South Carolina Port Volumes Decline Hinting at Retail Slowdown

South Carolina Port Volumes Decline Hinting at Retail Slowdown

South Carolina's port throughput declined by 12% year-over-year in September, signaling a potential cooling of holiday season consumption in the US retail sector. Reduced consumer spending, retailers' inventory returning to normal levels, and optimized supply chains are key contributing factors. Expect increased promotional efforts during the holiday season, with rational consumption becoming the dominant trend. Ports need to actively transform to meet these challenges.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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US Container Imports Face Mixed Trends Amid Economic Shifts

US Container Imports Face Mixed Trends Amid Economic Shifts

U.S. container imports saw a slight month-over-month increase in June but declined year-over-year, indicating stabilization with ongoing pressure. China's import share continued to decrease, while Southeast Asia emerged as a new growth area. West Coast ports recovered, while the East Coast faced pressure. Businesses should pay attention to trade policy changes, promote supply chain diversification, optimize port selection, and make data-driven decisions.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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US Container Imports Rise in June As Chinas Share Dips

US Container Imports Rise in June As Chinas Share Dips

A Descartes report indicates a slight month-over-month increase but a year-over-year decrease in US container imports for June. China's share continues to decline. Key factors include trade policy adjustments, supply chain diversification, and evolving port dynamics. Southeast Asian countries are gaining prominence, while West Coast ports are rebounding. US importers need to adapt to these shifts and adjust their supply chain strategies accordingly.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Logistics Industry Honors Excellence in Annual Quest for Quality Awards

Logistics Industry Honors Excellence in Annual Quest for Quality Awards

The 40th Annual Quest for Quality Awards by Logistics Management magazine recognized 142 companies for outstanding service. Based on customer evaluations, the awards cover various sectors including transportation, 3PL, and ports. Key performance indicators assessed include on-time delivery, value, and information technology. This award aims to encourage excellence within the logistics industry and foster a collaborative and mutually beneficial new era for logistics.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Blockchain Bill of Lading Gains Traction in Global Shipping

Blockchain Bill of Lading Gains Traction in Global Shipping

This article explores the importance of blockchain bills of lading and electronic release systems in international maritime shipping. These technologies enhance transparency and efficiency in information flow, reducing the risk of unexpected delays and guiding the shipping industry towards a data-driven model. The article emphasizes instances of implementation of these technologies and the economic benefits they bring.

08/05/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ocean Freight and Customs Fees Avoiding Hidden Trade Costs

Ocean Freight and Customs Fees Avoiding Hidden Trade Costs

Although both shipping fees and customs fees are part of international logistics, they differ in nature, collection parties, and calculation methods. Shipping fees mainly pertain to maritime transport costs, while customs fees are related to customs declaration services. Understanding the composition of these fees helps avoid hidden costs and enhances the effectiveness of logistics cost management.

08/05/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Negotiated Rate Agreements Ease Shipping Industry Challenges

Negotiated Rate Agreements Ease Shipping Industry Challenges

The Negotiated Rates Agreement (NRA) is a document regulated by the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission that ensures shipping rates are recorded and approved before loading. It protects clients' trade secrets, preventing competitors from accessing freight information. Flexport automates the generation of NRAs to meet compliance requirements, offering customers convenient authorization options to expedite their shipping processes.

08/07/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Global Shipping Crisis Unpacking Supply Chain Bottlenecks

Global Shipping Crisis Unpacking Supply Chain Bottlenecks

The current shipping market crisis isn't attributable to a single party, and capacity isn't the sole bottleneck. Historically, carriers have faced downturns. Supply-demand imbalances and port congestion are primary drivers. Collaboration is essential. Shippers should optimize loading, while governments and industry invest in infrastructure and technology. Together, we can build an efficient, stable, and sustainable maritime transport system.

11/03/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Overview of Cargo Loading Requirements in Container Transportation

Overview of Cargo Loading Requirements in Container Transportation

This article outlines four key requirements for cargo loading in the container transportation process: proper weight distribution, necessary padding, secure loading of goods, and reasonable mixed loading. These requirements aim to ensure the safety and stability of cargo during transit, reduce damage rates, and enhance transportation efficiency. Proper loading methods are crucial for successful maritime shipping.

07/17/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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The Cost of Unreliable Ocean Freight and Strategies for Mitigation

The Cost of Unreliable Ocean Freight and Strategies for Mitigation

Maritime transport is a critical pillar of global trade, but its reliability has been increasingly challenged by factors such as the pandemic and climate change, leading to significant financial, operational, and reputational costs for shippers. This article explores the impact of this unreliability and strategies to address it, aiming to enhance the resilience and stability of supply chains.

07/23/2025 Logistics
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