West Coast Port Labor Talks Near Breakthrough May Ease Supply Chain Delays

West Coast Port Labor Talks Near Breakthrough May Ease Supply Chain Delays

A preliminary agreement on chassis maintenance has been reached in the US West Coast dockworker labor negotiations, offering a glimmer of hope for alleviating long-standing port congestion. However, labor and management continue to trade accusations, with issues of slowdowns and safety training remaining. Data analysis indicates that ship waiting times and container throughput should be closely monitored. While shippers see a ray of light, cautious optimism is advised as they await a final, long-term, and stable agreement. The situation remains fluid and requires careful observation.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Aviation Industry Focuses on Mental Health and Wellbeing

Aviation Industry Focuses on Mental Health and Wellbeing

The aviation industry, while advancing technologically, faces challenges related to the mental health and fatigue risks of its workforce. This paper emphasizes addressing these 'invisible risks' and proposes using the SAFE™ pillars framework to build psychologically safe workplaces, integrating mental health strategies into safety management systems. By strengthening training, improving support systems, and optimizing the work environment, we can break down stigma and collectively build a happier future for the aviation industry. This includes fostering open communication and ensuring access to mental health resources.

WCO Introduces Certification for Postclearance Audits in Francophone Africa

WCO Introduces Certification for Postclearance Audits in Francophone Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched a French-speaking Customs Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Technical and Operational Advisor Certification Program to develop a highly qualified team of experts and enhance PCA capabilities in French-speaking regions. The inaugural seminar was successfully held at WCO headquarters. Through rigorous selection and a combination of theoretical and practical training, this program lays the foundation for customs capacity building in the French-speaking area. The initiative aims to strengthen post-clearance controls and improve overall customs efficiency within the region.

APICS Jdcom Partner to Boost Chinas Ecommerce Supply Chain Talent

APICS Jdcom Partner to Boost Chinas Ecommerce Supply Chain Talent

APICS and JD.com have formed a strategic partnership to establish China's omnichannel supply chain standards and improve e-commerce supply chain performance. APICS will establish a China Enterprise Advisory Committee and collaborate with JD.com to create a Supply Chain Academy. They will jointly design omnichannel benchmarks and provide SCOR-P training to help Chinese companies enhance their supply chain capabilities and seize opportunities in the e-commerce market. This collaboration aims to elevate supply chain management practices and foster talent development within the Chinese e-commerce landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Businesses Adapt Strategies to Tackle Labor Shortages

Businesses Adapt Strategies to Tackle Labor Shortages

Labor shortages have become a widespread challenge across various industries. While the pandemic accelerated this trend, deeper factors such as demographic shifts, skills mismatches, and work environment concerns also play a significant role. Businesses need to adopt diversified strategies, including improving compensation and benefits, enhancing the work environment, offering flexible work arrangements, strengthening training programs, and upgrading technology. Governments should provide policy support to collaboratively address the labor shortage issue and ensure healthy economic development. This multifaceted approach is crucial for mitigating the impact of the shortage.

US Trucking Industry Faces Severe Driver Turnover Crisis

US Trucking Industry Faces Severe Driver Turnover Crisis

The US trucking industry grapples with a high driver turnover rate, consistently exceeding 100% annually. This is driven by a complex mix of factors, including labor market competition, demanding work conditions, and regulatory constraints. High turnover leads to increased operational costs and decreased service quality. Comprehensive measures are needed to alleviate the driver shortage and ensure the industry's development. These include improving compensation, enhancing work environments, strengthening training programs, and optimizing policies. Drawing on international best practices is also crucial to address this challenge.

Cargill Aims for 100 Traceable Sustainable Cocoa Supply

Cargill Aims for 100 Traceable Sustainable Cocoa Supply

Cargill launched the 'Protecting Forests' initiative, committing to 100% traceable cocoa beans and halting deforestation for cocoa production in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. This five-country program aims to eliminate deforestation from its supply chain by 2030. Through digital mapping, traceability technology, farmer training, and community development initiatives, Cargill seeks to build a sustainable cocoa industry and safeguard the Earth's green barrier. The initiative emphasizes a commitment to responsible sourcing and environmental protection within the cocoa sector, fostering long-term sustainability for both farmers and the planet.

New Safety Rules Transform Crude Oil Rail Shipping

New Safety Rules Transform Crude Oil Rail Shipping

The U.S. Department of Transportation has released new regulations to enhance the safety of rail transport for flammable materials like crude oil and ethanol. The rules cover various aspects, including tank car standards, braking systems, risk assessments, and personnel training. Simultaneously, ports are adapting to policy changes and demand fluctuations by investing in infrastructure, leveraging data-driven insights, and improving inland transportation capabilities. These efforts aim to build a safer and more efficient logistics system for the transportation of hazardous materials and other goods.

01/27/2026 Logistics
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Hong Kongs Proters Scheme Boosts Aviation Sector Funding

Hong Kongs Proters Scheme Boosts Aviation Sector Funding

The Hong Kong government has launched the "Professional Training and Examination Refund Scheme" (ProTERS) to provide aviation professionals and aspiring talents with tuition fee reimbursement of up to 80%, capped at HKD 30,000. This scheme aims to encourage Hong Kong residents to participate in aviation-related courses and examinations, enhance their skills, and obtain professional qualifications, thereby supporting the development of Hong Kong's aviation industry. Applicants must be Hong Kong residents, employed full-time in the Hong Kong aviation industry, and have completed designated courses or examinations.

WCO and WTO Partner to Boost Global Trade Efficiency

WCO and WTO Partner to Boost Global Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO), held an advanced training course in Geneva for chairpersons of National Trade Facilitation Committees from French-speaking countries. The course aimed to enhance their understanding of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and improve their communication and collaboration skills with stakeholders. The curriculum was based on WCO's capacity building materials and introduced key tools such as the Mercator Program. Both organizations will continue their collaboration to organize similar courses for Spanish-speaking countries.