US Shipping Costs Surge Amid Supply Chain Strains

US Shipping Costs Surge Amid Supply Chain Strains

The surge in U.S. ocean freight rates is a result of multiple factors, including pandemic-induced supply-demand imbalances, container shortages, port congestion, rising fuel prices, shipping alliance monopolies, seasonal fluctuations, and economic recovery. These elements have collectively driven up ocean shipping costs, ultimately leading to higher freight rates for consumers. The combination of these pressures has created a challenging environment for businesses relying on global trade and efficient supply chains.

02/02/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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E2open CEO Identifies Top Logistics Industry Trends

E2open CEO Identifies Top Logistics Industry Trends

E2open CEO Michael Farlekas analyzes three major trends in the current logistics industry: the transformation of the freight economy, the impact of declining imports on ports, and supply chain diversification and resilience. Businesses need to pay attention to market dynamics, embrace digitalization, build diversified supply chains, and support decision-making with data analysis. Focusing on these areas will allow companies to navigate the evolving landscape and improve their overall performance.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Industrial Real Estate Defies Demand Shifts

US Industrial Real Estate Defies Demand Shifts

A CBRE report indicates that the US industrial real estate vacancy rate remained stable at 6.6% in Q3, with robust leasing demand, but fewer new construction starts. E-commerce and 3PL are key drivers, with companies outsourcing logistics to enhance flexibility and focus on core operations. Completions continue to outpace absorption, posing a potential oversupply risk. The future of industrial real estate will increasingly emphasize efficiency, flexibility, and customization. The strong leasing demand is driven by companies seeking to optimize their supply chains and meet the growing demands of online retail.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Exhomeland Security Chief Ridge Touts Supply Chain Risk Management Value

Exhomeland Security Chief Ridge Touts Supply Chain Risk Management Value

Former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff emphasized at ProMat that supply chain security is not just asset protection, but also value creation. Companies should focus on the consequences of risks rather than the events themselves, building resilient supply chains, strengthening risk monitoring, and enhancing security awareness. By leveraging technology and fostering collaborative partnerships, businesses can address supply chain security challenges and achieve sustainable development. Focusing on resilience and proactive risk management is key to unlocking value and ensuring long-term success.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Toy Giants Hasbro and Mattel Tackle Supply Chain Challenges

Toy Giants Hasbro and Mattel Tackle Supply Chain Challenges

Facing soaring ocean freight costs and port congestion, Hasbro and Mattel successfully navigated challenges by optimizing supply chain management, diversifying port selections, implementing flexible transportation strategies, and collaborating closely with suppliers. Both companies transformed their supply chains into a competitive advantage. Measures such as raising product prices were taken to mitigate cost pressures. The companies emphasized the strategic value of the supply chain in overall business development, demonstrating its crucial role in navigating disruptions and maintaining profitability in a volatile global landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Schneider Electric Boosts Supply Chain Resilience for Logistics

Schneider Electric Boosts Supply Chain Resilience for Logistics

Schneider Electric's Chief Commercial Officer, Erin Van Zeeland, shares insights into the current logistics market, emphasizing the importance of supply chain resilience. Schneider Electric helps clients navigate challenges, optimize operations, and succeed in the evolving global environment through multimodal transportation, technological innovation, and customized solutions. They focus on building robust and adaptable supply chains to mitigate disruptions and ensure business continuity. The company leverages its expertise to provide tailored approaches that address specific client needs and enhance overall supply chain performance.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Digital Logistics New Opportunities to Simplify Supply Chain

Digital Logistics New Opportunities to Simplify Supply Chain

Digital logistics simplifies and optimizes supply chains through data-driven solutions and technological innovation. Businesses can achieve real-time monitoring and comprehensive visualization during transportation, enhancing flexibility and intelligent operations. Connecting the supply chain to a digital network facilitates data sharing and automation, improving overall transportation efficiency. Furthermore, digital logistics reduces operational costs and time delays, strengthening a company's competitiveness in the market.

11/30/-0001 Logistics
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Ocean Freight Rates Surge Amid Uschina Trade Strain

Ocean Freight Rates Surge Amid Uschina Trade Strain

The surge in China-US ocean freight rates stems from pandemic-induced supply-demand imbalances, leading to reduced shipping capacity, port congestion, and surging demand. This intensifies cost pressures on exporters, drives up consumer prices, and disrupts supply chains. Mitigation strategies include increasing shipping capacity, optimizing port operations, strengthening international cooperation, and promoting digital transformation to stabilize the global trade chain.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Datadriven Lean Management Boosts Supply Chain Resilience

Datadriven Lean Management Boosts Supply Chain Resilience

IHS Markit research indicates that supply chain leaders prioritize spend analysis, category management, and risk management. Many organizations face challenges related to data and technology resource shortages. Companies need to strengthen data-driven lean management and build resilient supply chains by investing in data analytics tools, developing talent, and shifting mindsets. This will improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance risk response capabilities.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Retail Sales Rise Despite Supply Chain Adjustments

US Retail Sales Rise Despite Supply Chain Adjustments

U.S. retail sales in August saw both month-over-month and year-over-year growth, indicating continued improvement in consumer confidence. However, the macroeconomic environment remains complex, and retailers face multiple challenges including supply chain transformations, evolving consumer behavior, and economic uncertainty. Retailers should maintain cautious optimism, actively embrace change, optimize their supply chains, and enhance customer experience to navigate these challenges successfully.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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