STB Extends Deadline for Rail Switching Rule Amid Industry Debate

STB Extends Deadline for Rail Switching Rule Amid Industry Debate

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has extended the deadline for comments on its reciprocal switching rule, intended to provide shippers underserved by freight railroads access to other rail carriers. The proposed rule introduces three performance metrics to quantify service quality, sparking industry debate about breaking up monopolies versus disrupting the market. Whether the rule can be effectively implemented to improve transportation efficiency and reduce costs remains a challenge and requires further observation. The rule aims to address issues faced by rail freight shippers and potentially improve competition within the industry.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Sherwinwilliams Invests 300M in NC Plant to Strengthen Resin Supply

Sherwinwilliams Invests 300M in NC Plant to Strengthen Resin Supply

Sherwin-Williams is investing $300 million to expand its North Carolina facility, boosting its coatings production capacity and resin self-sufficiency. This investment aims to address supply shortages and inflationary pressures within the coatings market. The expansion will create approximately 180 new jobs. By increasing internal resin production, Sherwin-Williams seeks to mitigate disruptions in the supply chain and control costs, ensuring a more stable and reliable supply of raw materials for its coatings manufacturing operations. This strategic move enhances the company's resilience in a volatile economic environment.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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GXO Logistics Expands in Ecommerce and Automation As Independent Firm

GXO Logistics Expands in Ecommerce and Automation As Independent Firm

XPO Logistics has completed the spin-off of GXO Logistics, which is now independently listed. GXO focuses on global contract logistics, seizing opportunities from e-commerce growth and automation upgrades. By deepening its expertise in e-commerce logistics, increasing investment in automation, expanding into emerging markets, enhancing digital capabilities, and focusing on sustainability, GXO Logistics is poised to stand out in a competitive market and achieve sustained growth. The company aims to capitalize on the increasing demand for efficient and technologically advanced logistics solutions driven by the rapid expansion of online retail.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Mobile Tech Boosts Postpandemic Supply Chain Efficiency

Mobile Tech Boosts Postpandemic Supply Chain Efficiency

This paper explores the new demands on mobile PCs within the supply chain in the post-pandemic era, highlighting the crucial role of mobile terminals in data acquisition. It analyzes key factors in selecting mobile PCs and elaborates on the application of technologies like blockchain, AIDC, and IoT in enhancing supply chain transparency and efficiency. Businesses should actively embrace new technologies, choose appropriate mobile PCs, and build intelligent supply chain management systems to address future challenges. This will optimize operations and ensure resilience in a dynamic global market.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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UPS Exceeds Q3 Forecasts Eyes Strong Holiday Season

UPS Exceeds Q3 Forecasts Eyes Strong Holiday Season

UPS reported better-than-expected revenue and earnings for the third quarter, driven by improved revenue quality and cost control. All segments experienced growth, with strategic priorities focused on empowering small and medium-sized businesses and optimizing network efficiency. The company is optimistic about the holiday season and plans to adjust prices to address cost pressures. Analysts believe UPS's strategic adjustments are effective and demonstrate strong adaptability to market changes. The focus on efficiency and SME support appears to be paying off, positioning UPS well for future growth despite economic headwinds.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Regional Logistics Firms Tackle Holiday Shipping Surge

Regional Logistics Firms Tackle Holiday Shipping Surge

This article delves into how regional logistics provider ShipRight copes with the year-end peak season. It reveals their proactive spatial strategies, real-time monitoring response mechanisms, and the pressure of working overtime, alongside the dilemma of increased revenue without increased profits. The analysis also explores the challenges of supply chain forecasting, the 'fast and free' marketing model of e-commerce, and the ways in which regional logistics companies can break through in a competitive market. The article highlights the complexities and pressures faced by regional players during peak demand.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Airlines Optimize Fleets for Postpandemic Profitability

Airlines Optimize Fleets for Postpandemic Profitability

The pandemic has accelerated transformation in the aviation industry, forcing airlines to optimize their fleet structure by retiring older aircraft and embracing new, more efficient models. North American airlines have focused on increasing seat capacity to improve efficiency, while European airlines have prioritized cost reduction. In the post-pandemic era, fleet optimization is crucial for enhancing profitability. Airlines must strategically manage their aircraft assets to navigate the changing market dynamics and ensure long-term financial sustainability. This includes considering factors like fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and passenger demand.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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UPS Raises Peak Season Fees Squeezing Ecommerce Margins

UPS Raises Peak Season Fees Squeezing Ecommerce Margins

UPS's increased surcharges for large packages and residential deliveries aim to address peak season logistics demands, but this could intensify cost pressures for shippers, prompting them to seek alternatives. This move may accelerate the reshuffling of the logistics industry, pushing companies to optimize supply chain management and improve operational efficiency to cope with increasingly fierce market competition. The price hike could also impact e-commerce businesses reliant on UPS for deliveries, forcing them to re-evaluate their shipping strategies and potentially absorb higher costs or pass them on to consumers.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Wayfair Overcomes Supply Chain Challenges to Boost Online Sales

Wayfair Overcomes Supply Chain Challenges to Boost Online Sales

Wayfair faces inventory challenges due to global supply chain disruptions and port congestion, while simultaneously benefiting from increased demand in home goods e-commerce. This analysis explores how Wayfair addresses these challenges through strategies such as taking control of its supply chain, diversifying suppliers, optimizing inventory management, and enhancing customer communication. The article also looks at Wayfair's future prospects and offers valuable insights for other home goods e-commerce businesses navigating similar difficulties. Wayfair's approach provides a potential roadmap for overcoming supply chain hurdles and capitalizing on the growing online home goods market.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Fourkites Infosys Partner to Boost Supply Chain Visibility

Fourkites Infosys Partner to Boost Supply Chain Visibility

FourKites and Infosys have partnered to accelerate supply chain innovation and address challenges posed by the pandemic. This alliance offers end-to-end solutions, jointly expands market reach, and enhances supply chain visibility capabilities. The collaboration aims to provide businesses with real-time insights and improved control over their supply chains, enabling them to make more informed decisions and optimize their operations. By combining FourKites' leading visibility platform with Infosys' expertise in digital transformation, the partnership promises to deliver significant value to customers seeking to build more resilient and agile supply chains.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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