US Shipping Delays Drive Up Global Trade Costs

US Shipping Delays Drive Up Global Trade Costs

The US maritime shipping market is facing a double whammy of delays and rising prices. Factors such as pandemic-induced port congestion, labor shortages, surging demand, container shortages, insufficient capacity, rising fuel costs, and cargo backlogs have collectively driven up ocean freight costs, straining the global trade chain. Container shipping rates from the US to China and Europe have increased 3-4 times since 2020, and delays have not yet been fully resolved. The situation continues to put pressure on businesses and consumers alike.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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World Cup and Black Friday Drive Chinas Crossborder Ecommerce Amid IP Concerns

World Cup and Black Friday Drive Chinas Crossborder Ecommerce Amid IP Concerns

The overlap of the World Cup and Black Friday is expected to fuel a surge in cross-border e-commerce, with Yiwu-made World Cup merchandise seeing a boom in export orders. Sellers should seize this opportunity by stocking up on goods, while also being vigilant about intellectual property infringement risks and understanding local cultural taboos to maximize sales. Warm clothing products may emerge as a new growth area. This confluence of events presents both significant opportunities and challenges for cross-border e-commerce businesses.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Guide to US Air Freight Customs Clearance Procedures

Guide to US Air Freight Customs Clearance Procedures

This article details the clearance requirements and cost structure for air freight to the United States. Non-restricted goods valued under $800 are generally exempt from formal clearance, but taxable, restricted, commercial, and excess personal items require it. Air freight costs include freight charges, fuel surcharges, customs clearance fees, taxes, and storage fees. In case of customs detention, it is crucial to contact a customs broker promptly to resolve the issue. Understanding these aspects can help streamline the import process and avoid unnecessary delays or expenses.

01/05/2024 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Shanghaisweden Air Freight Costs Surge Amid Global Shipping Pressures

Shanghaisweden Air Freight Costs Surge Amid Global Shipping Pressures

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the various cost components involved in air freight from Shanghai to Sweden, including basic freight, fuel surcharges, and security fees. It details the key factors influencing air freight prices, such as cargo weight, transportation method, and airline selection. Furthermore, it offers practical and feasible cost optimization strategies to help businesses effectively control air freight costs while ensuring timely delivery. The analysis aims to provide actionable insights for companies seeking to improve their air freight efficiency to Sweden.

02/05/2026 Logistics
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US Ocean Freight Rates Key Insights for Importers

US Ocean Freight Rates Key Insights for Importers

This article delves into the key factors influencing US ocean freight rates, including cargo weight, shipping method, shipping route, seasonality, and fuel surcharges. It details the freight calculation methods for both container shipping and bulk cargo. Furthermore, it addresses common queries regarding the cost per kilogram/cubic meter for US ocean freight, aiming to assist exporters and cross-border e-commerce sellers in optimizing their logistics solutions and reducing shipping expenses. The analysis provides valuable insights for understanding and managing ocean freight costs effectively.

02/05/2026 Logistics
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Chinaeurope Shipping Costs Surge Prompting Industry Adjustments

Chinaeurope Shipping Costs Surge Prompting Industry Adjustments

This paper analyzes the soaring ocean freight rates from China to Europe, deeply exploring multiple reasons including the impact of the pandemic, surging demand, geopolitical factors, and rising fuel costs. It also examines the significant impact of rising freight rates on businesses, consumers, and global trade. The paper proposes strategies such as increasing capacity, improving efficiency, and exploring alternative transportation methods. It is expected that freight rates will remain high in the short term, requiring companies to actively adjust their strategies to mitigate the negative impacts.

02/06/2026 Logistics
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Shipping Costs and Delays Rise for Shenzhenus Ocean Freight

Shipping Costs and Delays Rise for Shenzhenus Ocean Freight

From a data analyst's perspective, this paper delves into the price composition, influencing factors, and transportation time of sea freight from Shenzhen to the United States, offering optimization strategies. By comparing FCL, LCL, and bulk cargo transportation modes, it analyzes the impact of cargo characteristics, transportation distance, and fuel prices on costs, as well as the influence of transportation modes, shipping companies, and route selection on time efficiency. This aims to help businesses strike a balance between time efficiency and cost, achieving efficient sea freight.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Slow SAF Growth Risks Airline Climate Targets

Slow SAF Growth Risks Airline Climate Targets

IATA reports that the growth of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is slowing down, primarily due to insufficient policy support. Counterproductive mandates in the EU and UK may force airlines to reassess their SAF usage targets. Experts recommend establishing long-term policy frameworks, providing incentives, streamlining approvals, and supporting technological innovation to promote SAF development and help the aviation industry achieve its decarbonization goals. Stronger policy backing is crucial to overcome current obstacles and accelerate the adoption of SAF, ensuring a sustainable future for air travel.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global SAF Registry Launched to Accelerate Aviation Decarbonization

Global SAF Registry Launched to Accelerate Aviation Decarbonization

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has established the Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization (CADO) to manage a global Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) registry system. This initiative aims to create a transparent and efficient SAF market by connecting supply and demand, tracking environmental benefits, reducing costs, and accelerating SAF adoption. CADO membership is open to all stakeholders, encouraging broad participation to collectively advance the aviation industry's sustainable development. The registry will be crucial for ensuring the credibility and scalability of SAF usage within the sector.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Freight Market Shifts Under Tariffs and Demand TD Cowenafs Index

Freight Market Shifts Under Tariffs and Demand TD Cowenafs Index

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index report indicates that tariff policies, declining consumer confidence, and changes in carrier pricing strategies are impacting the freight market. In trucking, front-loading of inventory is driving up rates, but increased short-haul shipments are lowering overall costs. For parcel, carriers are adjusting prices more frequently, and fuel surcharges are rising, but sales growth faces challenges. In LTL, pricing remains strong despite economic headwinds. The report highlights the complex interplay of factors influencing freight costs and volumes across different transportation modes.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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