US Container Imports Rise in June As Trade Patterns Shift

US Container Imports Rise in June As Trade Patterns Shift

A Descartes report indicates that U.S. container imports increased by 1.8% month-over-month in June, but decreased by 3.5% year-over-year. Ongoing adjustments to trade policy with China continue to impact imports, with China's share reaching a four-year low, signaling accelerated supply chain diversification. West Coast ports are showing a strong rebound, indicating a rebalancing of trade flows. These shifts suggest evolving dynamics in global trade patterns and the increasing importance of alternative sourcing strategies.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Forward Air Acquires Chickasaw Container Services to Boost Intermodal Reach

Forward Air Acquires Chickasaw Container Services to Boost Intermodal Reach

Forward Air's acquisition of Chickasaw Container Services aims to expand its intermodal operations in the Mobile market and solidify its position in Memphis. This move highlights the growing importance of intermodal transportation as a key growth area in the logistics industry, foreshadowing accelerated industry consolidation, digitalization, green initiatives, and collaborative trends. Forward Air's strategic deployment warrants attention. The acquisition strengthens Forward Air's network and service offerings, positioning them for further growth in the competitive logistics landscape. This acquisition is a strategic move to capture a larger share of the intermodal market.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Michigans Monroe Port to Transform Great Lakes Shipping

Michigans Monroe Port to Transform Great Lakes Shipping

Monroe Port in Michigan will launch its first international container terminal compliant with the Safe Port Act in 2026, breaking a long-standing bottleneck in container transportation. The new terminal will provide convenient services for export and import businesses, promote regional economic development, and achieve efficient and cost-effective container shipping.

08/07/2025 Logistics
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Distinguishing Between Free Demurrage and Free Detention

Distinguishing Between Free Demurrage and Free Detention

The concepts of free storage period and free container period are crucial in shipping. The free storage period refers to the timeframe during which containers can be stored at the terminal or yard without charge, while the free container period is the duration that the cargo owner can use the container for free. For imports, the common total of free storage and free container periods is 14 days, while for exports, it is usually 7 days.

07/18/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Guide to Barium Chloride LCL Exports Via Keelung

Guide to Barium Chloride LCL Exports Via Keelung

This document details the operational procedures and precautions for LCL ocean export of Barium Chloride to Keelung. It covers key aspects such as booking preparation, warehousing operations, customs declaration documents, container loading & ocean freight, and Bill of Lading requirements. This aims to provide a practical guide for relevant practitioners, ensuring the safe and timely arrival of goods. The guide emphasizes adherence to regulations and best practices for a smooth and compliant export process.

08/08/2024 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Shipping Professionals Guide to Equipment Interchange Receipts

Shipping Professionals Guide to Equipment Interchange Receipts

This article addresses common issues encountered by shipping professionals when using Equipment Interchange Receipts (EIRs), such as verifying voyage information, calculating fees and validity periods, handling loss, querying container pick-up locations, and dealing with damaged or expired documents. It provides detailed answers and guidance to help readers better understand and utilize EIRs, improve work efficiency, and ensure smooth cargo transportation. The aim is to clarify the practical application of EIRs in daily shipping operations.

08/21/2025 Document Interpretation
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Guide to LCL Shipping for Exports to India

Guide to LCL Shipping for Exports to India

This article details the operational procedures and precautions for Less than Container Load (LCL) sea freight export of Triglycidyl Isocyanurate (TGIC) to Nhava Sheva, India. It covers key aspects such as cargo information, booking documents, warehousing operations, bill of lading (B/L) confirmation, customs declaration documents, and B/L type selection. The aim is to provide professional guidance for relevant enterprises involved in the export of TGIC as dangerous goods via LCL sea freight.

10/18/2024 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Freight Forwarders Face Rising Port Entry Challenges

Freight Forwarders Face Rising Port Entry Challenges

This article delves into common challenges encountered during freight forwarding inbound operations, including bill of lading information verification, shipping company information confirmation, customs inspection, shipper-owned container issues, and the sequence of customs declaration and inspection. It provides corresponding solutions and strategies to help freight forwarders improve work efficiency and reduce operating costs. The focus is on practical problem-solving and offers actionable advice for navigating complex situations in the import process.

08/23/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Shipping Industry Grapples With Bill of Lading Errors Digital Shift

Shipping Industry Grapples With Bill of Lading Errors Digital Shift

This article compiles answers to frequently asked questions from freight forwarding forums regarding common issues such as bill of lading number blocking, incorrect port entry information, special container sealing requirements, and MSK's paperless bill of lading. It aims to provide practical reference for freight forwarding practitioners and help them solve problems encountered in actual operations. The content is designed to assist in navigating the complexities of bill of lading procedures and related logistical challenges.

08/22/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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