LMI Report Soaring Logistics Costs Strain Supply Chains

LMI Report Soaring Logistics Costs Strain Supply Chains

The latest LMI report reveals continued expansion in the logistics industry, but rising costs and warehousing constraints present challenges. Inventory buildup is driving up costs, while transportation utilization is declining. Trade policy uncertainty further exacerbates the situation. Slower consumer spending and weakened business confidence are also noted. The report cautions for a prudent approach, emphasizing the importance of monitoring tariff policy trends. LMI aims to assist the industry in navigating these challenges. The increasing costs and warehousing pressure are significant factors affecting the industry's overall performance.

01/08/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Trump Administration Probes Foreign Influence on US Food Supply Chain

Trump Administration Probes Foreign Influence on US Food Supply Chain

The Trump administration initiated an investigation into price manipulation within the US food supply chain, focusing on key sectors like meat processing, seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, as well as the potential impact of foreign companies. This action aims to address rising food prices, maintain fair market competition, and protect consumer interests. The investigation's findings may reshape the US food industry landscape, prompting the government to strengthen regulations and improve relevant laws. The goal is to ensure a stable and competitive food market for American consumers.

01/08/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Postal Service Reports Q3 Losses Despite Revenue Growth

US Postal Service Reports Q3 Losses Despite Revenue Growth

The USPS reported a slight revenue increase but a larger net loss in its third-quarter earnings. Declining mail volume and high operating costs are the primary drivers. To address these challenges, the USPS needs to expand into new business areas, improve its technology, and strengthen partnerships. The company is facing pressure to adapt to changing consumer habits and modernize its infrastructure to ensure long-term financial stability. Business transformation is crucial for the USPS to remain competitive and meet the evolving needs of its customers.

01/08/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Canada Faces Rail Strike Threat Trucking Industry May Mitigate Impact

Canada Faces Rail Strike Threat Trucking Industry May Mitigate Impact

Canadian railways are facing a potential shutdown, with the Canadian Trucking Alliance president stating that trucking capacity cannot compensate for the rail transport shortfall. A railway shutdown would severely impact the Canadian supply chain, disrupting cargo transport, causing shortages at distribution centers, and leading to consumer goods shortages. This event highlights the fragility of the supply chain and serves as a warning for businesses to strengthen risk management and build diversified transportation channels. The potential strike underscores the need for resilient supply chain strategies.

01/07/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Container Imports Drop Sharply Signaling Prolonged Trade Slowdown

US Container Imports Drop Sharply Signaling Prolonged Trade Slowdown

US container imports are projected to continue declining through 2026, influenced by tariffs, geopolitical risks, and shifting consumer demand. The report analyzes the reasons behind this decline and offers recommendations for businesses to address the challenges. It emphasizes the importance of diversifying sourcing, optimizing inventory management, and strengthening supply chain collaboration. Companies need to adapt to these changing dynamics to mitigate risks and maintain competitiveness in the evolving global trade landscape. Proactive strategies are crucial for navigating the uncertainties and ensuring supply chain resilience.

01/07/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Freight Demand Dips As Service Sector Gains Momentum

US Freight Demand Dips As Service Sector Gains Momentum

The Bank of America Freight Index Q4 report reveals a significant decline in US freight volumes, marking the largest drop in recent years. This is attributed to the recovery of the service sector, inflation, and a cooling housing market. Regional performance varied, with the Western region experiencing the most significant impact. The report highlights the influence of shifting consumer spending patterns on the freight market. It advises businesses to closely monitor macroeconomic trends, optimize supply chains, and embrace technological innovation to navigate these challenges.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Containers Fall

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Containers Fall

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a divergence in US rail freight volume in late January. Carload traffic increased by 3.3% year-over-year, driven by nonmetallic minerals, coal, and automotive industries. However, container transport decreased by 6.7% year-over-year, potentially due to shifts in consumer spending and supply chain adjustments. Overall freight volume in North America exhibited a similar trend. The increase in carload was enough to offset the container decrease, showing resilience in certain sectors of the rail freight market.

01/28/2026 Logistics
Read More
CPG and Retail Firms Adapt SOP to Market Volatility

CPG and Retail Firms Adapt SOP to Market Volatility

The consumer goods and retail industry is highly competitive, making efficient Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) crucial. This paper explores how to optimize the S&OP process to achieve more accurate demand forecasting, optimized resource allocation, efficient production delivery, and collaborative cross-departmental cooperation. Companies should leverage advanced technologies and a culture of continuous improvement to build a more resilient and competitive S&OP system, thereby maintaining a leading position in the rapidly changing market. This includes improving forecast accuracy, resource allocation, and cross-functional collaboration.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Amazon Adds Fees for UPS Store Returns to Cut Costs

Amazon Adds Fees for UPS Store Returns to Cut Costs

Amazon has started charging fees for returns at some UPS stores, a move that's part of its cost control strategy, aiming to guide customers towards more economical return options. This adjustment reflects the trend of e-commerce platforms focusing on refined operations, requiring a balance between cost control and user experience. In the future, e-commerce platforms will pay more attention to improving operational efficiency and service quality. This change highlights the ongoing need to optimize the return process for both the company and the consumer.

01/28/2026 Logistics
Read More
Global Ecommerce Declaration Signals New Growth Era

Global Ecommerce Declaration Signals New Growth Era

The inaugural Global Cross-border E-commerce Conference was held in Beijing, bringing together global experts to discuss the trends and challenges of cross-border e-commerce development. The conference adopted the 'Beijing Declaration,' providing guidance for future development. It emphasized international cooperation, standardization, and SME empowerment, aiming to build a secure, convenient, and inclusive cross-border e-commerce ecosystem and promote sustainable global trade growth. The declaration highlights the importance of collaboration in addressing regulatory hurdles and fostering consumer trust in the digital marketplace.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More