Pacific Shipping Sees Recovery in H1 Earnings An Analysis of the Shift from Loss to Profit

Pacific Shipping Sees Recovery in H1 Earnings An Analysis of the Shift from Loss to Profit

Pacific Shipping Company reported a net profit of $30.8 million for the first half of 2023, a significant improvement from last year's losses. The company noted that the recovery of the bulk carrier market and high operational load factors contributed to the positive performance. Looking ahead, the company remains optimistic about the recovery of the shipping market and plans to continue exploring investment opportunities in second-hand vessels. Additionally, in response to the 2020 low-sulfur regulations, the company is assessing compliance strategies.

08/01/2023 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Boosts Supply Chain Resilience in Americas Caribbean

WCO Boosts Supply Chain Resilience in Americas Caribbean

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Americas and Caribbean region celebrated International Customs Day, emphasizing the theme of "Recovery, Renewal, Resilience." The focus was on technology empowerment, international cooperation, green development, and a people-centered approach. The aim is to reshape sustainable global supply chains, contributing to global trade security and economic prosperity. The celebration highlighted the importance of customs administrations in building resilient and adaptable systems to face future challenges and support global recovery efforts.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Belgian Customs College Enhance Francophone Africa Customs Training

WCO Belgian Customs College Enhance Francophone Africa Customs Training

This paper analyzes a capacity-building program for Francophone African customs officials, a collaboration between the Belgian Customs Academy and the World Customs Organization. The program, employing methods like curriculum supplementation, field visits, and virtual reality training, aims to enhance the professional skills of African customs officials and their ability to navigate complex trade environments. The article highlights the importance of regional cooperation, localized application, technological innovation, and evaluation mechanisms in capacity building. It also provides relevant recommendations for improving future programs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and Eswatini Revenue Authority Launch Training Evaluation Pilot

WCO and Eswatini Revenue Authority Launch Training Evaluation Pilot

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Eswatini Revenue Authority (ERA), launched a pilot training evaluation project to enhance customs officers' capabilities and optimize processes. This project utilizes a five-level evaluation model to comprehensively assess training effectiveness and support the HS-Africa Project and the Training of Trainers program. The project's findings will be shared at the WCO Capacity Building Committee meeting, contributing to global customs capacity building efforts. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness within customs administrations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West Africa Customs Training Thrives Amid Pandemic Challenges

West Africa Customs Training Thrives Amid Pandemic Challenges

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint “Mentoring Training Programme” (MTP) has made significant progress in West Africa. Overcoming the impact of the pandemic through innovative models such as virtual working groups, the program successfully enhanced the capacity of customs officers in West African countries in risk management and intelligence analysis, contributing to regional trade security and economic development. The success of this program provides a valuable reference for capacity building in other developing countries.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Laos Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Customs Reform

Laos Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Customs Reform

In 2017, the WCO conducted a tariff classification capacity building project in Laos to improve its classification skills, establish an advance ruling system, and implement HS 2017. Through workshops, tool applications, and expert guidance, the capacity of Lao Customs officials was enhanced, laying the foundation for trade facilitation. The experience of Chinese Customs also provided a reference for Laos. This initiative serves as a model of international cooperation in promoting trade facilitation and contributes to the economic development of Laos.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Trucking Slump Deepens As DAT Freight Index Hits Record Low

Trucking Slump Deepens As DAT Freight Index Hits Record Low

The DAT Truckload Volume Index indicates a decrease in freight volume and falling freight rates in February, signaling excess capacity. Experts suggest the market is normalizing, with overcapacity being a key challenge. Businesses need to improve efficiency, control costs, expand channels, enhance services, invest in technology, flexibly adjust capacity, strengthen risk management, and seek collaborations to address the challenges and seize opportunities. The current market conditions require strategic adaptation and proactive measures to maintain competitiveness and profitability within the evolving logistics landscape.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Trucking Rates Unaffected by Stricter English Proficiency Rules

US Trucking Rates Unaffected by Stricter English Proficiency Rules

Increased enforcement of English proficiency standards for truck drivers in the US aims to improve road safety. Analysis suggests a limited impact on overall capacity and freight rates, despite rising violation and out-of-service rates. Truck freight rates are primarily driven by demand, not supply. While localized capacity constraints may occur in the short term, long-term effects are still being assessed. Future monitoring should focus on macroeconomic conditions and market demand fluctuations to fully understand the implications of this policy.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO and Sida Collaborate to Modernize African Customs

WCO and Sida Collaborate to Modernize African Customs

The WCO, in partnership with Sida, launched the "Project to Promote Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization" aimed at enhancing customs capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa. The project optimizes the cross-border trade environment, fostering economic growth and poverty reduction. It focuses on strategic capacity building, operational efficiency improvements, promotion of trade facilitation measures, strengthened regional cooperation, and ensuring sustainable development. The initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade barriers, ultimately contributing to increased trade flows and economic prosperity in the region.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Truckload Market Cools During Holiday Season DAT Report

Truckload Market Cools During Holiday Season DAT Report

DAT's latest report reveals a mixed picture for the US truckload capacity market in October. Dry van demand declined, while refrigerated and flatbed demand remained stable. Spot rates saw a slight increase, and contract rates remained largely unchanged. Experts attribute the weak demand as the primary driver, forecasting continued challenges for the market in 2025. The report suggests that companies should focus on refined operations, flexible capacity management, enhanced risk management, and embracing digital transformation to navigate the evolving market conditions.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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