USPS Opens Lastmile Delivery to Private Bidders

USPS Opens Lastmile Delivery to Private Bidders

USPS plans to open its last-mile delivery network, allowing various shippers to bid on using over 18,000 Destination Delivery Units (DDUs). This initiative aims to increase revenue, enhance financial sustainability, and help retailers achieve faster deliveries. This move could reshape the logistics landscape but faces challenges related to the bidding process, service quality, and operational complexity. Successfully navigating these hurdles will be crucial for USPS to realize the full potential of this strategic shift and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving delivery market.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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USPS Lastmile Strategy Disrupts Retail Logistics

USPS Lastmile Strategy Disrupts Retail Logistics

The United States Postal Service (USPS) plans to open its 'last mile' delivery network to more shippers, allowing them access to its nationwide postal delivery units through a bidding process. This initiative aims to increase USPS revenue, improve financial sustainability, and help retailers achieve faster deliveries. Industry experts have mixed opinions on the plan's potential and challenges, believing its success hinges on the bidding process, pricing mechanisms, and service quality. The opening of USPS's last mile network could significantly impact the retail logistics landscape.

Togo Boosts Customs Skills with WCO Training

Togo Boosts Customs Skills with WCO Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a workshop in Lomé to assist the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR) in rebuilding its customs valuation function. Through diagnostic assessments and practical training, Togolese customs officials gained a better understanding of WTO valuation rules and WCO practices. This initiative aimed to enhance their capacity in customs valuation control and management, laying the foundation for an efficient and transparent customs valuation system in Togo. The workshop focused on improving skills and knowledge related to valuation procedures and international standards.

Lesotho Enhances Tax Efficiency with Wcobacked Training

Lesotho Enhances Tax Efficiency with Wcobacked Training

The Lesotho Revenue Authority, with the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), successfully held a workshop on "Competency-Based Human Resource Management" through the "Human Resource Management Competency Building - WCO-UNCTAD Cooperation Project." This initiative aimed to enhance the professional skills of the human capital management team and representatives from various departments. The goal is to build a scientific and rational human resource management system, create an efficient and ethical tax workforce, and provide a solid guarantee for the economic and social development of Lesotho.

WCO Issues Guidance on Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing

WCO Issues Guidance on Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) guide aims to harmonize customs valuation and transfer pricing, addressing the challenges posed by related-party transactions. It draws on practical experiences from various countries. The guide seeks to provide clarity and promote consistent application of valuation principles in the context of international trade, especially when dealing with multinational enterprises and their internal pricing policies. This harmonization effort is crucial for ensuring fair revenue collection and preventing trade distortions arising from discrepancies between customs valuation and transfer pricing methodologies.

Middle East and North Africa Crack Down on Customs Fraud

Middle East and North Africa Crack Down on Customs Fraud

A regional workshop in Amman, Jordan, focused on customs valuation and anti-fraud, aiming to enhance the capabilities of customs officials in the Middle East and North Africa. The workshop covered the WTO Valuation Agreement, WCO's Revenue Package tools, and anti-fraud strategies. Key discussions centered on Decision 6.1 and valuation risk management. Emphasis was placed on international cooperation, capacity building, legal improvements, and technological innovation. The goal was to foster a fairer trade environment by strengthening customs practices and combating fraudulent activities in the region.

Zimbabwe Enhances Customs Oversight with WCO Assistance

Zimbabwe Enhances Customs Oversight with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) in enhancing its capabilities to effectively implement the Trade Facilitation Agreement by hosting a customs project management training workshop in Zimbabwe. This training aimed to strengthen ZIMRA's capacity in project management and human resources to address trade facilitation challenges and promote economic development in Zimbabwe. The initiative also serves as a model for other developing countries. The workshop focused on practical skills and knowledge transfer to improve ZIMRA's efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations.

Malawis Customs Talent Strategy Wins World Praise

Malawis Customs Talent Strategy Wins World Praise

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully assessed the talent development foundation of the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), aiming to help build a stronger human resource system to address the challenges posed by the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The assessment covered key areas such as strategic orientation, capacity building, and training systems. A national e-learning platform was also launched to support the MRA in enhancing customs professional capabilities. This initiative is crucial for Malawi to effectively implement trade facilitation measures and improve its overall customs efficiency.

Togo WCO Boost Women Traders Via Customs Reform

Togo WCO Boost Women Traders Via Customs Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborated with the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR) to focus on trade facilitation through a gender equality lens. Through capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and policy recommendations, the initiative aims to empower Togolese Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly women traders. The goal is to build a more equitable, secure, and efficient trading environment, fostering economic growth and social development in Togo. This partnership highlights the importance of inclusive trade practices and the role of customs in promoting gender equality.

US Trucking Industry Faces Key Trends in 2024

US Trucking Industry Faces Key Trends in 2024

The 'U.S. Trucking Trends 2024,' an annual report released by ATA, provides an in-depth analysis of the current state and future trends of the U.S. trucking industry. The report covers key data points such as freight volume, revenue, personnel demographics, and cross-border trade, revealing the challenges and opportunities the industry faced in 2023. By analyzing this report, businesses can understand market dynamics, assess their strengths, and grasp development trends, enabling them to formulate effective strategies and stand out in the competitive market.