Global Shipping Costs Rise Amid Hidden Fees Supply Chain Strains

Global Shipping Costs Rise Amid Hidden Fees Supply Chain Strains

International shipping prices are complex, consisting of base freight and various surcharges like port fees, customs clearance fees, and other potential costs. This article provides a detailed analysis of these surcharges, offering reference prices and key considerations. It aims to help foreign trade practitioners fully understand shipping costs, accurately quote prices, and ultimately improve profit margins. The article covers the different components of international ocean freight pricing beyond the basic freight rate.

01/19/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Shipping Costs and Times from Ningbo to Los Angeles Analyzed

Shipping Costs and Times from Ningbo to Los Angeles Analyzed

This article provides an in-depth analysis of air and sea freight rates from Ningbo to Los Angeles, comparing the time efficiency and costs of different transportation methods and offering professional advice on selecting the optimal shipping solution. By dissecting key factors influencing rates and transit times, and interpreting freight forwarder selection, risk management, and market dynamics, it aims to assist importers and exporters in developing more efficient and economical international shipping strategies. The analysis helps businesses make informed decisions regarding their supply chain logistics.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Ecommerce Firms Face Rising Shipping Costs from LTL USPS Changes

Ecommerce Firms Face Rising Shipping Costs from LTL USPS Changes

Significant adjustments are coming to LTL freight rules and USPS dimensional weight regulations, posing challenges to businesses facing rising logistics costs. This paper analyzes the impact of these changes on businesses and, considering the reshaping of import models in 2025, proposes data-driven logistics cost optimization strategies. These strategies include establishing a freight data analysis system, optimizing packaging strategies, and diversifying logistics service provider selection. The aim is to empower businesses to effectively navigate these challenges and mitigate the impact of increased costs.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Transportation Insight Offers Free TMS to Ease SME Logistics Costs

Transportation Insight Offers Free TMS to Ease SME Logistics Costs

Transportation Insight Holding Company launched a free Transportation Management System (TMS) as part of its Beon digital logistics platform, aiming to lower the barrier to entry for SMEs in logistics digitalization. This TMS offers AI-powered technology, a vast carrier network, and expert services to help SMEs optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness. By providing accessible and advanced tools, Beon empowers small and medium-sized businesses to streamline their supply chains and achieve greater efficiency in a rapidly evolving logistics landscape.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Trucking Industry Calls for Infrastructure Funding to Cut Congestion Costs

Trucking Industry Calls for Infrastructure Funding to Cut Congestion Costs

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has launched an advocacy campaign urging Congress to increase infrastructure investment to address traffic congestion and economic losses caused by aging roads and bridges. The ATA proposes raising the fuel tax to provide a sustainable funding source for the Highway Trust Fund. They are calling on the public to pressure their congressional representatives to support infrastructure development. The initiative highlights the urgency of modernizing America's transportation network to improve efficiency and boost the economy by reducing delays and ensuring the safe movement of goods.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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STB Proposes US Rail Freight Reforms to Cut Shipper Costs

STB Proposes US Rail Freight Reforms to Cut Shipper Costs

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has introduced two proposals aimed at helping rail freight users reduce costs and break the rail freight monopoly by reforming rate dispute resolution mechanisms and promoting inter-railroad competition. The proposals simplify the rate challenge process, lower the threshold for shippers to protect their rights, and consider adopting NITL's competitive switching proposal to secure more rights for shippers. These changes intend to make rate challenges more accessible and potentially increase competition among rail carriers, ultimately benefiting shippers.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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STB Probes BNSF Acquisition Costs in Rail Rate Fairness Review

STB Probes BNSF Acquisition Costs in Rail Rate Fairness Review

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) held hearings regarding Berkshire Hathaway's acquisition of BNSF Railway, focusing on the impact of the acquisition premium on rail freight rates. Shippers expressed concerns that the premium would be passed on to freight rates, while BNSF argued the impact would be minimal. Experts pointed out that BNSF is the only railroad allowed to value its assets at market prices, which differentiates its cost basis from other companies. The debate centers around whether this unique accounting practice allows BNSF to justify higher rates compared to its peers.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Healthcare Groups Adopt LTL RFP Automation to Cut Costs

Global Healthcare Groups Adopt LTL RFP Automation to Cut Costs

This paper explores how global healthcare organizations can reduce costs and optimize processes by automating the Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Request for Proposal (RFP) process. By expanding carrier resources, minimizing manual errors, maximizing RFP efficiency, and driving data-driven decisions, companies can significantly improve transportation efficiency, reduce shipping costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. Automated LTL RFP solutions are key for businesses to gain a competitive edge in a highly competitive market.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Healthcare Firm Adopts Automated LTL Bidding to Cut Costs

Global Healthcare Firm Adopts Automated LTL Bidding to Cut Costs

This paper explores how global healthcare companies can effectively reduce costs, improve efficiency, and optimize decision-making by automating the LTL RFP process. It highlights the advantages of automation solutions in expanding carrier networks, minimizing human error, enhancing RFP efficiency, and enabling data-driven decisions. The paper emphasizes the critical role of automated LTL RFPs in maintaining competitiveness in the global market. Automating the process helps streamline operations and achieve significant improvements in logistics management for healthcare organizations operating worldwide.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Truckload Market Stabilizes in July Despite Rising Fuel Costs

US Truckload Market Stabilizes in July Despite Rising Fuel Costs

DAT reports that U.S. truckload freight volumes remained stable in July, with slight fluctuations in spot rates. Dry van volumes decreased slightly, while refrigerated volumes performed strongly, and flatbed volumes declined. Fuel surcharges increased, leading to a corresponding rise in contract rates. Overall, the market remains soft, and its future direction is uncertain. Carriers need to closely monitor market dynamics.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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