US Ports Face Staffing Crunch As Trade Volumes Rise

US Ports Face Staffing Crunch As Trade Volumes Rise

The American Association of Port Authorities calls for increased customs staffing to address the contradiction between growing trade and personnel shortages. Existing recruitment challenges and resource misallocation exacerbate port operational pressures. It is recommended to increase the budget, optimize allocation, simplify recruitment processes, and consider hiring veterans to ensure trade security and efficiency. The current situation strains port operations, highlighting the urgent need for improved staffing levels to maintain smooth trade flows.

UPS Adopts Dimensional Pricing Raising Ecommerce Costs

UPS Adopts Dimensional Pricing Raising Ecommerce Costs

UPS announced it will follow FedEx and implement dimensional weight pricing across the US on December 29th, impacting UPS Ground and Canadian routes. This move aims to better align freight charges with costs, addressing the decreasing package density trend in e-commerce. Experts believe this will increase UPS profits, but may also incentivize shippers to optimize packaging. In the long term, this could influence the cost structure of the e-commerce industry.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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USPS Expands Lastmile Delivery to Enhance Ecommerce Logistics

USPS Expands Lastmile Delivery to Enhance Ecommerce Logistics

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is opening bidding for 18,000 Destination Delivery Units (DDUs) to expand its last-mile delivery services. This initiative aims to provide e-commerce businesses with more flexible and economical delivery options. The move is expected to reduce delivery times and costs while improving service quality. It also presents an opportunity for USPS to generate new revenue streams and increase its market share in the competitive e-commerce logistics landscape.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rises in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Rises in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a mixed picture for the US rail freight market in late January. Carload traffic experienced a slight increase, driven by sectors like nonmetallic minerals, coal, and automotive. However, intermodal traffic continued to decline, potentially due to easing port congestion, inventory adjustments, and slowing consumer spending. Overall, North American rail freight saw a slight decrease. The rail freight market faces a future with both challenges and opportunities.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Smart Parking Cuts Congestion in Logistics Parks

Smart Parking Cuts Congestion in Logistics Parks

Hikvision's Smart Parking Management Solution utilizes intelligent cameras and a digital platform to achieve real-time monitoring of parking space status, intelligent vehicle dispatch, and full cargo traceability. This enhances the operational efficiency of logistics parks, ensures cargo security, and optimizes the driver experience, helping logistics companies reduce costs and increase efficiency. The solution provides comprehensive visibility and control over parking resources, leading to smoother operations and improved overall performance within the logistics environment.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Reusable Packaging Gains Traction in Automated Supply Chains

Reusable Packaging Gains Traction in Automated Supply Chains

Surveys indicate that supply chain professionals widely believe automation will increase the demand for reusable packaging. Automation relies on standardized containers and pallets, a need perfectly met by reusable packaging. Companies should strengthen collaboration and innovate packaging design to create efficient and sustainable automated supply chains, embracing the future of automation. Reusable packaging offers a standardized and sustainable solution, making it a crucial component for successful automation implementation within the supply chain.

Costa Rica Streamlines Trade with New Customs Preruling System

Costa Rica Streamlines Trade with New Customs Preruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Costa Rica in upgrading its customs system, with a focus on implementing an Advance Ruling System to enhance commodity classification and origin management, thereby facilitating trade. This initiative aims to improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, and increase trade certainty by providing businesses with clearer expectations. This approach is a valuable model for other countries and businesses seeking to streamline their customs processes and improve trade efficiency.

East Coast Port Labor Dispute Shifts Imports to West Coast

East Coast Port Labor Dispute Shifts Imports to West Coast

The rising risk of port strikes on the US East and Gulf Coasts may drive a surge in US import volume in August. Retailers are proactively taking measures such as front-loading shipments and diverting cargo to West Coast ports. The report forecasts a 12.1% year-over-year increase in import volume for the full year 2024. Retailers need to closely monitor the situation and take proactive steps to ensure supply chain stability.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Big Data Transforms Global Supply Chains with Six Key Uses

Big Data Transforms Global Supply Chains with Six Key Uses

In the face of complex and volatile global supply chains, Big Data technology is playing a crucial role. By forecasting demand, tracking goods, assessing risks, optimizing warehousing, improving customer service, and enhancing transparency, Big Data empowers businesses to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and enhance supply chain resilience, helping them stand out in global competition. It enables proactive decision-making and better resource allocation, ultimately leading to a more agile and responsive supply chain.

AI and Regionalization Boost Supply Chain Resilience

AI and Regionalization Boost Supply Chain Resilience

A Prologis report reveals that global supply chain leaders are undergoing a "Great Reconfiguration" through AI, regionalization, and energy resilience to address future challenges. The report emphasizes a balance between resilience and efficiency, urging companies to actively deploy new technologies, establish risk monitoring systems, and increase safety stock. Regionalization strategies and AI applications are key trends. Simultaneously, attention must be paid to energy reliability, infrastructure upgrades, and diversification of energy supply sources.