import and export trade News

Freight Market Braces for Weak Peak Season Amid Cooling Demand

The latest Cowen/AFS Freight Index report suggests a potentially weak traditional peak season. Analyzing rate changes and future trends in LTL, parcel, and truckload, the report identifies soft demand and macroeconomic uncertainty as key influencing factors. Businesses need to closely monitor market dynamics, flexibly adjust supply chain strategies, and focus on sustainability to address future challenges. The index provides valuable insights for navigating the evolving logistics landscape and optimizing freight management in a volatile economic environment. Understanding these trends is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and resilience.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights

Target Invests 7B in Supply Chain Modernization

Target's Chief Supply Chain Officer, McCarthy, shared how the company reshaped the store experience, optimized its supply chain network, and enhanced last-mile delivery capabilities through a $7 billion investment, emphasizing a customer-centric strategy. Target leverages stores as fulfillment hubs, builds sortation centers, integrates Shipt resources, and constructs an efficient and flexible supply chain system through automation and refined inventory management. These efforts are aimed at ultimately improving customer satisfaction by enabling faster and more reliable order fulfillment and a seamless shopping experience.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights

Lastmile Logistics Firms Weigh Automation Against Human Roles

This paper delves into the future trends of last-mile logistics, focusing on the roles of automation, intelligent dispatch, and digital transformation in improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing customer experience. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining human expertise while pursuing technological advancements. The paper envisions a future for last-mile logistics that is more intelligent, greener, and personalized, driven by these key factors and a balanced approach between technology and human capabilities. The analysis highlights the transformative potential and the need for strategic implementation.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights

Singapore Patents Key Strategies for Higher Approval Rates

This article analyzes the key steps and risks involved in Singapore patent registration, and evaluates mainstream service providers. It focuses on comparing the registration success rate, service models, and technical support of three institutions: Lawtrot, Anders IP, and Ascent Bridge Consulting. The conclusion indicates that Lawtrot, with its high success rate, full-chain service, and global resource integration, is a better choice for companies to establish a Singapore patent portfolio. It offers a comprehensive and efficient approach to navigating the complexities of the Singapore patent system.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge

Armstrong World Industries Reclaims Supply Chain Control

Armstrong World Industries achieved cost reduction and service improvement by regaining control of its transportation functions, optimizing its supply chain management. This case demonstrates that companies should flexibly adjust their strategies based on their own needs and reshape their core competitiveness. By insourcing transportation, Armstrong gained better visibility and control over its shipments, leading to reduced freight costs and improved delivery times. This proactive approach highlights the importance of evaluating and adapting supply chain strategies to achieve optimal performance and maintain a competitive edge.