Rail Executives Address Freight Challenges at Railtrends Conference

Rail Executives Address Freight Challenges at Railtrends Conference

Leaders from the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) discussed key trends in rail freight at the RailTrends conference, focusing on issues such as labor negotiations and service quality. Both associations expressed their commitment to strengthening collaboration to promote sustainable industry development and lay the groundwork for future innovation and cooperation. This partnership aims to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities within the rail freight sector, ensuring its continued growth and efficiency.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Better Trucks Expands Nationally to Transform Lastmile Delivery

Better Trucks Expands Nationally to Transform Lastmile Delivery

Better Trucks, a parcel carrier specializing in next-day and two-day delivery, plans to expand its service reach with a $15 million funding round, aiming to challenge the market dominance of FedEx and UPS. The company employs a flexible operational model, combining a fleet of contractor vehicles and a gig driver platform, to deliver higher quality and more reliable last-mile delivery services, catering to the evolving needs of shippers. This approach offers an alternative solution in the increasingly competitive logistics landscape.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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UPS Expands Logisticsasaservice to Drive Growth

UPS Expands Logisticsasaservice to Drive Growth

UPS is actively building a "Logistics-as-a-Service" (LaaS) platform, integrating its digital services to offer five key pillars: end-to-end visibility and financial solutions. This aims to expand revenue streams and address market challenges. Similar moves by competitors like FedEx indicate LaaS is a significant trend in the logistics industry, intensifying future competition. Businesses should embrace LaaS to improve supply chain efficiency and achieve mutual growth. The platform approach enables a more integrated and responsive logistics ecosystem.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Amazon Sellers Face 279B Returns Surge Postholidays

Amazon Sellers Face 279B Returns Surge Postholidays

Online shopping returns in the US are projected to reach $279.03 billion, with third-party marketplaces accounting for $43.5 billion. Sellers face high costs and bizarre return reasons. To combat this, sellers need to improve product quality and description accuracy, proactively address negative reviews and return requests, enhance after-sales service, optimize inventory management, and conduct data analysis and risk control. Strengthening brand building, differentiating themselves competitively, and implementing refined operations are crucial for navigating the challenges of high return rates.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ecommerce Faces 279B Holiday Returns Surge

Ecommerce Faces 279B Holiday Returns Surge

U.S. online shopping returns are projected to reach $279.03 billion this year, doubling pre-pandemic levels, driven by inflation and 'buy now, return later' practices. This high return rate erodes e-commerce profits, posing challenges for sellers. Optimizing product information, improving service, and refining logistics are key solutions. Amazon's extended return periods exacerbate logistics pressure, and the return surge may persist until January. Retailers are struggling to manage the costs and complexities associated with the increasing volume of returned goods.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Amazon Sellers Adopt Lateseason Tactics for Holiday Sales Surge

Amazon Sellers Adopt Lateseason Tactics for Holiday Sales Surge

Amazon Seller's Guide to Peak Season: Stabilize existing products, direct sales clearance, nurture new products during the peak season, expand the team, and prepare inventory in advance. Seize the opportunity in the final stages of the peak season, adjust strategies, and strive for good results at the end of the year for a fruitful year. Focus on optimizing listings, running targeted ads, and providing excellent customer service to maximize sales during this crucial period. Don't forget to analyze data to refine your approach.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Retailers Adapt Strategies for Yearround Holiday Shopping Demand

Retailers Adapt Strategies for Yearround Holiday Shopping Demand

In an interview, Roadie executive Will Walker highlights the challenges of an 'always-on' holiday shopping season for retailers. He emphasizes the need to start promotions early, optimize last-mile delivery, and leverage flexible crowdsourced driver networks to meet capacity demands. Key to success is maintaining simplicity, flexibility, and a customer-centric approach, while also addressing returns. The last mile has evolved from 'Amazonification' to personalized service, requiring retailers to adapt and offer tailored delivery solutions to meet increasingly specific consumer needs.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Postpandemic Logistics Supply Chains Adapt to New Challenges

Postpandemic Logistics Supply Chains Adapt to New Challenges

In the post-pandemic era, the logistics industry faces infrastructure upgrades, postal service pressures, and volatile challenges. Digital transformation, building flexible supply chains, enhancing resilience, and promoting sustainable development are key to breaking through. Embrace opportunities and welcome the golden age of intelligent and green logistics. The industry needs to adapt to changing demands and leverage technology to optimize operations and improve efficiency. This includes investing in automation, data analytics, and cloud-based solutions to create a more agile and responsive supply chain.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Amazon Halts Thirdparty Delivery Expansion Amid Industry Shifts

Amazon Halts Thirdparty Delivery Expansion Amid Industry Shifts

Amazon has suspended its third-party delivery service for non-Amazon packages to manage a surge in its own orders and optimize resource allocation. This reflects a strategic adjustment that may alleviate logistical pressure. The move potentially creates opportunities for UPS and FedEx and could accelerate logistics innovation. Amazon will continue investing in logistics infrastructure, driving technological innovation, and expanding its global network in the future. The suspension is a temporary measure to ensure timely delivery of Amazon customer orders during peak demand.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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AFS Cowen Launch Predictive Freight Index for Market Trends

AFS Cowen Launch Predictive Freight Index for Market Trends

Cowen and AFS have jointly launched a forward-looking freight index. Leveraging AI and ML technologies, it forecasts trends in LTL, TL, and parcel freight rates. This provides decision support for investors, shippers, carriers, and logistics service providers, helping businesses optimize strategies, reduce costs, and improve profitability. The index allows stakeholders to gain a competitive edge and capitalize on opportunities in the rapidly changing market. It offers valuable insights for informed decision-making and proactive planning in the logistics industry.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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