North American Intermodal Volume Declines Amid Supply Chain Challenges

North American Intermodal Volume Declines Amid Supply Chain Challenges

The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) reported a first decline in North American intermodal volumes in five years during Q3, impacted by supply chain disruptions and weather events. While the year-to-date volume for the first nine months still shows growth, challenges and opportunities persist. Collaborative efforts are needed to strengthen infrastructure, optimize networks, increase labor availability, improve equipment utilization, and promote digitalization. These actions are crucial for reshaping supply chain resilience in the face of ongoing uncertainties and fostering future growth in the intermodal sector.

01/27/2026 Logistics
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ERP Giants Compete with SCM Specialists for Supply Chain Control

ERP Giants Compete with SCM Specialists for Supply Chain Control

ERP giants are increasingly penetrating the supply chain management (SCM) domain, intensifying competition with specialized SCM vendors. This article analyzes the expansion strategies of ERP vendors into the supply chain and the differentiation tactics employed by specialized firms to survive. It also explores the competitive and cooperative relationship between ERP and specialized vendors. Ultimately, the evolution of the market landscape will depend on evolving user needs, requiring companies to select the most suitable solutions based on their specific requirements. The future market share will be decided by which solution best meets the customer's needs.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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GAO to Review Controversial Trucking Hour Rule Changes

GAO to Review Controversial Trucking Hour Rule Changes

The House Transportation Committee has called for a GAO review of the new hours-of-service (HOS) regulations for truck drivers, questioning its data foundation and impact on the industry. The 34-hour restart provision is a key point of contention, sparking intense debate regarding safety, efficiency, and economic consequences. Concerns have been raised about the rule's potential to negatively affect driver productivity and the overall supply chain. The GAO review aims to provide an independent assessment of the rule's effectiveness and potential unintended consequences, informing future policy decisions related to truck driver HOS.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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ATA Challenges Fmcsas Hoursofservice Rule Interpretation

ATA Challenges Fmcsas Hoursofservice Rule Interpretation

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has accused the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of misinterpreting a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, fueling the ongoing debate surrounding Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules. The GAO report recommended that the FMCSA enhance data collection and research efforts to effectively evaluate the effectiveness of the current HOS regulations. This recommendation aims to provide a more robust basis for future rule-making and ensure that safety regulations are data-driven and effectively address the issue of fatigued driving in the trucking industry.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Considers Gas Tax Hike to Fund Infrastructure Repairs

US Considers Gas Tax Hike to Fund Infrastructure Repairs

Faced with the severe challenges of US infrastructure, Trump's proposed fuel tax increase has once again attracted attention. This article analyzes the role of fuel tax in the Highway Trust Fund and the political resistance to raising it. It also explores alternative financing models, such as congestion pricing, mileage-based user fees, and public-private partnerships. The article advocates for actively exploring new infrastructure financing pathways to lay the foundation for the future development of the United States. The need for sustainable funding solutions is crucial for modernizing and maintaining the nation's vital infrastructure.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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USPS 40B Revamp Aims to Modernize Struggling Service

USPS 40B Revamp Aims to Modernize Struggling Service

The USPS has unveiled a ten-year transformation plan, investing in service upgrades, expanding e-commerce capabilities, and embracing electrification. The plan's success hinges on effective execution and sustained support, making its future uncertain. This comprehensive strategy aims to modernize the postal service and better meet the evolving needs of customers in a digital age. Key areas of focus include improving delivery speed and reliability, enhancing the customer experience, and reducing the organization's environmental impact through the adoption of electric vehicles. The plan represents a significant shift for the USPS and its long-term viability.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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US Ports Accelerate Upgrades As Supply Chains Shift

US Ports Accelerate Upgrades As Supply Chains Shift

US ports are facing new challenges due to the Panama Canal expansion. West Coast ports need to accommodate mega-ships, while East Coast and Gulf Coast ports are actively upgrading their infrastructure. Natural disasters like hurricanes are also pushing ports to enhance early warning and emergency response capabilities. The future of port infrastructure development will focus on intelligence, automation, green practices, and collaboration to improve efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. These advancements are crucial for adapting to the evolving global supply chain and ensuring the long-term viability of US ports.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Hasbo Shifts to IP Focus Amid Tariffs After Strong Q1

Hasbo Shifts to IP Focus Amid Tariffs After Strong Q1

Hasbro's Q1 revenue increased by 17%, but the company maintained its full-year guidance due to the impact of high tariffs. Hasbro is addressing these challenges by ensuring the price competitiveness of core products, deepening retail channel partnerships, and accelerating cost reduction plans. Simultaneously, the company is focusing on developing high-profit IP such as Star Wars, Marvel, Magic: The Gathering, and My Little Pony, aiming to drive future growth. Inventory optimization and deeper cultivation of franchise rights may become the dual engines for navigating the economic cycle.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Luxury Retailer Saks Global Struggles With Mounting Debt

Luxury Retailer Saks Global Struggles With Mounting Debt

Saks Fifth Avenue's parent company, Saks Global Group, is facing a potential bankruptcy crisis after failing to make bond interest payments. The company is burdened by debt, declining performance, and executive departures. This situation reflects the broader challenges facing traditional department stores, including competition from e-commerce, inflationary pressures, and changing consumer habits. Digital transformation is now critical. The future of the group is uncertain, and the path to restructuring will be challenging. The crisis highlights the vulnerability of even established luxury retailers in the current economic climate.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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AI Era Challenges Brands to Build Trust Gain Market Share

AI Era Challenges Brands to Build Trust Gain Market Share

In the AI era, businesses need to shift from SEO to GEO, gaining the trust of AI, consumers, and platforms, thereby reshaping brand assets and enhancing credibility. Large enterprises define the rules, while SMEs adapt. The ultimate goal is to build a transparent and efficient digital trust system, achieving a win-win situation for all three parties and securing success in the future market. This approach focuses on optimizing for geographic relevance in the age of AI-powered search and building trust with both AI systems and human users.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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