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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Retailers Seek White House Help to Prevent East Coast Port Strike

Retailers Seek White House Help to Prevent East Coast Port Strike

The National Retail Federation (NRF), along with 177 industry associations, has sent a letter to President Biden urging White House intervention in the labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). The NRF seeks to avert a potential East Coast port strike, which would disrupt supply chains and destabilize the economy. The letter emphasizes the critical need for a swift and peaceful resolution to ensure the smooth flow of goods and maintain economic stability during this crucial period.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ecommerce Surge in Latin America Draws Amazon Sellers

Ecommerce Surge in Latin America Draws Amazon Sellers

The Latin American e-commerce market is experiencing rapid growth, with Mexico and Brazil leading the way. Chinese sellers are performing well on Amazon Mexico and Brazil, especially during Prime Day. Q2 is a crucial promotional period. Sellers should focus on best-selling categories, identify emerging demands, and adhere to compliance regulations to succeed in the Latin American market. Key strategies include optimizing product listings, offering competitive pricing, and providing excellent customer service. Understanding local consumer preferences is also essential for maximizing sales and building brand loyalty.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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STB Extends Comment Deadline on Rail Freight Switching Rule

STB Extends Comment Deadline on Rail Freight Switching Rule

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has extended the comment period for its reciprocal switching rulemaking to December 20th, aiming to address inadequate rail freight service. The proposed rule focuses on reciprocal switching, outlining three key performance standards – service reliability, consistency, and local service – to provide recourse for freight shippers. Diverse perspectives are being considered as the STB seeks to improve rail freight service quality through these reforms. The extension allows for further input on the proposed changes and their potential impact on the industry.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Boom Sparks Economic Recovery Debate

US Rail Freight Boom Sparks Economic Recovery Debate

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a recent significant increase in U.S. rail freight volume, although it remains below pre-pandemic levels in the long term. Coal, nonmetallic minerals, and chemical products are the primary drivers of this growth. While intermodal transport has seen some increase, it is still lower than the same period last year. Future growth faces multiple uncertainties, including the pandemic, inflation, and geopolitical factors. The full recovery of rail freight, a key indicator of economic health, remains to be seen.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

US rail freight performance in August showed mixed results. Carload traffic increased by 3.4%, while intermodal traffic decreased by 0.3%. Year-to-date carload traffic saw a slight increase, but intermodal traffic declined. The industry is facing a period of transition and adjustment. The diverging trends highlight the changing dynamics within the freight sector and potentially reflect broader economic shifts impacting different transportation modes. Continued monitoring of these indicators is crucial for understanding the overall health and future direction of the rail freight industry.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Slump Signals Economic Worries

US Rail Freight Slump Signals Economic Worries

The latest report from the Association of American Railroads reveals that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes both declined year-over-year for the week ending August 6th. Rail freight growth is slowing, while intermodal transportation shows a clear downward trend. Total North American rail freight volume also decreased compared to the same period last year. Rail freight volume is considered an economic 'canary in the coal mine,' and the data decline may signal challenges for the U.S. economy, but also presents opportunities that require proactive responses.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Forward Air CEO Steps Down During Omni Logistics Merger

Forward Air CEO Steps Down During Omni Logistics Merger

Forward Air CEO Tom Schmitt has abruptly resigned, with Michael Hance taking over as interim CEO. This leadership change occurs during a critical period following the acquisition of Omni Logistics, presenting significant integration challenges. The company faces the task of seamlessly merging operations and cultures while navigating the uncertainty brought about by the sudden departure of its top executive. The market will be watching closely to see how Forward Air manages this transition and whether it can successfully realize the anticipated synergies from the Omni Logistics acquisition.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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FMCSA Proposes Safety System Overhaul to Reduce Trucking Accidents

FMCSA Proposes Safety System Overhaul to Reduce Trucking Accidents

The US FMCSA has released a proposed rule to revise the SMS (Safety Measurement System). The aim is to more accurately identify high-risk carriers, reduce accident rates, and improve road safety by adjusting safety categories, violation groupings, simplifying severity weights, modifying intervention thresholds, and optimizing carrier comparisons. A 90-day public comment period has been initiated, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed changes. This revision seeks to enhance the effectiveness of the SMS in identifying and addressing safety concerns within the trucking industry.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US China Agree to 90day Trade Truce Delay Tariffs

US China Agree to 90day Trade Truce Delay Tariffs

The US has once again extended tariff exemptions on Chinese goods, providing a 90-day buffer for US-China trade relations. This article analyzes the impact of the tariff extension on industries such as toys, furniture, and consumer electronics. It emphasizes the irreversible trend of supply chain diversification and highlights that these 90 days are a crucial period for businesses to adjust their strategies and prepare for future uncertainties. Companies should leverage this time to re-evaluate sourcing options and build resilience against potential disruptions.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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