US Rail Union Rejects Deal Raising Strike and Supply Chain Fears

US Rail Union Rejects Deal Raising Strike and Supply Chain Fears

Labor negotiations between US railroad workers and employers have stalled again, with over 20,000 workers rejecting a tentative agreement, raising concerns about a supply chain shock. This article analyzes the reasons for the agreement's rejection, explores the possibility of congressional intervention, and reveals the fragility of the supply chain. It also examines the attitudes of other unions and the potential impact on consumers. The article emphasizes the importance of supply chain stability and calls for building harmonious labor-management relations to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure economic stability.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Postpandemic Supply Chains Struggle to Balance Safety Stock and Lean Practices

Postpandemic Supply Chains Struggle to Balance Safety Stock and Lean Practices

A Gartner survey reveals a divide among supply chain professionals regarding increasing safety stock versus adhering to lean manufacturing principles. The automotive and high-tech industries lean towards boosting inventory, while sectors like industrial manufacturing show less interest. Companies must strike a balance to build a resilient supply chain, encompassing risk assessment, supply chain visibility, diversified sourcing, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships. This approach allows businesses to navigate disruptions effectively while maintaining operational efficiency and responsiveness to market demands.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Quest for Quality Awards Honor Top Logistics and Supply Chain Firms

Quest for Quality Awards Honor Top Logistics and Supply Chain Firms

The 42nd “Excellence in Quality Award” recognizes 160 logistics service providers for their outstanding performance. Recipients are directly rated by readers of the *Logistics Management* magazine, ensuring impartiality. Evaluation criteria include on-time delivery, value, and information technology. The award aims to incentivize excellent service and provide a reliable benchmark for companies, ultimately promoting the development of the logistics industry. It highlights companies that demonstrate superior quality and customer-centric approaches within the logistics sector.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Shipping Crisis Delays and Costs Surge Amid Supply Chain Woes

US Shipping Crisis Delays and Costs Surge Amid Supply Chain Woes

This article delves into the complex reasons behind shipping delays and soaring freight rates in the United States. These factors include pandemic-induced labor shortages, infrastructure bottlenecks and port congestion, surging and imbalanced demand, rising fuel costs, a vicious cycle of container shortages, and the impact of regulatory policies. The article emphasizes that addressing these issues requires a collaborative effort from the government, businesses, and industry associations, involving comprehensive and integrated solutions to alleviate the current crisis.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Firms Adopt Smart Yard and Dock Tech to Streamline Supply Chains

Firms Adopt Smart Yard and Dock Tech to Streamline Supply Chains

This paper explores the challenges companies face in yard management and dock scheduling. It illustrates how best-in-class Yard & Dock management software can help businesses optimize resource allocation, improve operational efficiency, and reduce operating costs through real-time visibility, workflow automation, and powerful reporting and analytics tools, ultimately creating an efficient supply chain. The software provides solutions to improve the overall supply chain by streamlining yard operations and optimizing dock appointment scheduling.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Logistics Firms Use Data and Tech to Overcome Supply Chain Challenges

Logistics Firms Use Data and Tech to Overcome Supply Chain Challenges

In the face of a complex and ever-changing logistics environment, companies need to build on tradition, understand the market, embrace technological innovation, and create an agile and efficient operating system. By continuously investing in technology and talent, and focusing on improving resilience, the logistics industry can find its way forward, overcome difficulties, and achieve sustainable development. The three annual reports from *Logistics Management* magazine will provide companies with valuable information and insights.

01/30/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Congress Passes Water and Trucking Bill to Ease Supply Chain Strain

Congress Passes Water and Trucking Bill to Ease Supply Chain Strain

The U.S. Congress has passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and clarified the 34-hour restart rule, delivering a double boost to the supply chain. WRDA aims to improve waterway infrastructure, increase port dredging depths, and enhance dedicated use of harbor maintenance taxes. The rule clarification averts the risk of a complete rejection of the 34-hour restart rule for truck drivers. These measures are expected to enhance the efficiency and resilience of the U.S. supply chain. However, sustained efforts are still required for long-term improvements.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Tiktokfueled Backpack Goes Viral Via Influencer Campaigns

Tiktokfueled Backpack Goes Viral Via Influencer Campaigns

Backpack demand is surging on TikTok, with transaction volume skyrocketing by 112.77%. This popular product, featuring exceptional storage capacity and an influencer marketing strategy, successfully attracts young consumers and has become a social media sensation. For brands expanding overseas, collaborating with influencers is a shortcut to quickly penetrate target audiences and achieve efficient product seeding.

12/31/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Logistics Expert Analyzes Supply Chain Disruption Challenges

Logistics Expert Analyzes Supply Chain Disruption Challenges

In the LM Podcast Series, Tom Nightingale of AFS Logistics analyzes the current state and future trends of the freight market. He focuses on peak season outlook, capacity and rates, nearshoring, and the impact of the Baltimore incident on supply chains. He advises businesses to plan ahead, optimize inventory, flexibly adjust transportation modes, and strengthen supply chain risk management to address market challenges. Proactive planning and diversification are key to navigating the complexities of the current freight landscape and mitigating potential disruptions.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Baltimore Port Opens Temporary Channel to Ease Cargo Backlog After Bridge Collapse

Baltimore Port Opens Temporary Channel to Ease Cargo Backlog After Bridge Collapse

The collapse of the Baltimore bridge has triggered a supply chain crisis at the port. While a temporary channel offers some relief, extensive debris removal, underwater surveys, and dredging operations are underway. The port closure impacts the transportation of automobiles, agricultural products, and other goods, requiring businesses to adapt. The reconstruction presents both challenges and opportunities, potentially leading to port upgrades and modernization. The focus remains on restoring full operational capacity and mitigating further disruptions to the global supply chain.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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