STB Chair Urges Railroads to Focus on Service Not Profits

STB Chair Urges Railroads to Focus on Service Not Profits

U.S. Surface Transportation Board Member Robert Primus, at the NEARS conference, emphasized the urgent need to improve rail service levels. He pointed to prioritizing operating ratio (PSR), problems with PSR implementation, labor shortages, and insufficient investment benefit assessments as key contributing factors. From a data analyst's perspective, this article proposes solutions including quantitative assessment, PSR optimization, addressing labor issues, and evaluating investment benefits. The aim is to reshape rail service and enhance its competitiveness by focusing on service quality and long-term sustainability rather than solely on short-term cost reduction.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WTO Stresses Trade Facilitation to Boost Global Commerce

WTO Stresses Trade Facilitation to Boost Global Commerce

During the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference, the World Customs Organization and the Kenya Revenue Authority co-hosted a side event focusing on trade facilitation. The event highlighted the importance of coordinated border management, Authorized Economic Operator programs, Time Release Studies, and National Trade Facilitation Committees. It aimed to promote the participation of SMEs and women in global value chains. Participants called for collaborative efforts to overcome challenges and continuously advance trade facilitation, ultimately fostering global trade prosperity. This includes simplifying procedures and harmonizing standards to reduce costs and delays for businesses.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Echo Global Logistics Expands Despite Freight Industry Challenges

Echo Global Logistics Expands Despite Freight Industry Challenges

Echo Global Logistics executive Frank Hurst shared insights on logistics industry trends at the SMC3 Connections conference, emphasizing the importance of data-driven approaches, technological innovation, and customer relationships in navigating uncertainty. He analyzed the current state of the truckload and LTL markets, offering perspectives on future demand recovery and capacity adjustments. Hurst highlighted the need for businesses to leverage data to optimize operations and adapt to the evolving landscape. He also stressed the significance of building strong customer relationships for long-term success in the face of market fluctuations.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Shanghai Unveils Rocket Star City to Advance Space Sector

Shanghai Unveils Rocket Star City to Advance Space Sector

Shanghai officially launched the "Rocket Star City" construction plan, aiming to build a commercial aerospace industry cluster. The conference released a development vision report for the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, supply and demand information, and a standard system. It also interpreted the safety development action plan. The Shanghai Municipal and Minhang District governments introduced relevant support policies to provide guarantees for the development of commercial aerospace. This initiative signifies Shanghai's commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the commercial space sector through strategic planning and policy support.

02/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Asiapacific Customs Adopt WCO Ecommerce Compliance Standards

Asiapacific Customs Adopt WCO Ecommerce Compliance Standards

The 2021 WCO Asia-Pacific Regional Seminar focused on cross-border e-commerce compliance, aiming to promote the effective implementation of the WCO E-Commerce FoS Framework in the Asia-Pacific region. The conference brought together various stakeholders to discuss core issues such as advance electronic data, data exchange, and tax collection. Participants shared experiences, explored challenges, and laid the foundation for building a secure and efficient cross-border e-commerce ecosystem. The pandemic has accelerated the development of e-commerce, further highlighting the importance of the framework.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Hong Kong Ministers Draft Trade Negotiation Report

Hong Kong Ministers Draft Trade Negotiation Report

The Trade Negotiations Committee meeting reviewed the draft report for the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference. Representatives from various parties offered opinions and suggestions on the report's content, primarily focusing on wording, progress descriptions, and future directions. While disagreements existed, all parties expressed a willingness to seek consensus, laying the groundwork for future negotiations. The discussions aimed to refine the report and ensure it accurately reflects the current state of negotiations and sets a clear path forward. The meeting highlighted the complexities involved but also the commitment to finding common ground.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO WCO Assess Techs Role in Ecommerce Trade Shift

WTO WCO Assess Techs Role in Ecommerce Trade Shift

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) co-organized a seminar at the Public Forum, exploring the role of disruptive technologies and e-commerce in post-pandemic trade recovery. The conference highlighted data-driven Customs development, WTO's policy guidance, Zambia's practical experience, and the private sector's perspective. It aimed to inject new vitality into the future development of global trade. The discussions emphasized leveraging data and technology to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and foster a more resilient and inclusive global trading system in the evolving digital landscape.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Rail Freight Expands with WCO Digital Customs Push

Asiapacific Rail Freight Expands with WCO Digital Customs Push

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held its first Asia-Pacific Railway Seminar in Seoul, Korea, aiming to promote the standardization and digital transformation of customs procedures for rail transport. The conference focused on the WCO Railway Guide, simplified customs procedures, the application of advanced technologies, and international cooperation. This initiative is expected to inject new momentum into the development of rail freight in the Asia-Pacific region and further promote regional economic growth. The seminar provided a platform for discussion and collaboration among stakeholders in the railway and customs sectors.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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STB Chair Warns of US Freight Rail Service Crisis

STB Chair Warns of US Freight Rail Service Crisis

Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Martin Oberman strongly criticized the “collapse” of US freight rail service and labor shortages at the RailTrends conference. He pointed out that railroad companies have significantly reduced staff in pursuit of profits, leading to train delays, embargoes, and other problems, causing significant losses to the US economy. Oberman argued that these actions prioritize profits over service. He called for strengthened regulation, increased investment, and encouragement of innovation to reshape the future of US freight rail. He emphasized the need for railroads to prioritize service and reliability alongside financial performance.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Revises Strategies to Strengthen Global Trade Capacity

WCO Revises Strategies to Strengthen Global Trade Capacity

The 16th meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Capacity Building Committee, themed "Reshaping the WCO Capacity Building Paradigm," emphasized strategic alignment and resource optimization. The meeting aimed to update capacity building strategies to address global trade challenges. Discussions focused on the elements and operational aspects of the new paradigm, highlighting the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration. The committee also elected new chairs and vice-chairs, setting the direction for global customs capacity building initiatives. The conference sought to modernize approaches to better support member states in navigating the evolving international trade landscape.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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