WCO Updates Customs Lab Guide to Strengthen Regional Trade

WCO Updates Customs Lab Guide to Strengthen Regional Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has updated its 'Customs Laboratory Guide,' emphasizing the role of Regional Customs Laboratories (RCLs). A new Appendix V provides contact information and establishment procedures for RCLs, aiming to enhance member laboratory capabilities and promote regional cooperation in addressing global trade challenges. The updated guide, now available, offers guidance on standardized operations, capacity building, resource optimization, risk management, and cooperation promotion. It seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of customs laboratories worldwide through strengthened regional networks and adherence to WCO best practices.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Stbs New Rules Aim to Ease Rail Freight Rate Disputes

Stbs New Rules Aim to Ease Rail Freight Rate Disputes

The US Surface Transportation Board (STB) has introduced two new rules to streamline railway freight rate dispute resolution, including a voluntary arbitration program and Final Offer Rate Review (FORR). However, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) strongly opposes these rules, citing “fatal flaws” in FORR and arguing the arbitration rules are “backwards.” Whether these new regulations will bring relief to shippers remains challenging, and shippers need to carefully assess the implications. The future impact of these regulations is uncertain amidst ongoing debate and potential legal challenges.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Fedex Bets on Dynamic Pricing Amid Falling Demand

Fedex Bets on Dynamic Pricing Amid Falling Demand

Facing declining package volumes, FedEx is pursuing profit growth through dynamic pricing and cost control measures. Dynamic pricing aims to boost revenue during peak periods, while the Network 2.0 initiative focuses on long-term efficiency improvements. However, dynamic pricing could potentially alienate customers, and the integration of Network 2.0 also presents challenges. Whether FedEx can strike a balance between short-term gains and long-term development will determine its success in navigating these difficulties. The company's ability to adapt and innovate is crucial for its future prosperity.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Amazon Expands Omnichannel Delivery Options for Sellers

Amazon Expands Omnichannel Delivery Options for Sellers

Amazon has relaunched Amazon Shipping, aiming to provide sellers with omnichannel logistics solutions both on and off the Amazon platform. Covering the continental United States, the service integrates USPS resources, promising fast delivery and transparent pricing. This move not only enhances the attractiveness of the Amazon platform but also has a profound impact on the existing logistics landscape, bringing new opportunities and challenges to sellers. It offers a streamlined shipping experience, potentially reducing costs and improving delivery times for businesses operating across multiple sales channels.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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NYNJ Port Cargo Volumes Drop Amid Retail Inventory Surplus

NYNJ Port Cargo Volumes Drop Amid Retail Inventory Surplus

The Port of New York and New Jersey experienced a 21% year-over-year decrease in cargo volume in August, primarily attributed to retailers working through existing inventory and shifting consumer spending patterns. Despite this decline, the cumulative cargo volume for the first eight months of the year remains higher than the same period in 2019. The port is actively addressing these challenges by upgrading infrastructure, optimizing operational processes, and expanding its range of services. These efforts aim to maintain competitiveness and prepare for future growth.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Port Everglades Struggles As Postpandemic Trade Slows

Port Everglades Struggles As Postpandemic Trade Slows

Everglades Port container volume decreased by 14% year-over-year in August, marking the sixth consecutive month of decline, reflecting the trend of trade normalization in the post-pandemic era. Contributing factors include the global economic slowdown, easing supply chain bottlenecks, increased competition, and changing consumer demand. The port needs to address these challenges through diversified operations, improved efficiency, strengthened partnerships, and proactive marketing strategies. This decline highlights the evolving landscape of global trade and the need for ports to adapt to maintain competitiveness.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Port of Virginia Cargo Decline Sparks Economic Concerns

Port of Virginia Cargo Decline Sparks Economic Concerns

The Port of Virginia experienced a 16% year-over-year decrease in container volume in August, although it remains 12% higher than in 2019. Port officials attribute this to a return to pre-pandemic norms, but also acknowledge the impact of a global economic slowdown, inflation, and geopolitical risks. Moving forward, the port needs to strengthen its infrastructure, optimize operational processes, and expand its diversified business to address challenges and maintain competitiveness. The port's performance reflects broader trends affecting global supply chains and trade.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Automated Warehousing Boosts Ecommerce Efficiency in Peak Seasons

Automated Warehousing Boosts Ecommerce Efficiency in Peak Seasons

This article explores how e-commerce businesses can leverage automated warehouse packaging solutions to address peak season challenges and improve long-term efficiency and profitability. It analyzes four core elements crucial for success during peak e-commerce periods. The article details automated packaging strategies for enhancing efficiency and controlling costs, as well as the integration of automated solutions and the evaluation of return on investment (ROI). The aim is to provide insights into optimizing operations and maximizing returns through strategic automation in the e-commerce sector.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ecommerce Boom Drives Warehousing Shift Flexe CEO Notes

Ecommerce Boom Drives Warehousing Shift Flexe CEO Notes

In an interview, Flexe CEO Karl Siebrecht analyzes e-commerce's impact on the warehousing industry, highlighting the challenges retailers face in inventory forecasting, demand response, and warehouse layout. He introduces Flexe's flexible warehousing network solution and envisions the future of warehousing evolving towards automation, intelligence, and flexibility. The interview emphasizes the need for retailers to adapt to changing consumer demands and optimize their supply chains for efficiency and agility. Flexe's approach aims to provide scalable and adaptable warehousing solutions to meet these evolving needs.

01/16/2026 Warehousing
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Supply Chain Bottlenecks Targeted With New Solutions

Supply Chain Bottlenecks Targeted With New Solutions

This paper delves into the four primary root causes of supply chain bottlenecks: lack of visibility, internal processes, communication, and data. It provides corresponding strategies to address these challenges. By identifying potential risk points, companies can take measures to optimize operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. Ultimately, this allows businesses to break through bottlenecks and unlock the true power of their supply chains. The analysis emphasizes the importance of proactive risk management and data-driven decision-making to achieve a resilient and efficient supply chain.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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