US Imports Fall As Descartes Notes Supply Chain Risks

US Imports Fall As Descartes Notes Supply Chain Risks

The latest Descartes report reveals that while US import volume in November experienced a seasonal dip, it still showed year-over-year growth. The year-to-date import volume has already surpassed last year's total. US-China trade has cooled slightly but remains robust. The report also highlights import changes across the top ten US ports and source countries, along with port transit delays. Potential tariffs, labor negotiations, and geopolitical risks will continue to impact the supply chain.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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OCEMA Seeks Exemptions to Maintain Container Shipping Flow

OCEMA Seeks Exemptions to Maintain Container Shipping Flow

OCEMA is urging for exemptions from "stay-at-home" orders for critical maritime transportation segments to ensure smooth container shipping operations, prevent supply chain bottlenecks, and enhance transportation resilience. The organization believes that maintaining the flow of goods through ports and related infrastructure is crucial for economic stability and the availability of essential supplies. These exemptions would allow necessary personnel to continue working, mitigating potential disruptions and supporting the overall integrity of the supply chain during challenging times.

02/05/2026 Logistics
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Chinaeurope Shipping Faces Delays Calls for Port Optimization

Chinaeurope Shipping Faces Delays Calls for Port Optimization

This paper delves into the key factors influencing sea freight time between China and Europe, including route selection, vessel type, port congestion, weather conditions, and carrier efficiency. It provides reference data on sea freight time for major European ports and proposes strategies to optimize China-Europe sea freight time. The aim is to assist businesses in improving supply chain efficiency by addressing these critical factors and implementing effective solutions to reduce transit times and enhance overall logistics performance.

02/05/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Spains Air Cargo Hubs Expand Global Trade Links

Spains Air Cargo Hubs Expand Global Trade Links

Spanish air freight ports, leveraging their strategic geographic location, modern infrastructure, and efficient operations, serve as vital hubs connecting global trade. Major airports like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia offer diverse air cargo services, including consolidation and efficient customs clearance, catering to the logistical needs of various clients. This contributes to Spain's significance as a key logistics center in Europe. These airports facilitate the movement of goods, supporting international trade and solidifying Spain's position in the global supply chain.

02/05/2026 Port Encyclopedia
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Key Factors Affecting Ocean Freight Shipping Times to the US

Key Factors Affecting Ocean Freight Shipping Times to the US

This article delves into the timeliness of sea freight consolidation to the US, revealing key factors impacting the shipping cycle. These include transportation methods, vessel types, shipping routes, ports, seasonal factors, weather conditions, and customs clearance. The analysis provides insights into how these elements contribute to overall transit time. Furthermore, the article offers recommendations for optimizing transportation plans to improve efficiency and predictability, ultimately supporting smoother cross-border trade operations and mitigating potential delays in the supply chain.

02/06/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Key Factors for Costefficient Shenzheneurope Ocean Freight

Key Factors for Costefficient Shenzheneurope Ocean Freight

This article analyzes the key factors influencing sea freight quotes from Shenzhen to Europe, including cargo attributes, transportation methods, destination ports, time sensitivity, and surcharges. It provides effective ways to obtain accurate quotes, aiming to help businesses optimize logistics costs and enhance market competitiveness. Understanding these factors is crucial for efficient supply chain management and cost-effective international trade between Shenzhen and Europe. Businesses can leverage this knowledge to negotiate better rates and improve overall profitability.

02/06/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volumes Decline Amid Demand Concerns

US Rail Freight Volumes Decline Amid Demand Concerns

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a year-over-year decline in US rail freight and intermodal volumes. This article delves into the underlying causes, including economic slowdown, supply chain bottlenecks, and energy transition. It explores the impact on the logistics industry, encompassing railroad companies, trucking firms, ports, and freight forwarders. Finally, the article examines the challenges and opportunities facing rail freight, and discusses how the industry should respond to navigate the evolving landscape.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Guide to Avoiding Costly Errors in International Shipping Documents

Guide to Avoiding Costly Errors in International Shipping Documents

This article provides a detailed interpretation of key filling points for ocean bills of lading, including shipper, consignee, vessel name, loading and unloading ports, marks and numbers, goods description, gross weight and volume, freight payment, place and date of issue, etc. It offers practical guidance with real-world examples to help you avoid common mistakes and ensure the smooth arrival of your goods. This guide aims to assist in accurately completing the bill of lading, a crucial document in international trade.

08/21/2025 Document Interpretation
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TEU The Standard Unit for Port Throughput and Global Trade

TEU The Standard Unit for Port Throughput and Global Trade

This paper delves into the meaning of "TEU" in port container throughput, explaining its role as a measurement unit for "20-foot equivalent unit." TEU is crucial for uniformly measuring the number of containers of different sizes. By using TEU, we can more accurately reflect the port's handling capacity and transportation scale, providing a valuable reference for economic decision-making and contributing to the construction of smart ports. It is an essential metric for understanding port performance and its impact on global trade.

09/26/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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