Multimodal Transport Gains Traction Amid Global Trade Uncertainty

Multimodal Transport Gains Traction Amid Global Trade Uncertainty

North American intermodal transportation is declining due to trade impacts, while domestic intermodal shows potential. Overall freight volume is projected to remain flat or slightly decrease through 2026. The decline in intermodal is linked to evolving trade policies and their effect on international freight flows. However, the domestic market shows resilience, driven by factors like e-commerce and regional distribution networks. This suggests a shift in focus towards strengthening domestic intermodal infrastructure and optimizing internal supply chains to mitigate the impact of fluctuating international trade.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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CPKC Merger Approved Transforming North American Rail Freight

CPKC Merger Approved Transforming North American Rail Freight

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has approved Canadian Pacific Railway's (CP) $31 billion acquisition of Kansas City Southern (KCS), marking a new era for North American rail freight. The merged CPKC will be the first railway connecting the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, fostering trade growth, reducing highway congestion, promoting investment and job creation, and improving transportation efficiency. This merger reshapes the North American freight landscape by creating a single-line service across the continent, offering shippers new options and enhancing competition in the rail industry.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Grupo Mexico Acquires Florida East Coast Railway for 21B

Grupo Mexico Acquires Florida East Coast Railway for 21B

Grupo México acquired Florida East Coast Railway for $2.1 billion, aiming to strengthen its North American supply chain footprint. This move will enhance its mineral transportation capabilities, expand its business scope, complement its US rail network, and improve supply chain control. The acquisition is expected to boost trade growth in Florida, create jobs, and enhance port competitiveness, but it also faces regulatory approvals and integration risks. The deal represents a significant investment in rail infrastructure and highlights the growing importance of integrated supply chains in North America.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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North American Intermodal Traffic Declines Amid Industry Shifts

North American Intermodal Traffic Declines Amid Industry Shifts

Data from the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) shows a continued decline in North American intermodal volumes, though the rate of decrease is slowing. This downturn is attributed to a combination of macroeconomic conditions, internal industry factors, and geopolitical influences. IANA suggests that challenges and opportunities coexist, identifying cross-border trade as a potential growth area. Businesses need to transform and innovate, improve service quality and efficiency, expand service offerings, embrace technological innovation, and strengthen cooperation and collaboration to succeed in this evolving landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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International Traders Face Challenges with TBL Cancellation Fees

International Traders Face Challenges with TBL Cancellation Fees

This article provides a detailed interpretation of the reasons for TBL (Transport Bill of Lading) cancellation fees and methods to avoid them. It lists the required document checklists for three different corridors: Chad, Central African Republic, and Cameroon. The importance of preparing and submitting documents in advance is emphasized to help clients avoid unnecessary fees and ensure the smooth progress of international trade. This guide aims to streamline the process and minimize potential financial burdens associated with document-related issues in these specific trade routes.

09/28/2025 Document Interpretation
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Zimbabwe Zambia Boost Trade with Customs Data Link

Zimbabwe Zambia Boost Trade with Customs Data Link

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Zimbabwe and Zambia are advancing customs data interconnectivity to facilitate cross-border trade. By standardizing data, establishing data exchange protocols, and creating a change management framework, the two countries aim to reduce clearance times, lower trade costs, and enhance risk management capabilities. This initiative serves as a model for customs cooperation in other African nations, promoting regional economic integration. The project emphasizes streamlined processes and improved efficiency, ultimately contributing to a more competitive and integrated trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kenya Streamlines Import Customs Clearance Process

Kenya Streamlines Import Customs Clearance Process

This article, in a Q&A format, provides a detailed interpretation of key aspects of Kenya's import trade, including selecting a customs clearance agent, paying tariffs and taxes, preparing import documents, and the specific clearance process. It aims to offer a practical guide for companies and individuals interested in entering the Kenyan market, helping them seize opportunities, avoid risks, and successfully conduct trade activities. It serves as a hands-on resource for navigating the complexities of importing into Kenya and succeeding in the East African market.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Boosts Customs Skills with WCO Training

Comoros Boosts Customs Skills with WCO Training

Comoros, with the support of the African Development Fund, successfully hosted a national workshop on the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System. The workshop aimed to enhance the legal and technical capabilities of customs officers, equipping them with commodity classification skills to facilitate international trade. Participants were provided with Harmonized System tools. Follow-up training sessions are planned across the islands to ensure customs personnel master the latest classification techniques and integrate into the global trading system. This initiative strengthens customs capacity and promotes efficient trade practices.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Niger Adopts WCO System to Streamline Customs Trade

Niger Adopts WCO System to Streamline Customs Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of Niger Customs to enhance its commodity classification and valuation capabilities, aiming to boost African trade. The assessment covered legal frameworks, organizational structures, personnel skills, information technology, and cooperation mechanisms, proposing improvements incorporated into an EU-funded action plan. This initiative aims to harmonize commodity classification standards, facilitating trade and economic development in Niger and across Africa. The focus is on improving efficiency and transparency in customs procedures to promote regional integration and economic growth.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West Africa Customs Seminar Advances Gender Equality in Trade

West Africa Customs Seminar Advances Gender Equality in Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a high-level Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) seminar in Nigeria, empowering customs administrations from four West African countries. By raising awareness of gender mainstreaming, focusing on gender and security issues, and utilizing the GEOAT tool, the seminar assisted customs departments in developing and implementing GED action plans. The aim is to promote trade security, inclusive development, and address the challenges faced by women in cross-border trade. This initiative strengthens customs capacity to better serve all members of society.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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