Retailers Seek White House Help Amid West Coast Port Delays

Retailers Seek White House Help Amid West Coast Port Delays

The National Retail Federation (NRF) 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 port strike. This looming crisis threatens not only the retail industry but also the broader U.S. economy. The NRF, along with 177 trade associations, sent a letter to President Biden emphasizing the need for immediate White House action to facilitate a new agreement and prevent a recurrence of West Coast port congestion.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Retailers Push White House to Mediate Port Labor Talks

Retailers Push White House to Mediate Port Labor Talks

The National Retail Federation (NRF), along with 177 trade associations, is urging the White House to intervene in the labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to avert a potential port strike starting October 1st. The NRF emphasizes that a strike would have a disastrous impact on retail, manufacturing, agriculture, and the overall economy. They urge all parties to draw on past successful experiences and reach an agreement quickly, or at least maintain port operations during the negotiation period.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Imports Rise As Tariffs and Labor Deals Loom

US Imports Rise As Tariffs and Labor Deals Loom

Despite the port labor agreement, US imports surged due to anticipated tariffs. Reports indicate retailers front-loaded imports to avoid potential tariff increases, leading to a significant short-term import volume growth. Import volumes are expected to be influenced by factors such as the Lunar New Year in the coming months. In the long term, tariff policies and the global economic situation will continue to shape US import trade. The recent surge might be temporary due to retailers' strategies to mitigate future cost increases.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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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.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Air Waybills Key to Global Air Freight Logistics

Air Waybills Key to Global Air Freight Logistics

An Air Waybill (AWB) is a crucial legal document in international air freight, serving as evidence of the contract of carriage. It functions as proof of the transportation agreement, a receipt for the goods, a document of title, a customs declaration, a freight settlement document, and an insurance-related certificate. The AWB connects the shipper, carrier, and consignee, ensuring the safe and smooth delivery of goods to their destination. It plays a vital role in facilitating international trade and ensuring accountability throughout the air freight process.

02/04/2026 Document Interpretation
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Amazon's Investment Plan in Air Transportation Strengthens Package Delivery Capabilities

Amazon's Investment Plan in Air Transportation Strengthens Package Delivery Capabilities

Amazon has signed a lease agreement with Atlas Air for 20 Boeing 767 aircraft, including warrants, to enhance package delivery efficiency. This move aims to reduce reliance on courier companies and address market competition. In 2023, Amazon also entered a similar agreement with an air transport services group, strengthening its air transportation capabilities. These transactions signify Amazon's ongoing investment and strategic positioning in the package delivery sector.

07/21/2025 Logistics
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DHL Express Canada Resumes Operations After Unifor Strike Deal

DHL Express Canada Resumes Operations After Unifor Strike Deal

DHL Express Canada and Unifor union have reached a new labor agreement, ending a nearly three-week work stoppage and strike. Full operations resumed on June 30th. The new agreement, valid until July 1, 2029, includes a 15.75% wage increase, a new owner-operator payment structure, and increased pension benefits. The company will prioritize processing delayed packages, and customers can submit claims through the standard procedure.

01/08/2026 Logistics
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Fedex Pilots Secure Tentative Deal for Higher Pay Benefits

Fedex Pilots Secure Tentative Deal for Higher Pay Benefits

FedEx and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) have reached a tentative agreement, featuring a 30% pay increase for pilots and significant improvements to retirement benefits. This agreement averts a potential strike, stabilizes operations, enhances talent attraction, and improves labor relations, setting a new benchmark for the air cargo industry. The agreement's final implementation is contingent upon ratification by a vote of the entire pilot membership.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Italys Shipping Lanes Boost China Trade Growth

Italys Shipping Lanes Boost China Trade Growth

Italian shipping lines leverage their long-standing maritime tradition and developed shipping network to provide stable and reliable sea freight services for China-Italy trade. Through stable routes, diversified services, a professional team, technology empowerment, worry-free end-to-end solutions, and environmentally friendly operations, they help businesses efficiently expand into the China-Italy market and achieve trade growth. They offer comprehensive solutions tailored to the specific needs of businesses engaged in trade between China and Italy, ensuring smooth and efficient transportation of goods.

02/02/2026 Shipping Company Encyclopedia
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Cuba Calls on WTO to Address Trade Barriers Masked As Regulations

Cuba Calls on WTO to Address Trade Barriers Masked As Regulations

Cuba proposed strengthening GATT Article V at the WTO, aiming to prevent members from imposing trade barriers based on "non-commercial reasons," restricting the free transit of goods and means of transport. The proposal emphasizes the principle of non-discrimination, calling for a clear definition of "non-commercial reasons," enhanced review mechanisms, and the establishment of dispute resolution mechanisms. The goal is to build a fairer and more transparent international trade system by addressing potential abuses of trade restrictions under the guise of non-commercial justifications.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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