ocean freight booking News

US Freight Rail Faces Labor Shortages Monopoly Concerns

STB Chairman Martin Oberman sharply criticized US freight railroads, particularly the 'Big Four,' at the RailTrends conference for prioritizing profits over service by excessive workforce reductions. He emphasized the critical role of railroads in the US economy, calling the labor shortage a 'self-imposed embargo.' Oberman urged railroads to reassess their role and address the issues, warning of stricter regulations if they fail to do so. He highlighted the detrimental impact of their actions on service reliability and the overall economy, emphasizing the need for a shift in priorities from short-term gains to long-term sustainability and service quality.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights

Crossborder Ecommerce Hit by Shenzhen Freight Forwarder Collapse

A Shenzhen-based freight forwarding company's financial problems have resulted in substantial detention charges, raising concerns about cross-border e-commerce logistics risks. High detention fees and shipping disruptions are contributing to frequent freight forwarder crises. Cross-border e-commerce sellers should carefully select freight forwarders, strengthen risk management practices, and stay informed about industry trends to protect their interests. This situation highlights the need for due diligence and proactive measures to mitigate potential losses associated with unstable freight forwarding services.

01/16/2026 Logistics

Freight Costs Rise As Dimensional Weight Gains Importance

This article elaborates on the concepts of dimensional weight and actual weight in international freight. It provides an in-depth analysis of calculating actual weight, volume weight, and billable weight. Furthermore, it offers practical identification guidelines and billing difference analysis for air and sea freight, highlighting their distinct characteristics. The aim is to help readers better understand international freight rules and optimize logistics costs. Understanding these calculations is crucial for efficient shipping and avoiding unexpected charges. This knowledge empowers shippers to make informed decisions.

01/16/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia

Global Freight Forwarders Adapt to Challenges Amid Growth

This article analyzes the market performance of global freight forwarders amidst multiple challenges, focusing on the ranking, performance, market segmentation, and profitability of top players. It explores the impact of mergers and acquisitions on industry consolidation and forecasts future market trends. The analysis emphasizes the crucial role of technological innovation and talent development in navigating these challenges. The study provides insights into the evolving landscape of the freight forwarding industry and highlights key factors influencing its future growth and sustainability.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights

Freight Forwarders Guide to Decoding Global Shipping Costs

International sea freight costs consist of basic freight, surcharges, and other fees. Basic freight is calculated based on cargo size and distance. Surcharges, including port, fuel, currency adjustment, and peak season surcharges, fluctuate with the market. Other fees cover insurance, customs clearance, and quarantine. Savvy freight forwarders need to understand the cost structure to choose the appropriate solution and control logistics costs effectively.

01/16/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia

AI Transforms Freight Payment Experts Drive Global Integration

The freight payment landscape is transforming, with AI and expert knowledge converging to enhance audit accuracy, reduce fraud, and optimize transportation spend. Deeper ERP integration, multimodal capabilities, and emerging digital payment solutions are reshaping freight payment, shifting it from a back-office function to a strategic, data-driven one. This evolution allows for better cost control, improved efficiency, and enhanced visibility into global logistics operations. The integration of AI streamlines processes, leading to significant cost savings and improved decision-making within the supply chain.