Tmalls Double 11 Sees Surge in Pet Supplies Spending

Tmalls Double 11 Sees Surge in Pet Supplies Spending

The fifth-day sales report of pet supplies on Tmall's Double 11 reveals the booming pet economy. KaiRuiSi, Myfoodie, and Crazy Puppy remain the top three brands in overall sales. Various sub-categories also showcase impressive store sales. The report highlights trends such as high brand concentration, strong demand for niche products, the rise of health-conscious consumption, and the increasing importance of online channels. These insights underscore the dynamic growth and evolving consumer preferences within the pet market during the Double 11 shopping festival.

US Rail Freight Boom Sparks Economic Recovery Debate

US Rail Freight Boom Sparks Economic Recovery Debate

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a recent significant increase in U.S. rail freight volume, although it remains below pre-pandemic levels in the long term. Coal, nonmetallic minerals, and chemical products are the primary drivers of this growth. While intermodal transport has seen some increase, it is still lower than the same period last year. Future growth faces multiple uncertainties, including the pandemic, inflation, and geopolitical factors. The full recovery of rail freight, a key indicator of economic health, remains to be seen.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

US rail freight performance in August showed mixed results. Carload traffic increased by 3.4%, while intermodal traffic decreased by 0.3%. Year-to-date carload traffic saw a slight increase, but intermodal traffic declined. The industry is facing a period of transition and adjustment. The diverging trends highlight the changing dynamics within the freight sector and potentially reflect broader economic shifts impacting different transportation modes. Continued monitoring of these indicators is crucial for understanding the overall health and future direction of the rail freight industry.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
Customs HR Strategies for Crisis Resilience and Adaptation

Customs HR Strategies for Crisis Resilience and Adaptation

This article provides an in-depth interpretation of the World Customs Organization (WCO) guidelines, aiming to assist customs administrations in enhancing human resource resilience during crises. It analyzes the challenges faced by customs HR under the pandemic and elaborates on seven key areas for building resilience, including leadership & communication, employee health & safety, and workplace transformation. Drawing on international best practices, the article offers valuable insights and references for customs administrations to address future challenges. This resource is designed to strengthen HR functions within customs agencies globally.

Retailers Adapt Supply Chains for Changing Consumer Demands

Retailers Adapt Supply Chains for Changing Consumer Demands

Shifting consumer values are driving the rise of the 'Reconstructed Consumer,' requiring businesses to focus on health, safety, convenience, product origin, and trust. Supply chains face challenges and need to embrace decentralized networks for greater transparency. CSCOs should prioritize consumer experience, continuously invest, reshape business operations, build organizations, and improve business models. Ensuring supply chain transparency, resilience, and sustainability is crucial to winning in the market. This involves adapting to evolving consumer demands and building trust through ethical and responsible sourcing and production practices.

Papua New Guinea Strengthens Anticounterfeiting Measures

Papua New Guinea Strengthens Anticounterfeiting Measures

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted an online training for Papua New Guinea Customs on combating counterfeiting and piracy. This initiative aims to enhance their intellectual property enforcement capabilities, protecting public health and economic development. With tools provided by the WCO and funding from Japan, PNG Customs will strengthen border controls to combat counterfeit goods and create a safer trading environment. The training focuses on practical skills and knowledge necessary to identify and seize counterfeit products, ultimately contributing to a more secure and legitimate global trade system.

US Rail Freight Trends Hint at Economic Uncertainty

US Rail Freight Trends Hint at Economic Uncertainty

U.S. rail freight presents a mixed picture. Intermodal growth suggests a consumer recovery, while a decline in traditional freight may reflect industrial weakness. Overall freight volume experienced a slight decrease. The intermodal segment's positive performance hints at increased consumer demand and potentially improving economic conditions. However, the contraction in traditional freight shipments raises concerns about the health of the manufacturing and industrial sectors. The small overall decline indicates a need for careful monitoring of future trends to determine the true state of the economy.

02/04/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Trucking Industry Debates 34hour Restart Rule

US Trucking Industry Debates 34hour Restart Rule

The U.S. trucking industry's 34-hour restart rule aimed to reduce fatigued driving by mandating rest, but faced controversy due to decreased efficiency, increased costs, and unclear safety benefits. Suspended in 2014, studies failed to definitively prove its safety effectiveness. Future policies may shift towards personalized rest schedules, technology applications, safety training, and infrastructure improvements to balance road safety and freight efficiency. The rule's impact on driver health and well-being remains a key consideration in ongoing debates about trucking regulations and their overall effectiveness.

02/04/2026 Logistics
Read More
Amazon Launches Brand Dashboard to Boost Seller Growth

Amazon Launches Brand Dashboard to Boost Seller Growth

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the Amazon Brand Dashboard, highlighting its role as a growth engine for sellers. It details the functionalities and optimization recommendations for the four key modules: Brand Health, Conversion, Traffic, and Customer Reviews. The aim is to help sellers fully leverage this tool to improve brand performance and achieve business growth. By understanding and utilizing the insights provided within each module, sellers can make data-driven decisions to enhance their brand presence and drive sales on Amazon.

Guide to CE Certification for European Market Access

Guide to CE Certification for European Market Access

This article provides a detailed interpretation of the CE certification process in the European Union, covering key steps such as product classification and directive identification, certification mode selection, technical documentation preparation, product testing and evaluation, signing the declaration of conformity, and affixing the CE marking. It emphasizes the importance of CE certification for companies seeking to access the European market and highlights stricter certification requirements for specific products. Achieving CE compliance is crucial for ensuring products meet EU safety, health, and environmental protection standards.