Madecom Collapse Offers Lessons for DTC Furniture Sector

Madecom Collapse Offers Lessons for DTC Furniture Sector

Made.com, once hailed as a shining example of DTC furniture e-commerce, collapsed just a year after its IPO. The entrepreneurial legend of founder Ning Li came to an abrupt end. A combination of factors, including the fading pandemic boom, supply chain crises, inflation, and increased competition, contributed to the shattering of its £7 billion valuation. Following its acquisition by Next, whether Made.com can regain its former glory remains a significant challenge. The company's rapid rise and fall serve as a cautionary tale in the volatile e-commerce landscape.

12/31/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Service Sector Hits Record High Amid Growth Challenges

US Service Sector Hits Record High Amid Growth Challenges

The US ISM Services PMI hit a record high of 64.1 in July, marking the 14th consecutive month of growth in the service sector. Business activity, new orders, and employment were the main drivers. However, supply chain bottlenecks, labor shortages, and inflationary pressures pose challenges. Experts predict continued growth in the service sector, albeit at a slower pace. Inflation is expected to remain elevated in the short term. This strong PMI reading suggests continued economic expansion, but the underlying issues need to be addressed to sustain long-term growth.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Freight Volume Falls for Third Month Signaling Economic Worries

US Freight Volume Falls for Third Month Signaling Economic Worries

Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation reveals a third consecutive monthly decline in the freight transportation services index in July, reflecting widespread decreases across rail, road, water, and pipeline transportation. Experts suggest this isn't merely a short-term fluctuation, but potentially indicative of structural issues within the U.S. economy, such as supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and inflation. Businesses need to proactively adapt strategies and embrace digital transformation, while the government should strengthen infrastructure development and optimize the business environment to collectively address the challenges of economic recovery.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US Service Sector Shrinks Unexpectedly Ending 10month Growth Streak

US Service Sector Shrinks Unexpectedly Ending 10month Growth Streak

The US Services PMI unexpectedly fell below 50 in May, ending ten consecutive months of growth. A significant decline in new orders was primarily driven by trade friction and uncertainty. Sector performance was mixed, with slight employment growth. The future development of the service sector needs to address challenges related to trade, inflation, demand, and supply chains, while also seizing opportunities in technological innovation and consumption upgrades. The unexpected contraction raises concerns about a potential economic slowdown and the impact of ongoing trade tensions on the service sector's performance.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Bipartisan Bill Proposes Tax Credit Modernization for Short Line Railroads

Bipartisan Bill Proposes Tax Credit Modernization for Short Line Railroads

A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the US Senate to enhance the short line railroad tax credit. The bill aims to incentivize private investment, improve rail transport efficiency, and promote regional economic development by adjusting the credit cap, expanding coverage, and introducing an inflation index. These changes are designed to make the tax credit more effective in supporting short line railroads, which are crucial for connecting rural communities and industries to the national freight network. The proposed legislation seeks to modernize and strengthen the infrastructure backbone of the American economy.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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Bipartisan Bill Proposes Expanded Tax Credits for Short Line Railroads

Bipartisan Bill Proposes Expanded Tax Credits for Short Line Railroads

A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators introduced legislation to update the short line railroad tax credit. The bill aims to incentivize private investment and modernize short line railroads by increasing the credit cap, covering all mileage, and establishing an inflation index. These measures are intended to boost economic competitiveness in rural areas. The ASLRRA (American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association) welcomes the bill and anticipates its swift passage. The updated tax credit is expected to facilitate crucial infrastructure improvements and support the continued viability of short line railroads.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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Key Differences Between Air and Ocean Shipping Documents

Key Differences Between Air and Ocean Shipping Documents

Air Waybills and Bills of Lading differ significantly in nature, format, timeliness, and risk. An Air Waybill serves as a contract of carriage, offering speed but higher risk. A Bill of Lading acts as a document of title, involving longer transit times but diverse risks. Companies should make informed decisions based on cargo characteristics, value, and time sensitivity. Choosing the right document is crucial for efficient and secure international logistics operations, balancing speed, cost, and risk mitigation.

01/08/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Key Incoterms Guide Aims to Cut Trade Risks Costs

Key Incoterms Guide Aims to Cut Trade Risks Costs

This article provides an in-depth analysis of 10 commonly used Incoterms in international trade, based on Incoterms® 2020. It details the responsibilities, risk transfer, and cost allocation for each term, offering practical selection strategies and risk mitigation advice. The aim is to help businesses optimize costs, reduce the risk of logistics disputes, and ensure trade security. This analysis provides valuable insights for navigating the complexities of international commerce and making informed decisions regarding Incoterms.

01/26/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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WCO Enhances Malawis Wildlife Trafficking Fight

WCO Enhances Malawis Wildlife Trafficking Fight

The World Customs Organization's INAMA project is helping the Malawi Revenue Authority enhance its risk management capabilities to combat illegal wildlife trade. Through diagnostics, training, and collaboration, the project aims to improve the risk management framework, enhance risk analysis skills, strengthen international cooperation, and increase detection efficiency. It also focuses on raising public awareness to collectively combat illegal trade and protect endangered species. The project ultimately contributes to a more effective and coordinated response to wildlife trafficking in Malawi.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comparing Doortodoor and Porttoport Shipping Costs and Risks

Comparing Doortodoor and Porttoport Shipping Costs and Risks

From a data analyst's perspective, this paper deeply compares the service scope, responsible parties, cost structure, suitable scenarios, and risk assumption of international shipping's 'Door-to-Door' and 'Port-to-Port' services. The aim is to help companies make more informed shipping service choices based on their own logistics capabilities, time costs, cost structure, and risk tolerance. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve the best balance of cost, efficiency, and risk when selecting international ocean freight options.

02/04/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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