US Rail Merger Delay Threatens 85B Supply Chain Impact

US Rail Merger Delay Threatens 85B Supply Chain Impact

The delayed submission of the $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern has sent shockwaves through the industry. This merger aims to create a transcontinental railroad empire spanning the East and West coasts of the United States. However, it faces opposition from competitor BNSF and concerns from labor unions. The Surface Transportation Board's (STB) ultimate decision will determine the future landscape of the American railroad industry, impacting supply chains and competition. The outcome will significantly reshape how goods are transported across the nation.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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CTPAT Expansion Opens Supply Chain Security Opportunities for 3pls

CTPAT Expansion Opens Supply Chain Security Opportunities for 3pls

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched a CTPAT pilot program, incorporating freight forwarders and warehousing 3PLs for the first time, aiming to enhance supply chain security. RXO is investing in warehousing centers along the US-Mexico border to capitalize on nearshoring opportunities. Amidst market volatility, logistics managers need to strengthen risk management, improve supply chain flexibility, leverage technology, and foster collaboration to build a secure and efficient supply chain.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Expert Identifies Key Supply Chain Bottlenecks in Multimodal Transport

Expert Identifies Key Supply Chain Bottlenecks in Multimodal Transport

Industry expert Larry Gross analyzed the challenges facing multimodal transportation at the RailTrends conference, highlighting port congestion and capacity shortages as key drivers. He argued that trucking acted as a 'safety valve' during the crisis. Looking ahead, Gross emphasized the need for multimodal transportation to enhance resilience and focus on domestic market growth to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. The industry must adapt to the evolving landscape to ensure efficient and reliable transportation solutions in the face of ongoing supply chain disruptions.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Multimodal Transport Faces Supply Chain Challenges Experts Warn

US Multimodal Transport Faces Supply Chain Challenges Experts Warn

Multimodal expert Larry Gross highlighted significant challenges facing US intermodal transportation at the RailTrends conference, citing port congestion, capacity constraints, and declining market share. He emphasized the diffused responsibility for the supply chain crisis, advocating for increased resilience. Gross predicted a future market shift from west to east, with a corresponding increase in trucking's share. While the damage inflicted in 2021 is repairable, it will require substantial effort. The focus should be on building a more robust and adaptable intermodal system to mitigate future disruptions.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Edge Logistics Gains Traction to Boost Supply Chain Efficiency

Edge Logistics Gains Traction to Boost Supply Chain Efficiency

This paper delves into the concept of "Edge Logistics," highlighting its crucial role in enhancing supply chain efficiency, reducing costs, and improving customer experience. It outlines key steps for building an "Edge Logistics" system, including data-driven demand forecasting, optimized inventory placement, intelligent order fulfillment, and a flexible delivery network. By embracing "Edge Logistics," businesses can better meet customer needs and achieve sustainable development. It focuses on leveraging localized resources and real-time data to optimize logistics operations closer to the point of demand.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Edge Logistics Boosts Delivery Speed and Supply Chain Sustainability

Edge Logistics Boosts Delivery Speed and Supply Chain Sustainability

This paper explores how edge logistics can help businesses achieve fast, cost-effective delivery and optimized inventory management in a rapidly changing business environment. By shortening transportation distances, optimizing network layouts, and implementing digital operations, edge logistics enhances customer experience, reduces operating costs, improves supply chain resilience, and promotes sustainability. Companies should build strong data analytics capabilities, choose suitable partners, and actively embrace edge logistics to leverage its benefits in terms of efficiency, cost reduction, and environmental responsibility.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Data Analytics Boosts Freight Efficiency Cuts Supply Chain Costs

Data Analytics Boosts Freight Efficiency Cuts Supply Chain Costs

This paper explores how digital freight networks enhance supply chain transparency through data analytics. It examines how shippers can optimize operational expenses, improve facility performance, reduce carbon emissions, and become shippers of choice. The study emphasizes the importance of building a data-driven logistics system and leveraging data insights for continuous improvement. By harnessing the power of data, companies can gain a competitive edge and drive efficiency across their supply chain operations. This ultimately leads to a more sustainable and resilient logistics ecosystem.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Ports Expand Infrastructure to Ease Supply Chain Delays

US Ports Expand Infrastructure to Ease Supply Chain Delays

Descartes analyst Brendan McCahill provides an in-depth analysis of the current state and challenges of US port infrastructure. He highlights the need for West Coast ports to adapt to mega-ships, while East Coast and Gulf Coast ports are actively undergoing upgrades. To address natural disasters, ports should strengthen collaboration and information sharing. Future port development needs to focus on efficiency, technology, and cooperation to meet the challenges of the global supply chain. This includes investing in modern equipment and digital solutions to improve cargo flow and resilience.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Truckload Rates Hit Record High Amid Supply Chain Strain

Truckload Rates Hit Record High Amid Supply Chain Strain

The DAT Truckload Volume Index (TVI) reached a new high, reflecting shippers' willingness to pay a premium to secure freight transportation amid supply chain bottlenecks. The October TVI hit 239, driven by rising spot rates and record-high fuel surcharges. Experts point to port congestion impacting freight volumes, and anticipate a potential decrease in truckload volumes in December. This surge in the TVI highlights the ongoing challenges and increased costs associated with moving goods across the country as businesses compete for limited capacity.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Firms Adopt New Strategies to Bolster Supply Chain Resilience

Firms Adopt New Strategies to Bolster Supply Chain Resilience

This paper delves into the challenges and opportunities within the current logistics management landscape. It focuses on key issues such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), multi-agent collaboration, supply chain resilience, warehouse management optimization, and labor shortages. The paper emphasizes how businesses can build more resilient and flexible supply chain systems to navigate an increasingly complex market environment. The importance of adapting to disruptions and leveraging automation for efficiency are also highlighted, advocating for proactive strategies to maintain competitiveness.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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