Trucking Conditions Improve but Recovery Still Slow FTR Index

Trucking Conditions Improve but Recovery Still Slow FTR Index

The latest FTR Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) indicates improvements in the trucking industry, but recovery faces challenges like excess capacity, high fuel costs, and driver shortages. The report emphasizes the need for continued capacity adjustments and efficiency improvements for the industry to survive and thrive in the competitive market. Market conditions are expected to continue improving in early next year. The industry needs to focus on streamlining operations and adapting to changing demands to achieve sustainable growth.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Freight Market Faces Volatility Amid Boombust Cycles

Freight Market Faces Volatility Amid Boombust Cycles

The freight market exhibits a typical boom-and-bust cyclical pattern, fundamentally driven by unstable supply and demand. Economic cycles cause demand fluctuations, while the lagged adjustment of transport capacity exacerbates market volatility. Solutions involve government macro-control, corporate risk management, and coordinated guidance from industry associations to maintain market order and achieve sustainable development. The key is to mitigate the impact of delayed capacity adjustments and external economic shocks through proactive planning and collaborative efforts.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Launches Digital Tools to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

WCO Launches Digital Tools to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

This paper focuses on the core online resources offered by the World Customs Organization (WCO) for capacity builders, including the WCO Trade Tools, WCO Bookshop, Customs Enforcement Network (CEN), and the WCO Online Learning platform. The aim is to help readers quickly understand and effectively utilize these tools to enhance their professional capabilities and promote compliance and efficiency in international trade. It provides a concise overview of these resources for improved customs capacity and trade facilitation.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Africa Trade Via Kenya Training Hub

WCO Enhances Africa Trade Via Kenya Training Hub

The World Customs Organization supports the Kenya Regional Training Centre in enhancing customs capacity in East and Southern Africa. This initiative aims to strengthen customs administrations through training and development programs, ultimately contributing to improved trade facilitation, revenue collection, and border security. By fostering regional cooperation and harmonization of customs procedures, the project promotes economic growth and development within the region. The WCO's support is crucial for building sustainable customs capacity and ensuring effective implementation of international standards.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Trucking Shortage Spurs Rising Spot Rates Strains Supply Chains

Trucking Shortage Spurs Rising Spot Rates Strains Supply Chains

The trucking market faces persistent capacity constraints, leading to soaring spot rates. Strong demand growth clashes with limited truck availability, exacerbated by component shortages. Retail and capital goods spending drive the demand surge, while rail transportation emerges as a potential alternative. Businesses need to adapt flexibly, and government and industry associations should actively work to alleviate capacity pressures. The shortage impacts the entire supply chain, requiring innovative solutions and proactive measures to mitigate disruptions and maintain efficient freight movement.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Container Shipping Industry Grapples with Overcapacity

Container Shipping Industry Grapples with Overcapacity

Despite efforts to control capacity in the container shipping industry, factors like the trend towards larger vessels, freight portfolio optimization, the impact of Hanjin's bankruptcy, and port expansions suggest the risk of overcapacity persists. Shipping companies need to manage capacity flexibly, offer differentiated services, embrace digital transformation, and focus on sustainability. Shippers should diversify transportation channels, build long-term partnerships, and closely monitor market changes. Collaborative efforts are crucial for the industry to address challenges and achieve sustainable development.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Belgian Customs College Enhance Francophone Africa Customs Training

WCO Belgian Customs College Enhance Francophone Africa Customs Training

This paper analyzes a capacity-building program for Francophone African customs officials, a collaboration between the Belgian Customs Academy and the World Customs Organization. The program, employing methods like curriculum supplementation, field visits, and virtual reality training, aims to enhance the professional skills of African customs officials and their ability to navigate complex trade environments. The article highlights the importance of regional cooperation, localized application, technological innovation, and evaluation mechanisms in capacity building. It also provides relevant recommendations for improving future programs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and Eswatini Revenue Authority Launch Training Evaluation Pilot

WCO and Eswatini Revenue Authority Launch Training Evaluation Pilot

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Eswatini Revenue Authority (ERA), launched a pilot training evaluation project to enhance customs officers' capabilities and optimize processes. This project utilizes a five-level evaluation model to comprehensively assess training effectiveness and support the HS-Africa Project and the Training of Trainers program. The project's findings will be shared at the WCO Capacity Building Committee meeting, contributing to global customs capacity building efforts. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness within customs administrations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West Africa Customs Training Thrives Amid Pandemic Challenges

West Africa Customs Training Thrives Amid Pandemic Challenges

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint “Mentoring Training Programme” (MTP) has made significant progress in West Africa. Overcoming the impact of the pandemic through innovative models such as virtual working groups, the program successfully enhanced the capacity of customs officers in West African countries in risk management and intelligence analysis, contributing to regional trade security and economic development. The success of this program provides a valuable reference for capacity building in other developing countries.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Laos Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Customs Reform

Laos Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Customs Reform

In 2017, the WCO conducted a tariff classification capacity building project in Laos to improve its classification skills, establish an advance ruling system, and implement HS 2017. Through workshops, tool applications, and expert guidance, the capacity of Lao Customs officials was enhanced, laying the foundation for trade facilitation. The experience of Chinese Customs also provided a reference for Laos. This initiative serves as a model of international cooperation in promoting trade facilitation and contributes to the economic development of Laos.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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