Global Trade Guide Essentials of Freight Forwarding

Global Trade Guide Essentials of Freight Forwarding

International freight forwarders are crucial players in global trade, offering one-stop logistics solutions encompassing sea, land, and air transportation. This article delves into the core business of international freight forwarding, details the selection strategies for these three modes of transport, and provides essential considerations when choosing a freight forwarder. The aim is to assist businesses in optimizing their logistics plans, reducing transportation costs, mitigating trade risks, and ultimately enhancing their competitiveness in international trade. Understanding these aspects is key to efficient and cost-effective global supply chain management.

02/03/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
Read More
US Freight Tonnage Dips Amid Uneven Economic Recovery

US Freight Tonnage Dips Amid Uneven Economic Recovery

The American Trucking Associations reported a 0.9% seasonally adjusted tonnage decrease in US freight volume for August, but a 3.2% year-over-year increase. Weak manufacturing, inventory buildup, and slowing economic growth are key influencing factors. Businesses need to strengthen risk management, optimize operational efficiency, and expand into diversified markets to address these challenges. Freight data reflects the complexity of the economy, requiring in-depth analysis to navigate future developments. Understanding these trends is crucial for strategic planning and informed decision-making in the logistics and supply chain sectors.

02/03/2026 Logistics
Read More
Prologis Invests in AI and Renewable Energy for Sustainable Logistics

Prologis Invests in AI and Renewable Energy for Sustainable Logistics

Prologis discussed the connections between supply chains, AI, and energy with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, revealing the logistics real estate giant's ambitions in the new energy sector. Prologis' energy strategy is 'energy from all sources,' emphasizing the importance of energy for AI development and actively investing in new energy to gain a leading position in future supply chain competition. The company aims to leverage its real estate assets and expertise to become a significant player in the evolving energy landscape, supporting the growth of AI and ensuring resilient supply chains.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Rail Freight Shows Early 2025 Growth Amid Challenges

US Rail Freight Shows Early 2025 Growth Amid Challenges

The Association of American Railroads reported a year-over-year decrease in U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic for the week ending September 20th, but year-to-date volumes remain up. Coal carloads experienced the largest decline, while grain and metallic ores saw increases. Railroad operators need to improve operational efficiency, expand service offerings, and focus on sustainability to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the evolving freight landscape. The report highlights the ongoing shifts and pressures within the rail freight sector and its broader impact on the supply chain.

02/04/2026 Logistics
Read More
Railroad Mergers Threaten US Supply Chains Chemical Group Warns

Railroad Mergers Threaten US Supply Chains Chemical Group Warns

Chris Jahn, President of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), provides an in-depth analysis of the potential risks associated with the proposed UP-NS railroad merger. He emphasizes the possibility of increased monopolization, diminished service quality, and negative impacts on American manufacturing. The ACC urges regulators to carefully evaluate the merger and actively promote reforms such as reciprocal switching to foster a more competitive rail transportation system and empower American manufacturing. The ACC believes a thorough review is crucial to safeguard the supply chain and ensure fair market practices.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
3PL Growth Drives Industrial Real Estate Shift Amid Ecommerce Decline

3PL Growth Drives Industrial Real Estate Shift Amid Ecommerce Decline

A recent CBRE report highlights the dominance of 3PL providers in the industrial real estate leasing market, while noting a decline in retail e-commerce demand. Businesses should capitalize on 3PL outsourcing opportunities to optimize supply chain management and embrace a more specialized and efficient approach. Active industrial real estate leasing areas include Southern California's Inland Empire, the I-78/I-81 Corridor in Pennsylvania, and the Dallas-Fort Worth region. This trend underscores the growing importance of strategic partnerships and optimized logistics networks in today's dynamic business environment.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
3PL Firms Lead US Industrial Real Estate Leasing Boom

3PL Firms Lead US Industrial Real Estate Leasing Boom

A CBRE report indicates that 3PL companies led US industrial real estate leasing in the first half of 2025, significantly outpacing retail e-commerce. The outsourcing of warehousing and supply chain operations by e-commerce businesses is a key driver behind the surge in 3PL demand. The Inland Empire region of Southern California remains the most active market for industrial property leasing. This trend highlights the increasing reliance on third-party logistics providers to manage the complexities of modern supply chains, particularly within the rapidly growing e-commerce sector.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US 3PL Demand Drives Industrial Real Estate Boom Over Retail

US 3PL Demand Drives Industrial Real Estate Boom Over Retail

A CBRE report indicates that 3PL logistics dominated the US industrial real estate leasing market in the first half of 2025, surpassing retail and e-commerce in leased square footage. Increased outsourcing demand and rising supply chain complexity are key drivers. Retail e-commerce companies need to reassess their logistics strategies and collaborate with 3PLs to enhance competitiveness. The 3PL market share is projected to continue growing, potentially leading to increased demand for large warehouses. This shift highlights the evolving landscape of industrial real estate driven by the need for efficient and scalable logistics solutions.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Global Air Freight Transit Times Key Factors for Faster Shipping

Global Air Freight Transit Times Key Factors for Faster Shipping

International air freight time efficiency is affected by various factors. Direct flights offer stable transit times, while connecting flights are more volatile. Route distance, customs clearance efficiency, and peak/off-peak seasons all play a role. Routes from China to Southeast Asia are the fastest, while those to Europe and America vary significantly. African/South American routes experience the most fluctuations. To optimize time efficiency, prioritize direct flights, plan ahead, optimize customs documentation, and choose a reliable freight forwarder. Understanding these factors helps businesses manage expectations and improve their supply chain efficiency.

02/04/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
Read More
US Manufacturing Confidence Hits Low Amid Economic Concerns

US Manufacturing Confidence Hits Low Amid Economic Concerns

A Grant Thornton LLP study reveals a sharp decline in U.S. manufacturers' confidence in the economic outlook, with only 13% expecting improvement in the next six months. This downturn is attributed to a combination of factors, including the looming threat of recession, policy uncertainty, labor shortages, and ongoing supply chain restructuring. To navigate these challenges, businesses need to diversify markets, improve efficiency, drive innovation, strengthen talent development, and enhance risk management strategies. These actions are crucial for manufacturers to remain competitive and resilient in the face of economic headwinds.

02/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More