Airlines Oppose Brazils Mandatory Baggage Fee Proposal

Airlines Oppose Brazils Mandatory Baggage Fee Proposal

Aviation industry organizations, including IATA, jointly appealed to the Brazilian President against reinstating mandatory baggage fees. They argue this would increase airfares, harm passenger rights, violate international agreements, and undermine investor confidence. The letter urges the government to veto the amendment, safeguarding the healthy development of the aviation industry. The organizations believe that mandatory baggage fees distort the market and negatively impact the accessibility and affordability of air travel for Brazilian citizens.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Malaysias WTO Rule Change Proposal Divides Members

Malaysias WTO Rule Change Proposal Divides Members

Malaysia has proposed revisions to its advance ruling regulations, permitting member states to reject applications based on hypothetical scenarios. This aims to enhance customs efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and reduce improper conduct. This paper analyzes the proposal's background, core content, and potential impact. It also suggests improvements to the advance ruling system, emphasizing the need for a clear definition of "hypothetical," establishing an appeal mechanism, and strengthening international cooperation to promote healthy global trade development. This will contribute towards better trade facilitation.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Unions React to Union Pacificnorfolk Southern Merger Proposal

Unions React to Union Pacificnorfolk Southern Merger Proposal

The proposed $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern is under scrutiny, with labor unions expressing concerns about job security and fair treatment. The Surface Transportation Board (STB) will conduct a comprehensive review, balancing the interests of all stakeholders. The merger aims to enhance efficiency and improve service, with the anticipation of collaborative success and a new chapter in rail freight. The unions' perspective on job protection and equitable conditions will be a key factor in the STB's decision.

01/15/2026 Logistics
Read More
Chicago Rail Bottleneck Spurs Private Freight Line Proposal

Chicago Rail Bottleneck Spurs Private Freight Line Proposal

Severe railway congestion in the Chicago hub is prompting private investment. The Great Lakes Basin Transportation company plans a $2.8 billion freight rail line to bypass the bottleneck. Will this alleviate congestion and lower transportation costs? This article analyzes Chicago's congestion, the opportunities and challenges of the private sector approach, and the funding and policy dilemmas facing US infrastructure development. It calls for collaborative efforts to address infrastructure challenges.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US STB Extends Comment Period on Rail Switching Proposal

US STB Extends Comment Period on Rail Switching Proposal

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has extended the comment deadline for its “Reciprocal Switching” proposal, which aims to provide poorly served freight rail shippers with the option to access other rail carriers. The new proposal establishes three key performance standards: service reliability, consistency, and local service. It also requires Class I railroads to provide historical data on service metrics. Industry response to the proposal has been mixed, but there's general agreement that it's intended to improve the quality of rail service.

01/19/2026 Logistics
Read More
Turkey Calls for Global Cooperation on Transit Trade Sanctions

Turkey Calls for Global Cooperation on Transit Trade Sanctions

Turkey has submitted a proposal to the WTO aimed at regulating transit trade penalty measures and preventing abuse that hinders trade flows. The proposal suggests applying penalty constraints applicable to import and export trade, with modifications, to transit trade. This aims to ensure fair and transparent penalty principles, promote trade facilitation, enhance efficiency, guarantee fairness, and ultimately promote economic development and global supply chain stability. The proposal seeks to prevent disproportionate penalties that disrupt transit routes and negatively impact landlocked developing countries.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
New Zealand Aims to Streamline Trade with Clearer Customs Rules

New Zealand Aims to Streamline Trade with Clearer Customs Rules

New Zealand submitted a proposal to the WTO aimed at promoting objectivity and transparency in tariff classification, avoiding arbitrary classifications and hidden trade restrictions. The proposal emphasizes classification based on the Harmonized System (HS) and focuses on the capacity-building needs of developing countries, suggesting the establishment of a horizontal mechanism to address their specific issues. This proposal is of great significance for promoting fair trade and global economic development. It seeks to ensure consistent and predictable application of tariff classifications, fostering a more transparent and equitable global trading environment.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
New Zealand Calls for Transparent Tariff Rules to Facilitate Trade

New Zealand Calls for Transparent Tariff Rules to Facilitate Trade

New Zealand submitted a proposal to the WTO advocating for an objective and transparent tariff classification system. The proposal calls for avoiding arbitrary and unfair classifications and suggests the unified application of the HS coding system. It emphasizes special and differential treatment for developing countries, along with the importance of technical assistance and capacity building. The proposal aims to promote global trade facilitation by ensuring predictable and equitable tariff classifications, thereby reducing trade barriers and fostering a more efficient international trading environment. This contributes to smoother cross-border trade and economic growth.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Korean Air Enhances Cargo Efficiency from Beijing

Korean Air Enhances Cargo Efficiency from Beijing

This article provides a detailed guide to Korean Air (KE) cargo services originating from Beijing (PEK), covering the route network, flight schedules, and operational considerations. It highlights destination groupings, fee standards, and specific requirements for special cargo. Aimed at freight forwarders and shippers, this guide offers practical information to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of goods worldwide. It serves as a helpful resource for navigating Korean Air's cargo operations from Beijing.

09/26/2025 Airlines
Read More