North American Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

North American Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

Recent data shows a slight increase in U.S. railcar loadings, but a significant decline in intermodal traffic. Changes in commodity shipment volumes reflect economic restructuring, while supply chain bottlenecks and labor shortages remain challenges. Although year-to-date figures show growth, the risk of a future economic recession warrants caution. Businesses should be flexible, and government and industry associations need to strengthen cooperation to promote the sustainable development of the rail freight market. Monitoring these indicators is crucial for understanding the broader economic landscape and adapting to evolving market conditions.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Ports Expand Infrastructure to Ease Supply Chain Delays

US Ports Expand Infrastructure to Ease Supply Chain Delays

Descartes analyst Brendan McCahill provides an in-depth analysis of the current state and challenges of US port infrastructure. He highlights the need for West Coast ports to adapt to mega-ships, while East Coast and Gulf Coast ports are actively undergoing upgrades. To address natural disasters, ports should strengthen collaboration and information sharing. Future port development needs to focus on efficiency, technology, and cooperation to meet the challenges of the global supply chain. This includes investing in modern equipment and digital solutions to improve cargo flow and resilience.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Hurricane Helen Prompts Logistics Disaster Preparedness Guide

Hurricane Helen Prompts Logistics Disaster Preparedness Guide

Hurricane 'Helen' threatens Florida's logistics. This guide covers risk assessment, resource allocation, collaborative cooperation, and humanitarian aid to ensure personnel safety and facilitate post-disaster relief efforts. It provides a framework for logistics companies to prepare for and respond to hurricane-related disruptions. Key aspects include identifying vulnerabilities in the supply chain, pre-positioning essential resources, establishing communication channels with stakeholders, and coordinating with relief organizations to deliver aid effectively. The guide emphasizes the importance of prioritizing human safety and minimizing the impact of the hurricane on the flow of goods and services.

01/01/2026 Logistics
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Shenzhen to Host Ecommerce and Esports Competition

Shenzhen to Host Ecommerce and Esports Competition

The 2026 Shenzhen Cross-border E-commerce Elite Challenge and the inauguration of the Shenzhen Cross-border E-commerce Promotion Association's Mind Sports Branch aim to build a high-end dialogue and resource docking platform for the entire cross-border e-commerce industry chain through the mind sport of 'Guandan'. This event will promote exchange and cooperation, enhance industry cohesion, drive industrial collaborative development, and help companies overcome development bottlenecks. The event will be held on February 7, 2026, at OCT No. 1, and we sincerely invite industry colleagues to participate.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Usindia Trade Deal Spurs Growth Raises Farm Sector Worries

Usindia Trade Deal Spurs Growth Raises Farm Sector Worries

The US-India trade deal has sparked concerns in India regarding agricultural concessions, despite government assurances. Farmers are planning protests. The agreement includes tariff adjustments, energy and defense cooperation, and India's commitment to purchasing US goods. Market reaction has been positive, with the Rupee and stock market rising, but analysts believe the long-term impact will be limited. India needs to balance various interests and maintain its independent development to truly benefit from the agreement. It must prioritize its own agricultural sector while navigating the complexities of international trade.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Intensifies Plastic Waste Crackdown with WCO Backing

Asiapacific Customs Intensifies Plastic Waste Crackdown with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Indonesian and Philippine Customs in enhancing their plastic waste management capabilities through a virtual diagnostic mission, addressing the challenges posed by the Basel Convention amendments. This project aims to strengthen customs control over plastic waste in the Asia-Pacific region, combat illegal shipments, and raise awareness of the Convention. The WCO will develop an implementation plan and host regional workshops to foster cooperation and collectively address the plastic waste challenge. The initiative underscores the importance of customs in tackling environmental crime and promoting sustainable waste management practices.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Adopts WCO Framework for Ecommerce Customs

Asiapacific Adopts WCO Framework for Ecommerce Customs

The WCO Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop focused on the implementation of the cross-border e-commerce standards framework. Discussions covered data, taxation, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), and technology applications. The workshop aimed to enhance customs cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by e-commerce. Key topics included streamlining processes, improving data security, and fostering regional collaboration to facilitate legitimate trade while combating illicit activities within the rapidly growing e-commerce sector. The event emphasized the importance of harmonized standards and best practices for efficient and secure cross-border transactions.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Initiative Simplifies Asiapacific Ecommerce Trade

WCO Initiative Simplifies Asiapacific Ecommerce Trade

The WCO Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop highlighted cross-border e-commerce compliance and the WCO Framework of Standards on Cross-Border E-Commerce. The meeting focused on practical cases such as data exchange and taxation, aiming to promote the healthy development of e-commerce. Discussions centered around streamlining customs procedures, ensuring data security, and fostering international cooperation to facilitate legitimate trade while combating illicit activities. The workshop emphasized the importance of harmonized standards and best practices to create a level playing field for businesses involved in cross-border e-commerce.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Centers Boost Remote Training

Asiapacific Customs Centers Boost Remote Training

The 19th Meeting of Heads of WCO Asia Pacific Regional Training Centers (RTCs) focused on remote training, discussing challenges and best practices. RTCs shared experiences, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and highlighting the need to enhance data analysis skills. The meeting aimed to promote customs capacity building and modernization in the Asia-Pacific region through collaborative efforts and the adoption of innovative training methodologies. Key discussions revolved around improving the effectiveness and accessibility of remote training programs to better equip customs officers with the necessary skills for the future.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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South Africa Eswatini Enhance Trade Via Border Efficiency Study

South Africa Eswatini Enhance Trade Via Border Efficiency Study

South Africa and Eswatini jointly launched a Time Release Study (TRS) at the Oshoek-Ngwenya border post. The study aims to improve the efficiency of goods clearance by identifying and addressing bottlenecks in border procedures. Supported by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the study is expected to release its findings in April 2024. The results will provide both countries with a basis for optimizing border management and promoting trade facilitation. This initiative is crucial for streamlining cross-border trade and enhancing economic cooperation between South Africa and Eswatini.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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