US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

Recent data reveals a complex picture for the US rail freight market: carload volume saw a slight increase, but intermodal volume declined, reflecting challenges in economic recovery. While cumulative year-to-date figures show growth, concerns remain regarding supply chains and labor shortages. Railroad companies should focus on improving efficiency, strengthening collaboration, and embracing digital transformation to address future challenges. The decrease in intermodal volume suggests a potential shift in freight transport patterns or underlying economic pressures impacting consumer demand and international trade.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Tupperware Halts Production Amid Excess Inventory Market Shifts

Tupperware Halts Production Amid Excess Inventory Market Shifts

Tupperware faces financial pressure due to inventory overstock resulting from misjudged demand during the early pandemic. The company is responding with measures like production halts, promotions, and price increases, while actively pursuing a strategic transformation. This includes expanding online channels, launching sub-brands, and strengthening brand marketing. Tupperware's case serves as a warning to businesses about the importance of accurate market demand forecasting, diversifying sales channels, and continuous product innovation to avoid similar inventory issues and ensure long-term viability.

US Freight Index Rises but Lags Behind Previous Year

US Freight Index Rises but Lags Behind Previous Year

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported a 1.1% month-over-month increase in the Freight Transportation Services Index in January, but a 0.2% year-over-year decrease. Trucking and rail transportation growth were the primary drivers, while pipeline and air freight faced challenges. In the long term, U.S. freight volume shows a steady growth trend, but the pandemic accelerated structural changes in the industry. Future technological innovation and green transformation will bring new opportunities to the freight industry.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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GXO Logistics Spinoff Targets Global Supply Chain Innovation

GXO Logistics Spinoff Targets Global Supply Chain Innovation

XPO Logistics has announced that its logistics business, after the spin-off, will be officially named GXO Logistics, marking a significant step in the company's strategic transformation. GXO will focus on global contract logistics, leveraging technological innovation and long-term industry tailwinds. The company aims to create long-term value for customers, employees, and shareholders, while reshaping the global supply chain landscape. This strategic move allows GXO to concentrate on its core competencies and capitalize on the growing demand for advanced logistics solutions.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Pandemic Reshapes Ecommerce Logistics and Carrier Relations

Pandemic Reshapes Ecommerce Logistics and Carrier Relations

The pandemic accelerated the transformation of e-commerce logistics, exposing bottlenecks in transportation capacity and information asymmetry. Instant delivery has emerged, offering new options for e-commerce businesses. In the future, carriers and e-commerce companies will deepen cooperation and leverage technology to drive differentiated services to address market challenges. This includes optimizing last-mile delivery, improving real-time tracking, and enhancing overall supply chain efficiency to meet evolving customer expectations and maintain a competitive edge in the dynamic e-commerce landscape.

MHX CEO Urges Faster Digital Shift in Supply Chains at Promatdx

MHX CEO Urges Faster Digital Shift in Supply Chains at Promatdx

An interview with MHI CEO John Paxton highlights how the pandemic accelerated the digital transformation of supply chains. MHI, through its ProMatDX virtual event, empowers the industry to address challenges by providing knowledge, connections, and market access. Themed "Power Up," ProMatDX reshapes the industry ecosystem through virtual booths, keynotes, and online seminars, driving supply chain intelligence, automation, and sustainability. This virtual event provided a crucial platform for industry professionals to connect and explore innovative solutions during a period of rapid change.

Global Supply Chain Disruptions Prolong Lead Times for Businesses

Global Supply Chain Disruptions Prolong Lead Times for Businesses

The global supply chain faces severe challenges, with lead times reaching record highs and accelerating due to port congestion, raw material shortages, and labor shortages. Companies are actively responding by exploring alternative ports, using air freight instead of sea freight, and planning ahead. Labor shortage is the most significant challenge, with unsustainable price levels. It is recommended that companies strengthen risk management, diversify suppliers, optimize inventory, and embrace digital transformation to mitigate these disruptions and build resilience in the face of ongoing uncertainty.

Asiapacific Adopts WCO Framework for Ecommerce Customs

Asiapacific Adopts WCO Framework for Ecommerce Customs

The WCO Asia-Pacific Regional E-commerce Seminar focused on the implementation of cross-border e-commerce standards frameworks. Key areas discussed included advance electronic data, data exchange, tax collection, AEO extensions, and technological applications. Participants actively engaged in addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic-accelerated e-commerce transformation. The aim is to build a secure and efficient new e-commerce ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific region by fostering collaboration and addressing emerging issues related to cross-border trade and customs procedures.

Global Customs Agencies Prioritize Workforce Resilience

Global Customs Agencies Prioritize Workforce Resilience

The World Customs Organization (WCO) hosted a webinar focusing on enhancing customs resilience through human capital development. Key areas discussed included organizational culture, working models, skills enhancement, and digital transformation. The webinar provided strategic guidance and practical experiences for customs administrators worldwide, aiming to improve human resource management practices within customs administrations globally. It emphasized the importance of investing in people to build stronger, more adaptable customs organizations capable of navigating evolving challenges and contributing to global trade security and facilitation.

Material Handling Industry Adopts Digital Tools Postpandemic

Material Handling Industry Adopts Digital Tools Postpandemic

The pandemic has accelerated digital transformation in the material handling industry. Companies are actively embracing technologies like cloud computing, IoT, AI, and robotics to enhance supply chain resilience and flexibility. Reports indicate a strong willingness to invest in digital technologies, but challenges remain, including a lack of compelling business cases, risk-averse cultures, and talent shortages. Successfully addressing these hurdles is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the future. Companies need to overcome these obstacles to thrive in the evolving landscape.