term solutions require strengthened communication and increased mutual trust between labor and management to jointly address the challenges.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Logistics Industry Faces Talent Shortage Amid Supply Chain Strains

Logistics Industry Faces Talent Shortage Amid Supply Chain Strains

The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) in the US is proactively addressing the logistics talent shortage through a combination of education and practical experience. It emphasizes early career guidance, skills enhancement, and industry collaboration. Drawing inspiration from the efficient operations of ports in 2025, WERC aims to provide talent assurance for future supply chain development. This proactive approach ensures a skilled workforce ready to meet the evolving demands of the logistics and supply chain sectors, fostering innovation and efficiency.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Global Port Quality Awards Elevate Trade Standards

Global Port Quality Awards Elevate Trade Standards

The Quest for Quality Awards, recognizing port excellence, has significantly upgraded its port selection criteria. The new assessment system focuses on five core dimensions: ease of doing business, value, ocean network, intermodal network, and equipment & operations. This aims to provide a more comprehensive and objective measure of service quality at U.S. ports, offering valuable insights for shippers. The updated criteria are designed to better reflect the multifaceted aspects of port performance and provide a more accurate gauge of overall quality.

01/20/2026 Port Encyclopedia
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Port of Los Angeles Reports Steady June Growth Despite Economic Concerns

Port of Los Angeles Reports Steady June Growth Despite Economic Concerns

The Port of Los Angeles experienced solid growth in June, but a cautious outlook prevails due to retail sector weakness. Strategic alliances are aiding port development, amidst intense competition among West Coast ports. Experts suggest low inventory levels could drive demand recovery, highlighting the importance of refined operations. While June's performance is positive, future growth hinges on navigating economic uncertainties and optimizing port efficiency. The port continues to adapt to evolving market dynamics and strives to maintain its competitive edge.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Intermodal Transport Adapts to Supply Chain Challenges Opportunities

Intermodal Transport Adapts to Supply Chain Challenges Opportunities

Larry Gross highlighted the challenges facing multimodal transportation at the RailTrends conference, including efficiency bottlenecks, market share erosion, and the ongoing supply chain crisis. He emphasized the need to rethink supply chain rules, enhance resilience, and adapt to market changes. Future growth will depend on the domestic market and proactively addressing the impact of differences between East and West Coast ports. The industry must innovate to overcome current obstacles and capitalize on emerging opportunities within a restructured global trade landscape.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Port Delays How to Rebook Containers and Avoid Shipping Delays

Port Delays How to Rebook Containers and Avoid Shipping Delays

This article focuses on the situation where cargo containers are delayed due to inspection, preventing them from being loaded onto the ship on time. It details the specific re-allocation process at Waigaoqiao and Yangshan ports, including applying for a non-loading certificate, canceling the customs declaration form, and modifying port area information. The aim is to help foreign traders cope with unexpected situations and minimize losses caused by cargo delays. It provides a practical guide to navigate the re-allocation procedures in these specific port locations.

08/22/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Freight Forwarders Grapple With Complex Port Code Systems

Freight Forwarders Grapple With Complex Port Code Systems

This article delves into the intricate relationship between destination ports and transit port codes in freight forwarding. It emphasizes that transit port codes are not always one-to-one and provides practical advice to ensure code accuracy. Freight forwarders are advised to rely on equipment orders or freight forwarder confirmations to avoid cargo delays or losses caused by incorrect codes. Always verify the code against official documentation and communicate with the destination agent to confirm accuracy. Ignoring this can lead to significant financial repercussions.

08/22/2025 Port Encyclopedia
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Customs Vs National Territory Key for Crossborder Trade

Customs Vs National Territory Key for Crossborder Trade

This paper delves into the distinction between customs territory and national border, emphasizing that the key to defining a customs territory is the “implementation of the same customs law,” and correcting misconceptions about “within the border but outside customs.” It also provides a detailed introduction to the concept and operation of free trade ports, using Singapore and Hong Kong as examples to illustrate the role of free port policies in promoting international trade. Understanding these concepts is crucial for practitioners in cross-border trade.

09/26/2025 Customs Knowledge
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