US Port Strike Threatens Retailers Amid Surging Imports

US Port Strike Threatens Retailers Amid Surging Imports

U.S. import volume is projected to remain high due to concerns about potential strikes at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. Retailers are front-loading shipments and diverting to alternative ports. A genuine negotiation between labor and management is crucial to avoid disruptions. A strike would negatively impact the supply chain and the economy. July imports increased by 21% year-over-year, and August is expected to reach its highest level since May 2022. Full-year import volume is projected to grow by 12.3%.

02/04/2026 Logistics
Read More
West Coast Ports See Surge in Intermodal Freight Demand

West Coast Ports See Surge in Intermodal Freight Demand

The US multimodal market started Q4 strong, driven by West Coast imports and consumer spending. International Standard Containers (ISO) showed significant growth year-over-year. Although trailer volumes declined, the overall market maintained its upward trajectory. Experts anticipate continued strength in international freight volumes and are monitoring labor agreements and trucking capacity for their potential impact on future market development. The performance of ISO containers highlights the shift in import patterns and underscores the importance of West Coast ports in handling increased consumer demand.

02/04/2026 Logistics
Read More
North American Intermodal Rebounds in Q4 Amid Annual Challenges

North American Intermodal Rebounds in Q4 Amid Annual Challenges

The North American intermodal market saw year-over-year growth in Q4 2023, ending a nine-quarter decline, though full-year figures remained down. Inventory reduction, economic growth, and the resolution of West Coast labor contracts were key drivers of the Q4 increase. Intermodal is expected to continue growing in 2024 but faces challenges from trucking competition and global "X factors." The recovery suggests a positive trend in the freight market, potentially linked to broader economic recovery efforts, but sustained growth depends on navigating these external pressures.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Global Container Shipping Demand Dips Ports Face Challenges

Global Container Shipping Demand Dips Ports Face Challenges

US container shipping volumes continued to decline in the first quarter of 2023, influenced by shifts in consumer spending and West Coast port labor negotiations. This decrease signals a potential economic slowdown, impacting employment and the supply chain. The industry should embrace digitalization, strengthen intermodal cooperation, expand diversified services, and focus on emerging markets to seize opportunities for transformation and upgrading. The downturn highlights the need for resilience and adaptability within the container shipping sector to navigate economic uncertainties and evolving global trade dynamics.

02/04/2026 Logistics
Read More
DHL Invests 300M in North American Logistics Tech Upgrade

DHL Invests 300M in North American Logistics Tech Upgrade

DHL Supply Chain is investing $300 million in North America to integrate emerging technologies into 350 facilities and transportation control towers. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency, address e-commerce challenges, and tackle labor shortages through robotics, augmented reality, and the Internet of Things. More than just a technological upgrade, this strategic investment seeks to reshape the North American logistics landscape and lead the industry towards a smarter, more intelligent future. The focus is on optimizing operations and providing innovative solutions to meet evolving customer demands.

02/04/2026 Logistics
Read More
Cpkcs Intermodal Strategy Transforms North American Supply Chains

Cpkcs Intermodal Strategy Transforms North American Supply Chains

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the latest developments in CPKC rail intermodal, covering market status, strategic layout, labor relations impact, and future trends. It highlights CPKC's advantages in cross-border transportation, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. The paper also offers recommendations on how companies can leverage CPKC to enhance supply chain resilience, helping them stand out in global competition. By understanding CPKC's role and potential, businesses can optimize their logistics strategies and improve their overall competitiveness in the evolving global market.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Ecommerce Surge Drives Industrial Property Demand

Ecommerce Surge Drives Industrial Property Demand

JLL reports that the pandemic has accelerated e-commerce growth, projecting US e-commerce sales to reach $1.5 trillion by 2025, driving demand for an additional 1 billion square feet of industrial real estate. Online grocery and safety stock strategies are emerging as new growth drivers. Despite facing challenges related to land availability, labor, and sustainability, industrial real estate is entering a golden age fueled by this e-commerce boom. The increasing need for fulfillment centers and distribution hubs will continue to shape the industrial landscape.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Trade Show Success Optimizing Team Roles and Incentives

Trade Show Success Optimizing Team Roles and Incentives

This article delves into the formation and management of foreign trade exhibition teams, emphasizing the importance of detailed division of labor and effective incentive mechanisms. It also highlights common pitfalls such as inexperienced staff handling major clients, internal team conflicts, lack of clear goals, and neglecting training. The aim is to help companies build a highly collaborative and effective team, improve exhibition performance, and secure more business opportunities. By addressing these key areas, businesses can optimize their exhibition strategies and maximize their return on investment.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Chinas 530B Crossborder Ecommerce Market Faces Growth and Challenges

Chinas 530B Crossborder Ecommerce Market Faces Growth and Challenges

In the first half of 2017, China's cross-border e-commerce transaction volume reached 3.6 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 30.7%, marking a golden era for export cross-border e-commerce. The report analyzes the import and export structure, model structure, and development trends, highlighting specialized division of labor, emerging market exploration, and brand globalization as key to the future of export e-commerce. Companies need to seize opportunities and meet challenges to succeed in the cross-border e-commerce wave.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Shipping Delays Drive Up Global Trade Costs

US Shipping Delays Drive Up Global Trade Costs

The US maritime shipping market is facing a double whammy of delays and rising prices. Factors such as pandemic-induced port congestion, labor shortages, surging demand, container shortages, insufficient capacity, rising fuel costs, and cargo backlogs have collectively driven up ocean freight costs, straining the global trade chain. Container shipping rates from the US to China and Europe have increased 3-4 times since 2020, and delays have not yet been fully resolved. The situation continues to put pressure on businesses and consumers alike.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More