Trade Tensions to Prolong Freight Market Strain Through 2026

Trade Tensions to Prolong Freight Market Strain Through 2026

Tariffs and other trade frictions continue to impact the global freight market and are expected to persist through 2026. Rising trade protectionism disrupts supply chains, increases transportation costs, and forces companies to adjust production layouts and procurement strategies. Freight companies need to closely monitor trade policies, optimize operational strategies, and embrace digital transformation to adapt to market changes. The ongoing trade disputes create uncertainty and volatility, demanding agility and resilience from businesses operating in the international freight sector.

01/07/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ebay Offers Seller Protections for Australia Flood Disruptions

Ebay Offers Seller Protections for Australia Flood Disruptions

Australian floods have disrupted logistics, prompting eBay to release a seller protection policy. This policy covers late shipment rates, defects, 'item not received' disputes, and negative/neutral feedback exemptions. Sellers are advised to communicate proactively, retain evidence, and stay updated on policy changes. The platform and sellers should work together to overcome these challenging times. eBay aims to support its sellers facing difficulties due to the natural disaster and ensure fair treatment during this period of disruption.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Shipping Industry Grapples With Terminal Handling Charges

Shipping Industry Grapples With Terminal Handling Charges

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the Terminal Handling Charge (THC) in international shipping. It details the core definition, cost components, varying charges across different ports, and factors influencing rate fluctuations. Furthermore, based on Incoterms®, it clarifies the responsibility for THC under different trade terms. The aim is to help cargo owners better understand and control shipping costs, and avoid trade disputes. It offers a comprehensive overview of THC and its implications for international trade.

01/15/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Shippers Protest BNSF Rates Amid Acquisition Cost Concerns

Shippers Protest BNSF Rates Amid Acquisition Cost Concerns

The hearing on BNSF's acquisition premium has sparked controversy, with shippers questioning its inclusion in cost calculations, which they claim inflates freight rates. The Surface Transportation Board (STB) ruling on this matter could significantly impact BNSF's rates and the broader rail freight market. Shippers argue that including the premium unfairly burdens them with costs unrelated to service. The STB's decision will likely set a precedent for future rate disputes and influence the competitive landscape of rail transport.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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Guide to Streamlining Service Delivery Transactions

Guide to Streamlining Service Delivery Transactions

This article provides a detailed interpretation of the delivery and acceptance stages in service transactions. It covers the time limit and procedures for merchants to confirm delivery, the process and significance of buyers confirming delivery, and the rules for buyers to apply for extending the acceptance period. The aim is to help both buyers and sellers understand transaction rules, avoid disputes, and improve transaction efficiency. This ensures a smoother and more transparent process for all parties involved.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Freight Industry Shifts to Instant Payments Ditching Postaudits

Freight Industry Shifts to Instant Payments Ditching Postaudits

Traditional post-audit freight settlement faces inefficiencies and disputes. Instant settlement, leveraging upfront pricing, automated payments, and data integration, promises to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance transparency. While challenges related to technology, security, and trust exist, advancements and industry collaboration can foster wider adoption. Instant settlement has the potential to usher in a more efficient, transparent, and intelligent era of freight payments, streamlining operations and improving relationships between shippers and carriers in the logistics industry.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Port of Portland Struggles with Megaship Capacity Issues

Port of Portland Struggles with Megaship Capacity Issues

The Port of Portland faces stagnation in its container business due to its inability to accommodate mega-container ships, labor disputes, and hinterland transportation bottlenecks, resulting in job losses and economic losses. West Coast ports generally face challenges from the Panama Canal expansion and a crisis of confidence. To achieve transformation and upgrade, the Port of Portland needs to upgrade infrastructure, rebuild labor relations, expand diversified businesses, strengthen economic linkages with the hinterland, and strive for policy support.

01/29/2026 Port Encyclopedia
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Charleston Port Automation Sparks Labor Dispute Union Warns

Charleston Port Automation Sparks Labor Dispute Union Warns

The Port of Charleston is facing labor disputes stemming from automation concerns. The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) has slowed port operations to express their fear of job losses due to automation. As labor agreement negotiations approach, automation has become a central point of contention between labor and management. Balancing technological advancement with workers' rights is a crucial issue. The ILA seeks guarantees regarding job security and retraining programs in the face of increasing automation at the port.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WTO Clarifies undertaken in Customs Rules to Ensure Fair Trade

WTO Clarifies undertaken in Customs Rules to Ensure Fair Trade

In 1983, the Customs Valuation Committee clarified that the term "undertaken" in Article 8 of the Customs Valuation Agreement should be interpreted as "carried out" in the English context. This interpretation aimed to standardize understanding and prevent trade disputes arising from linguistic differences. However, this clarification does not affect the French and Spanish versions of the Agreement. The ruling emphasizes the importance of consistent interpretation in international trade agreements to ensure fair and predictable application across different language versions.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates price Actually Paid Definition to Boost Trade Compliance

WCO Updates price Actually Paid Definition to Boost Trade Compliance

The new WCO regulations clarify the definition of "price actually paid or payable," assisting companies with compliance, facilitating trade, and improving the accuracy and efficiency of customs valuation. This clarification helps businesses understand and adhere to international valuation standards, streamlining import/export processes. By providing a more precise definition, the WCO aims to reduce valuation disputes and promote fair trade practices globally. Ultimately, this leads to more predictable and transparent customs procedures, benefiting both businesses and customs administrations.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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