Intermodal Transport Faces Postpandemic Congestion Capacity Crunch

Intermodal Transport Faces Postpandemic Congestion Capacity Crunch

Larry Gross highlighted the challenges facing multimodal transportation at the RailTrends conference, including congestion and capacity shortages, leading to market share decline. He emphasized the need to reshape the supply chain, focusing on resilience and capacity. Gross also predicted a future shift in freight volume from west to east. He urged the industry to avoid repeating past mistakes and capitalize on emerging opportunities. The presentation underscores the critical need for innovation and strategic planning within the multimodal sector to navigate current and future supply chain disruptions.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Port Backlogs Intensify Disrupting Global Trade

US Port Backlogs Intensify Disrupting Global Trade

Port congestion in the United States has reached a critical level, particularly at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Multiple factors, including the pandemic's impact, surging demand, supply chain disruptions, and container imbalances, have exacerbated the congestion. This situation affects the global supply chain, leading to increased transportation costs, extended delivery times, and inventory backlogs. Alleviating congestion requires strengthening infrastructure construction, optimizing operational management, and enhancing supply chain collaboration to build a more resilient supply chain.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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East Coast Port Strike Threatens Supply Chain NRF Seeks White House Aid

East Coast Port Strike Threatens Supply Chain NRF Seeks White House Aid

The National Retail Federation (NRF), leading 177 industry associations, is urgently calling on the White House to intervene in the labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to avert a potential East Coast port strike on October 1st. The threatened strike would severely disrupt the US supply chain and economy. The NRF emphasizes the need for swift White House action to facilitate an agreement between the parties and ensure the smooth flow of goods.

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.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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East Coast Port Strike Threatens Retail Supply Chains

East Coast Port Strike Threatens Retail Supply Chains

The NRF and others are urging the White House to intervene in the dockworkers' labor negotiations to avert a potential strike in October. The threatened strike poses a risk to the retail industry and could negatively impact the economy. They hope the White House will facilitate an agreement to ensure continued port operations and prevent further disruptions to the supply chain. A strike could exacerbate existing supply chain challenges and lead to significant economic consequences.

02/12/2026 Logistics
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US Retailers Seek White House Help to Avert Port Strike

US Retailers Seek White House Help to Avert Port Strike

The National Retail Federation (NRF) is actively urging the White House to intervene in the labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to avert a potential port strike starting October 1st. The article analyzes the potential economic impacts of a strike, including goods shortages, price increases, and supply chain disruptions. It also offers advice for businesses on how to prepare. With time running short, all parties need to reach an agreement quickly to ensure supply chain stability.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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East Coast Port Strike Threatens Supply Chains Retailers Seek White House Aid

East Coast Port Strike Threatens Supply Chains Retailers Seek White House Aid

The National Retail Federation (NRF), along with 177 industry associations, has sent a letter to the White House urging government intervention in the labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). They are seeking to avert a potential port strike on October 1st, emphasizing the devastating economic impact it would have. The letter highlights the urgency of the situation and implores retailers to proactively address supply chain risks in anticipation of potential disruptions. The NRF underscores the need for a swift resolution to avoid further exacerbating existing supply chain vulnerabilities.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Ocean Freight Rates Surge Prompting Costcontrol Strategies

US Ocean Freight Rates Surge Prompting Costcontrol Strategies

Soaring US shipping rates pose significant challenges for importers and exporters. This paper analyzes the causes of these price hikes, including supply chain bottlenecks, geopolitical conflicts, and high demand. Short-term forecasts predict continued upward pressure on shipping costs. The paper offers strategies for businesses to mitigate these challenges, such as optimizing supply chains, securing long-term contracts, and diversifying transportation methods. These measures can help businesses effectively control costs and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

02/05/2026 Logistics
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Amazon Top Seller Packable Files for Bankruptcy

Amazon Top Seller Packable Files for Bankruptcy

Top Amazon seller Packable is on the verge of bankruptcy due to failed financing, laying off over 20% of its workforce. Over-reliance on the Amazon platform, the fading pandemic dividend, a capital winter, and a strategic error of prioritizing expansion over profits are the main reasons for its downfall. This case serves as a warning to cross-border e-commerce sellers, highlighting the need for diversified channels, improved profitability, and optimized operating models. They need to focus on building sustainable businesses rather than chasing rapid growth.

12/30/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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