US Ports Question Harbor Maintenance Tax Spending

US Ports Question Harbor Maintenance Tax Spending

This article examines the efficiency of the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) funding utilization in the United States, particularly around President's Day. The Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014 aimed to increase HMT-funded projects, but improvements are still needed in fund allocation and usage efficiency. The article calls for a re-evaluation of the WRRDA Act's implementation to ensure funds are effectively used to improve port facilities and promote the American economy.

01/19/2026 Port Encyclopedia
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US Postal Service Raises Rates Amid Financial Struggles

US Postal Service Raises Rates Amid Financial Struggles

USPS raises prices due to declining volume and financial strain, potentially losing customers. Innovation in services, embracing technology, and policy reform are crucial. Optimizing logistics, expanding e-commerce offerings, and enhancing the brand image are necessary for USPS transformation. The price increase, while addressing immediate financial needs, necessitates a strategic shift towards long-term sustainability and competitive advantage in the evolving logistics landscape. This includes exploring new revenue streams and improving operational efficiency.

01/27/2026 Logistics
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Kazakhstan Streamlines Trademark Registration Under New Rules

Kazakhstan Streamlines Trademark Registration Under New Rules

Significant changes are coming to intellectual property protection in Kazakhstan. Trademark examination periods will be halved, the opposition period extended, and copyright regulation strengthened. These new rules take effect on January 25, 2026. Businesses should pay close attention to application requirements and examination procedures. Consulting with professionals is recommended to effectively protect intellectual property rights under the updated regulations. This reform aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of IP protection in Kazakhstan.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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CSX Revamps Intermodal Network to Boost Freight Efficiency

CSX Revamps Intermodal Network to Boost Freight Efficiency

Freight giant CSX plans to reform its interconnectivity business, aiming to improve operational efficiency and service capabilities through optimized train design, integrated terminal networks, and digital transformation. CEO Jim Foote emphasized the reform's cautious approach and communication with customers, striving to seize opportunities in a tight trucking capacity market and achieve sustainable development. The initiatives focus on streamlining operations and enhancing customer experience to maintain a competitive edge in the evolving transportation landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Colombia Customs Businesses Collaborate to Streamline Trade

Colombia Customs Businesses Collaborate to Streamline Trade

With the support of SECO-WCO GTFP, Colombian Customs hosted a trade facilitation forum. The forum focused on the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, shared experiences from Abu Dhabi's customs reform, and explored the impact of disruptive technologies on the future of customs. The goal was to support DIAN's customs transformation, creating an efficient, transparent, and modern customs system. Ultimately, this initiative aims to promote trade development in Colombia by streamlining processes and embracing innovation within the customs framework.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Program Enhances South African Tax Authority Efficiency

WCO Program Enhances South African Tax Authority Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Leadership and Management Development Workshop in South Africa to support the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in enhancing the capabilities of its middle managers and driving organizational reform. The workshop emphasized the importance of self-awareness, strategic management, people management, communication skills, and change management. Follow-up cooperation is planned to develop a regional center of expertise. Leadership and management development are crucial for organizational success, requiring continuous learning and practice.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EU Carbon Scheme Risks Global Aviation Emissions Deal

EU Carbon Scheme Risks Global Aviation Emissions Deal

The reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) risks undermining global consensus on aviation emission reduction. The EU should abandon linking the EU ETS with CORSIA, adhere to its commitments within ICAO, promote the Single European Sky initiative, increase investment in sustainable aviation fuels, and strengthen international cooperation to achieve carbon neutrality in the aviation sector. Prioritizing these actions is crucial for fostering a collaborative and effective approach to decarbonizing aviation on a global scale.

01/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Gambia Revenue Authority Adopts Wcobacked Competencybased HR System

Gambia Revenue Authority Adopts Wcobacked Competencybased HR System

The Gambia Revenue Authority, with support from the World Customs Organization, implemented a competency-based human resource management model. This included developing job catalogs and competency frameworks, which received positive feedback after a pilot phase. Future plans involve creating onboarding programs and sharing experiences with national institutions to promote the modernization of human resource management at the national level. The implementation of the competency model is a key component of the ongoing tax reform efforts in Gambia.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Mongolian Customs Boosts Leadership Skills Via WCO Program

Mongolian Customs Boosts Leadership Skills Via WCO Program

The WCO conducted a leadership workshop for Mongolian Customs, aiming to enhance the capabilities of senior executives and drive reform. Participants provided positive feedback, indicating improvements in management communication. The workshop focused on developing strategic thinking, decision-making, and team management skills crucial for leading the modernization of customs procedures and fostering a more efficient and effective organization. The training is expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing efforts to streamline trade facilitation and strengthen border security in Mongolia.

01/08/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Supply Chain Audits Fail to Ensure Human Rights Protections

Supply Chain Audits Fail to Ensure Human Rights Protections

Current supply chain audits are often ineffective in improving human rights due to limited scope, flawed processes, lack of binding results, and absent standards and regulations. To enhance audit effectiveness, it's crucial to broaden the scope, reform the audit process, strengthen enforcement, foster international cooperation, empower local law enforcement, leverage technological advancements, and raise consumer awareness. These combined efforts are essential to building a fair and equitable global supply chain system that prioritizes human rights and corporate accountability.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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