US Service Sector Expands Despite Economic Headwinds ISM

US Service Sector Expands Despite Economic Headwinds ISM

The latest ISM report indicates continued growth in the US services sector, albeit at a slower pace. The report highlights industry growth, changes in sub-indexes, corporate feedback, and expert analysis, emphasizing supply chain pressures, labor challenges, and policy uncertainties. Businesses need to optimize supply chains, attract talent, and embrace digitalization to address challenges and achieve sustainable development. The slowing growth rate warrants close monitoring of these factors to understand the future trajectory of the services sector and its impact on the overall economy.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Shipping Industry Faces Peak Blank Sailings Amid Demand Uncertainty

Shipping Industry Faces Peak Blank Sailings Amid Demand Uncertainty

A Sea-Intelligence report suggests that the surge in shipping blank sailings may have peaked, but uncertainty remains regarding demand recovery. The article analyzes the impact of blank sailings on capacity and schedule reliability, offering guidance for shippers on how to respond. Facing these challenges, the shipping industry needs to embrace digitalization, and shippers should strengthen supply chain collaboration to jointly navigate the uncertainties. The report emphasizes proactive measures and strategic partnerships as crucial for mitigating risks and ensuring operational resilience in the current volatile market.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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East Coast Port Strike Threatens Retail Supply Chains

East Coast Port Strike Threatens Retail Supply Chains

The National Retail Federation (NRF), along with 177 industry associations, is urging the White House to intervene in labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to avert a potential strike on October 1st. The analysis highlights the potential impact of a strike on various sectors including retail, manufacturing, agriculture, and the overall economy. Possible solutions discussed include government mediation, labor-management compromise, and extending the negotiation period to prevent significant supply chain disruptions and economic fallout.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Air Freight Delays Challenge Crossborder Ecommerce Sellers

Global Air Freight Delays Challenge Crossborder Ecommerce Sellers

This article delves into the common reasons for prolonged delays in updating international air freight logistics tracking, encompassing transportation delays, information synchronization issues, and exceptional circumstances. Addressing each cause, it provides detailed troubleshooting and solutions, along with preventative measures. The aim is to assist cross-border e-commerce sellers in efficiently resolving logistics challenges, ensuring the safe and timely delivery of goods. It offers practical guidance for identifying the root cause of tracking delays and implementing effective strategies to mitigate their impact on business operations.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Ecommerce Sellers Face Challenges in International Returns

Ecommerce Sellers Face Challenges in International Returns

This article provides a detailed explanation for cross-border e-commerce sellers regarding the responsibility for international express return shipping fees. It covers the principles of liability division, the party responsible for fees based on different return reasons, and practical advice for risk avoidance. The aim is to help sellers clarify responsibilities and avoid unnecessary losses. It delves into who pays when a package is returned, offering actionable steps to minimize financial impact and streamline the returns process within the complex landscape of international shipping.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Private Vs Dedicated Fleets Choosing the Right Logistics Model

Private Vs Dedicated Fleets Choosing the Right Logistics Model

When choosing a logistics transportation model, companies must weigh the pros and cons of in-house fleets versus dedicated fleets. In-house fleets offer control and brand impact, but at a higher cost. Dedicated fleets reduce upfront investment and operational risk, but long-term expenses may be higher. Companies should consider their core competencies, cost considerations, and service requirements to select the most suitable logistics model, ultimately improving operational efficiency and market competitiveness. This decision is crucial for optimizing supply chain performance and achieving strategic business goals.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Hanjin Shipping Collapse Highlights Global Supply Chain Risks

Hanjin Shipping Collapse Highlights Global Supply Chain Risks

The Hanjin Shipping bankruptcy case highlights significant hidden risks within supply chains, with creditors potentially recovering less than two cents on the dollar. This article reviews the bankruptcy event, analyzes the creditors' predicament, proposes early warning signs for corporate bankruptcy, and explores issues such as supply chain risk prevention, industry impact, digital transformation, and green shipping. The aim is to provide businesses with risk management advice and strategies for building more resilient supply chains in the face of future disruptions and financial instability in the shipping sector.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Chicago Rail Plan Stalled Over Funding Opposition

Chicago Rail Plan Stalled Over Funding Opposition

The STB rejected the GLBT's application for a new railway bypassing Chicago, citing insufficient funding, lack of support, and resident opposition. This decision leaves Chicago's rail congestion unresolved in the short term, posing ongoing challenges to the supply chain. The proposed project aimed to alleviate bottlenecks, but its failure to secure adequate financial backing and community buy-in proved fatal. The rejection underscores the complexities of infrastructure development and its impact on national freight movement. Alternative solutions for mitigating Chicago's rail congestion are now urgently needed.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Ports Face Strike Threat Amid Rising Import Demand

US Ports Face Strike Threat Amid Rising Import Demand

US East Coast and Gulf ports face a strike threat, leading to a surge in import volume as retailers stockpile inventory to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions. Despite slowing consumer demand and job growth, container imports have significantly increased. Experts advise retailers to diversify port options, enhance communication with suppliers, optimize logistics processes, and monitor policy changes to address supply chain risks and ensure a smooth holiday season. This proactive approach aims to minimize the impact of potential port disruptions on the flow of goods.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Businesses Adapt Strategies to Tackle Labor Shortages

Businesses Adapt Strategies to Tackle Labor Shortages

Labor shortages have become a widespread challenge across various industries. While the pandemic accelerated this trend, deeper factors such as demographic shifts, skills mismatches, and work environment concerns also play a significant role. Businesses need to adopt diversified strategies, including improving compensation and benefits, enhancing the work environment, offering flexible work arrangements, strengthening training programs, and upgrading technology. Governments should provide policy support to collaboratively address the labor shortage issue and ensure healthy economic development. This multifaceted approach is crucial for mitigating the impact of the shortage.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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