Guide to Ocean Bills of Lading and Trade Risks

Guide to Ocean Bills of Lading and Trade Risks

This paper delves into the classification of international ocean bills of lading, covering dimensions such as consignee, on-board status, and endorsements. It elaborates on the application scenarios, risk warnings, and precautions for different types of bills of lading. Combining practical experience, it provides foreign trade practitioners with suggestions on bill of lading selection, helping them mitigate risks and ensure smooth trade in international trade. This analysis aims to provide a practical guide for navigating the complexities of bills of lading in global commerce.

02/02/2026 Document Interpretation
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Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern Seek Merger to Transform Rail Industry

Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern Seek Merger to Transform Rail Industry

Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS) jointly filed a merger application with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) to form Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). This merger aims to create a single-line rail network spanning across the three North American countries, enhancing trade efficiency and promoting economic growth. The proposed merger still requires approval from shareholders and regulatory bodies. The resulting CPKC would be a major player in the North American rail landscape, potentially reshaping supply chains and trade flows.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Major Shipping Firms Form Advisory Council to Address Capacity Shortages

Major Shipping Firms Form Advisory Council to Address Capacity Shortages

Facing shipper dissatisfaction and regulatory pressure, WTSA announced plans to potentially establish a shipper advisory board to address capacity shortages and service contract issues, while actively cooperating with the FMC's investigation. Simultaneously, U.S. House representatives are pushing to revoke shipping companies' antitrust immunity, aiming to maintain fair competition and protect shipper rights. The future direction of the shipping industry remains uncertain, requiring collaborative efforts from all stakeholders. This includes addressing concerns about limited capacity and ensuring fair practices within the context of antitrust regulations.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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STB Rejects Union Pacificnorfolk Southern Merger Bid As Incomplete

STB Rejects Union Pacificnorfolk Southern Merger Bid As Incomplete

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has deemed the merger application of Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) incomplete, citing a lack of market share projections and a complete merger agreement. The STB is allowing revisions to the application. However, competitors have already raised concerns about potential impacts on competition. The merger faces challenges, requiring resolution of regulatory and competitive issues. The absence of key information in the initial application highlights the scrutiny the proposed merger will face as it progresses through the regulatory process.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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STB Rejects Union Pacificnorfolk Southern Merger Over Incomplete Filing

STB Rejects Union Pacificnorfolk Southern Merger Over Incomplete Filing

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) deemed the $850 billion merger application of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern incomplete, citing a lack of comprehensive system impact analysis and a complete merger agreement. While stalled, the merger could still be approved with revisions, contingent on addressing STB concerns and demonstrating public benefit. This event highlights the regulatory role in large mergers, ensuring market competition and public interest. The STB's scrutiny emphasizes the need for thorough analysis and justification in such significant transactions within the railroad industry.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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STB Extends Comment Deadline on Rail Freight Switching Rule

STB Extends Comment Deadline on Rail Freight Switching Rule

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has extended the comment period for its reciprocal switching rulemaking to December 20th, aiming to address inadequate rail freight service. The proposed rule focuses on reciprocal switching, outlining three key performance standards – service reliability, consistency, and local service – to provide recourse for freight shippers. Diverse perspectives are being considered as the STB seeks to improve rail freight service quality through these reforms. The extension allows for further input on the proposed changes and their potential impact on the industry.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Regulators Extend Review of Rail Industry Switching Proposal

US Regulators Extend Review of Rail Industry Switching Proposal

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has extended the deadline for comments on “Reciprocal Switching,” aiming to provide rail freight customers with more options, break industry monopolies, and improve service quality. The proposed rule focuses on three performance standards: service reliability, service consistency, and local service inadequacy. It quantifies service levels to protect shipper rights and potentially reshape the U.S. rail industry landscape. The new regulations are intended to ensure fair access and promote competition within the rail network, ultimately benefiting shippers and improving overall rail service.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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STB Extends Deadline for Rail Service Reform Comments

STB Extends Deadline for Rail Service Reform Comments

The US Surface Transportation Board (STB) has extended the deadline for comments on its “Reciprocal Switching” proposal, aiming to improve rail service quality by introducing competition. The proposal focuses on quantifying rail service quality and enhancing operational transparency. However, it faces challenges in defining standards, ensuring data accuracy, and balancing the interests of various stakeholders. The ultimate impact of the final rule on the rail industry remains to be seen. This initiative seeks to foster a more competitive environment and ultimately benefit rail shippers through improved service.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Freight Rail Industry Adapts to Economic Shifts for Growth

US Freight Rail Industry Adapts to Economic Shifts for Growth

The RailTrends conference focuses on the challenges facing the rail freight industry, including labor negotiations, service, and regulation. The report highlights labor relations, analyzes the role of the Surface Transportation Board (STB), and provides a forward-looking perspective on the industry's future development. Key topics include navigating the complexities of labor agreements, understanding the impact of regulatory policies on operations, and adapting to evolving market demands within the freight sector. The conference aims to equip stakeholders with insights to address these challenges and foster sustainable growth.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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STB Authorization Act Advances Rail Freight Rate Reform

STB Authorization Act Advances Rail Freight Rate Reform

The American Rail Customers Coalition is actively promoting the implementation of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) Reauthorization Act. This aims to empower the STB to resolve rail freight rate disputes more efficiently and fairly, and to promote free market reforms within the rail industry. The coalition advocates for adequate funding for the STB and urges the immediate implementation of reform measures to balance the interests of railway companies and freight shippers. The goal is to create a more equitable and competitive rail transportation environment for all stakeholders.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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