Northwest Seaport Alliance Reports Surge in International Cargo

Northwest Seaport Alliance Reports Surge in International Cargo

The Northwest Seaport Alliance saw a 22% year-over-year increase in international cargo volume in September, its first growth in nearly 19 months, driven by stable vessel arrivals, rail transport, and optimized schedules. Auto volumes also experienced significant growth. Despite challenges like global economic downturn risks and weak demand, the port needs to diversify markets, improve service quality, and strengthen cooperation. Businesses should closely monitor market trends, optimize supply chains, and proactively respond to evolving conditions.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Supply Chain Risks Exposed in Sustainable Sourcing Push

Supply Chain Risks Exposed in Sustainable Sourcing Push

Lack of transparency in sustainable procurement poses a significant risk to supply chains. Companies need to enhance transparency, establish strategic partnerships with suppliers, optimize supply chain layouts, and reshape their long-term development thinking to address these challenges. By doing so, they can achieve sustainable development and gain a competitive edge in the market. Improving visibility and collaboration are key to mitigating risks and ensuring alignment with ESG goals, ultimately fostering a more resilient and responsible supply chain.

UN Unveils Data Strategy to Boost Sustainable Development

UN Unveils Data Strategy to Boost Sustainable Development

The United Nations Data Strategy aims to build a “UN-wide” data ecosystem, empowering decision-making and supporting sustainable development by enhancing data analysis and management capabilities. The strategy emphasizes talent development, partnerships, data governance, and technology application. It actively promotes data sharing and international cooperation to address the challenges of the data age. The goal is to leverage data effectively to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and improve the overall effectiveness of the UN's work.

Amazon Sellers Struggle With Inventory Amid Peak Season Volatility

Amazon Sellers Struggle With Inventory Amid Peak Season Volatility

Amazon sellers face challenges in preparing inventory for the peak season. Increased difficulty in sales forecasting and reduced storage capacity exacerbate these issues. It's recommended that sellers prioritize stability and avoid overstocking, focusing on inventory turnover rate and IPI score. Flexible inventory strategies are crucial, considering various factors to develop personalized plans. Understocking is preferable to overstocking in this environment. Sellers should prioritize efficiently managing existing inventory and maintaining a healthy IPI score to navigate the peak season successfully.

Asiapacific Customs Adopt Digital Tools for Modernization

Asiapacific Customs Adopt Digital Tools for Modernization

The 20th Asia-Pacific WCO Regional Training Center Heads Meeting focused on digital transformation and capacity building. Discussions centered on leveraging VR technology to enhance customs training, deepening regional cooperation, evaluating the impact of capacity building initiatives, and addressing challenges posed by the pandemic. The meeting aimed to improve the professional capabilities and modernization level of customs administrations in the Asia-Pacific region by exploring innovative training methods and fostering collaboration in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Flexe CEO Discusses Postpandemic Warehouse Economy Shifts

Flexe CEO Discusses Postpandemic Warehouse Economy Shifts

In an interview, Flexe CEO Karl Siebrecht discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the warehouse economy in the post-pandemic era. He highlighted that macroeconomic uncertainty, changing consumer demands, and the rise of the BOPIS model are reshaping the logistics landscape. Siebrecht emphasized the importance of flexibility for businesses, advising against long-term leases and advocating for solutions that can navigate uncertainty. He argued that adaptability is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market environment.

Florida Logistics Hit As Hurricane Ian Disrupts UPS Fedex USPS

Florida Logistics Hit As Hurricane Ian Disrupts UPS Fedex USPS

Hurricane Ian severely impacted Florida, leading to service suspensions by UPS, FedEx, and USPS, causing supply chain disruptions. Businesses need to strengthen risk management, diversify supply chain networks, and establish contingency plans to enhance supply chain resilience in order to cope with future challenges. The disruptions caused by the hurricane highlight the vulnerability of concentrated supply chains and the importance of proactive planning to mitigate potential risks and ensure business continuity in the face of unforeseen events.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Major Freight Firms Unite to Standardize Scheduling with New API

Major Freight Firms Unite to Standardize Scheduling with New API

Uber Freight, Convoy, and J.B. Hunt have jointly formed the Scheduling Standards Consortium (SSC) to establish freight booking API standards, addressing industry scheduling challenges and enhancing efficiency. The consortium aims to onboard more industry partners to promote the implementation of standardized interfaces, ultimately achieving automation and intelligence in freight booking. This initiative seeks to streamline communication and data exchange between shippers, carriers, and brokers, leading to improved operational efficiency and reduced costs throughout the supply chain.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Strike Avoided As Unions Back Labor Deal

US Rail Strike Avoided As Unions Back Labor Deal

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in the United States has ratified a tentative labor agreement with freight rail companies, averting a potential rail strike. The agreement includes wage increases and improved working conditions. However, it still faces challenges such as approval from other unions, implementation of the agreement, and addressing long-term industry issues. The article advocates for building harmonious labor-management relations and offers insights for Chinese enterprises, emphasizing a people-oriented approach.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Shipping Industry Faces Downturn Hapaglloyd CEO Urges Survival Plans

Shipping Industry Faces Downturn Hapaglloyd CEO Urges Survival Plans

Hapag-Lloyd's CEO warns the container shipping industry faces a challenging three years due to overcapacity and plummeting freight rates. The company declined to participate in the acquisition of a stake in the Port of Hamburg, focusing instead on enhancing its own competitiveness. While the industry faces difficulties, the situation isn't as severe as the 2008 financial crisis. Lean operations, differentiated services, and digital transformation are crucial for navigating the challenges and achieving success in the future.