US Urges Railroads to Accelerate PTC Safety Upgrades

US Urges Railroads to Accelerate PTC Safety Upgrades

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao urged railroad companies to accelerate the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) systems to meet the congressional deadline of the end of 2018. The implementation progress has been closely watched since the original deadline was missed. PTC aims to prevent train accidents and improve rail safety, but railroad companies consider it an 'unfunded mandate' with questionable cost-effectiveness. FRA data indicates that PTC implementation still needs improvement across various metrics.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Small Trucking Firms Struggle As ELD Exemption Denied

Small Trucking Firms Struggle As ELD Exemption Denied

The US has denied the ELD exemption request for small and micro trucking companies. These businesses face significant challenges, including high costs and difficulty in selecting appropriate devices. This article provides strategies to help them adapt to the new regulations and survive and thrive in the current environment. It addresses the specific burdens placed on smaller carriers by the ELD mandate and offers practical advice on navigating compliance and mitigating the financial impact.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Amazon France Sellers Face EPR Compliance Deadline

Amazon France Sellers Face EPR Compliance Deadline

Starting mid-September, Amazon France will mandate withholding and remitting EPR fees for sellers lacking valid UIN numbers. This analysis covers the withholding policy, cost structure, and compares self-registration versus withholding costs. It advises sellers to register for EPR promptly, evaluate sales and costs, select a suitable PRO (Producer Responsibility Organization), and seek professional services. This proactive approach helps navigate compliance challenges and ensures sustainable business growth on Amazon France by avoiding penalties and maintaining product listings.

01/05/2026 Logistics
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Vaccine Mandates Worsen Trucking Industry Driver Shortage

Vaccine Mandates Worsen Trucking Industry Driver Shortage

The US trucking industry strongly opposes the Biden administration's vaccine mandate, fearing it could lead to the departure of up to a third of drivers, exacerbating the existing labor shortage and damaging supply chains. Industry associations advocate for exemptions and are pursuing legal challenges against the policy. The government faces the challenge of balancing public health concerns with economic stability and needs to explore more flexible solutions to mitigate the potential negative impacts on the vital trucking sector.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Aviation Safety Relies on Iatas Dangerous Goods Certification

Aviation Safety Relies on Iatas Dangerous Goods Certification

The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) mandate that personnel involved in dangerous goods transportation hold valid certifications to ensure aviation safety. DGR certification is valid for two years, with specific operations requiring at least six months of remaining validity. Training encompasses cargo handling and acceptance, aiming to enhance professionals' expertise and risk awareness. Compliance with DGR is crucial for safe and secure air transport of hazardous materials, minimizing potential incidents and protecting passengers, crew, and aircraft.

01/26/2026 Document Interpretation
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Trucking Shortage Drives Up Freight Costs for Businesses

Trucking Shortage Drives Up Freight Costs for Businesses

Shrinking truckload capacity is a top concern for shippers, driven by factors like the ELD mandate, driver shortages, and manufacturing growth. Intermodal transportation emerges as a crucial strategy to combat capacity challenges. Businesses need to optimize their supply chains and select appropriate intermodal solutions to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and maintain a competitive edge in the market. Focusing on strategic intermodal implementation allows companies to navigate the current capacity constraints and build more resilient and cost-effective supply chains.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Supply Chain Strains Amid Truck Driver Shortage High Turnover

US Supply Chain Strains Amid Truck Driver Shortage High Turnover

The US trucking industry faces a high driver turnover crisis, with large freight companies experiencing rates as high as 90%. Contributing factors include industry models, the ELD mandate, and difficulties in obtaining a CDL. Analysts predict potential increases in freight rates or a shift towards intermodal transportation. Solutions involve improving driver compensation and working conditions, embracing new technologies, and streamlining regulations. Addressing these issues is crucial to mitigating the freight crisis and controlling rising logistics costs.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Truckload Spot Rates Hit Multiyear Highs Amid Hurricane Season Ecommerce Surge

US Truckload Spot Rates Hit Multiyear Highs Amid Hurricane Season Ecommerce Surge

A DAT report reveals that North American freight spot rates have surged to multi-year highs due to various factors. The confluence of challenges, including hurricane disasters, the ELD mandate, and the e-commerce peak season, is expected to maintain tight capacity through the end of the year. The close connection between e-commerce and the spot market is also increasingly evident. High demand driven by online retail is contributing significantly to the upward pressure on freight rates and the overall capacity crunch in the trucking industry.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Gambia Revenue Authority Boosts HR Strategy with WCO Aid

Gambia Revenue Authority Boosts HR Strategy with WCO Aid

With Sida's funding, the WCO, through the WACAM project, is assisting the Gambia Revenue Authority in enhancing its human resource management capabilities and optimizing recruitment processes. This initiative aims to strengthen the GRA's operational efficiency by improving its ability to attract, retain, and develop qualified personnel. The project focuses on modernizing HR practices and aligning them with international standards to support the GRA's mandate in revenue collection and border security. Ultimately, this contributes to Gambia's economic development by fostering a more effective and transparent customs administration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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