US Imports Hit Record High As Holiday Demand Strains Supply Chains

US Imports Hit Record High As Holiday Demand Strains Supply Chains

US imports hit a record high in October, indicating sufficient stockpiling for the holiday season, but supply chain bottlenecks persist. Energy imports surged, industrial goods saw steady growth, while healthcare and consumer staples imports declined. Companies need to diversify supply chains, plan ahead, optimize inventory, strengthen collaboration, and embrace digitalization to address these challenges. Future supply chain hurdles are expected to continue, requiring businesses to prepare for the long term. This proactive approach is crucial for navigating the evolving global trade landscape.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Smart Forklifts Ease Labor Shortages Boost Productivity

Smart Forklifts Ease Labor Shortages Boost Productivity

The forklift industry is addressing labor shortages through intelligent upgrades. Beyond fully automated forklifts, technologies focus on enhancing operator efficiency. These include telematics, ergonomic design, and new power systems. These technologies, driven by data, improved comfort, and enhanced convenience, help companies achieve significant gains in labor productivity during the era of labor scarcity. The focus is on making existing operators more productive rather than solely replacing them with robots, offering a more practical and cost-effective solution for many businesses.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Capacity Crunch Spurs Debate DCC Vs Dedicated Truckload

Capacity Crunch Spurs Debate DCC Vs Dedicated Truckload

Faced with capacity constraints, this report compares Dedicated Contract Carriage (DCC) and Dedicated Truckload Capacity (DTC). DCC offers stability but slow growth, while DTC is flexible and grows rapidly. The report analyzes the application scenarios of both models and forecasts the future market, emphasizing that companies should develop effective transportation strategies based on their specific needs. It highlights the trade-offs between stability, flexibility, and growth when choosing a dedicated transportation model within the broader context of supply chain management.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Online Learning Eases LTL Talent Shortage Boosts Supply Chains

Online Learning Eases LTL Talent Shortage Boosts Supply Chains

The shortage of LTL transportation talent poses a challenge to supply chains. SMC³'s online LTL courses and certification system offer a solution through systematic learning, case studies, and certification exams. This helps companies quickly enhance employees' LTL expertise and skills, optimize transportation plans, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, ultimately upgrading the supply chain. The program provides a structured approach to building a knowledgeable workforce capable of navigating the complexities of LTL shipping and contributing to improved supply chain performance.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Vietnam Lockdowns Strain Global Supply Chains Ahead of Holidays

Vietnam Lockdowns Strain Global Supply Chains Ahead of Holidays

Vietnam's pandemic lockdowns have significantly impacted global supply chains, posing risks of product delivery delays and sales decline for retailers. Businesses are actively adjusting strategies, including early stockpiling, production relocation, inventory optimization, and diversified sourcing, to address these challenges. Building a more resilient and flexible supply chain system is crucial for companies to cope with future risks. The disruption highlights the need for proactive measures and adaptable strategies in navigating unforeseen global events and ensuring business continuity in the retail sector.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Fresh Food Ecommerce Tackles Raccoon Threats to Boost Deliveries

Fresh Food Ecommerce Tackles Raccoon Threats to Boost Deliveries

The "last mile" delivery in fresh produce e-commerce is a critical challenge. Companies need to innovate, such as using insulated boxes, to address temperature and safety issues and enhance brand loyalty. Building a proprietary logistics network and outsourcing both have advantages and disadvantages, requiring careful selection. The pandemic has boosted the development of fresh produce e-commerce, and the future is promising, but continuous improvement in service quality is essential. This includes optimizing delivery times and ensuring product freshness upon arrival.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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OAG Named Top UK Tech Employer for Pandemic Employee Care

OAG Named Top UK Tech Employer for Pandemic Employee Care

Travel data provider OAG has been named one of the UK's Best Tech Companies to Work For, highlighting its exceptional employee care and effective communication during the pandemic. The award also recognizes OAG's outstanding performance in talent attraction and crisis management. OAG's success stems from its people-centric philosophy, creating a positive work environment for employees and helping its customers succeed in turbulent times. The company's commitment to its workforce is a key differentiator in the competitive travel technology landscape.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Businesses Adapt Strategies to Mitigate Supply Chain Disruptions

Businesses Adapt Strategies to Mitigate Supply Chain Disruptions

The global supply chain is suffering from the "Bullwhip Effect." Companies need to optimize inventory, streamline product lines, and flexibly adjust orders. Strengthening trust and cooperation with suppliers and sharing information are crucial. Improving operational efficiency and using real-time information for rapid response are key to taming the "Bullwhip Effect." This enhances supply chain resilience and secures a competitive advantage. By implementing these strategies, businesses can mitigate the negative consequences of demand fluctuations and maintain a stable and efficient supply chain.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Pandemic Reshapes Ecommerce Logistics and Carrier Relations

Pandemic Reshapes Ecommerce Logistics and Carrier Relations

The pandemic accelerated the transformation of e-commerce logistics, exposing bottlenecks in transportation capacity and information asymmetry. Instant delivery has emerged, offering new options for e-commerce businesses. In the future, carriers and e-commerce companies will deepen cooperation and leverage technology to drive differentiated services to address market challenges. This includes optimizing last-mile delivery, improving real-time tracking, and enhancing overall supply chain efficiency to meet evolving customer expectations and maintain a competitive edge in the dynamic e-commerce landscape.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Rising Logistics Costs Threaten Lastmile Delivery Growth

Rising Logistics Costs Threaten Lastmile Delivery Growth

High logistics costs and last-mile delivery challenges pose significant obstacles for supply chains. Surveys indicate that companies struggle with finding reliable transportation partners and are experiencing rising transportation costs. Businesses are adopting strategies such as building their own logistics networks, forming strategic partnerships, embracing technological innovation, offering differentiated services, and pursuing mergers and acquisitions to address these issues. Last-mile delivery is expected to evolve towards greater precision and intelligence, with green logistics becoming a key trend in the future.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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