The 2025 LTL shipping survey results reveal the challenges and strategies shippers face in maintaining service levels. The research analyzes trends in contract pricing, the impact of e-commerce, the use of spot contracts, and optimization management measures, providing businesses with effective logistics management recommendations.
The Free Trade Zone has enhanced trade facilitation and customs efficiency through innovative regulation and experience replication, successfully lowering warehousing and logistics costs. The pilot free trade zones in Zhejiang, Shaanxi, Liaoning, and Sichuan have implemented effective measures to support various types of trade, significantly boosting enterprise competitiveness and market participation. The simplification of customs processes and the application of technology have made import and export trade increasingly efficient, driving regional economic development and changing the market landscape.
The Namibian Revenue Agency (NamRA) is fully implementing the AEO program to enhance supply chain security, streamline trade processes, and improve business competitiveness. Through pilot verification training and continuous optimization, NamRA is committed to working with businesses to build an efficient and convenient trade environment, promoting national economic prosperity. The AEO program aims to simplify customs procedures for trusted traders, reducing clearance times and costs. This initiative is expected to boost Namibia's trade performance and attract foreign investment.
Brazil and Uruguay signed an AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) pilot program, aiming to simplify customs clearance, enhance supply chain security, and promote bilateral and regional trade facilitation through joint certification of compliant traders. This represents a significant milestone in customs cooperation between the two countries and serves as a model for global trade security and facilitation. The MRA is expected to reduce border delays and costs for certified companies, fostering greater economic integration within the region.
The Gambia Revenue Authority, with support from the World Customs Organization, implemented a competency-based human resource management model. This included developing job catalogs and competency frameworks, which received positive feedback after a pilot phase. Future plans involve creating onboarding programs and sharing experiences with national institutions to promote the modernization of human resource management at the national level. The implementation of the competency model is a key component of the ongoing tax reform efforts in Gambia.
Cross-border e-commerce sellers face challenges when applying the 1039 policy, including differences in pilot registration and filing, difficulties in logistics provider cooperation, limitations in Single Window agreement activation qualifications, and bank account permission requirements. To effectively leverage the advantages of the 1039 policy and overcome customs clearance difficulties, sellers need to seek professional services and enhance their understanding of the policy. Addressing these hurdles is crucial for maximizing the benefits of the 1039 customs clearance model.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully conducted an online Time Release Study (TRS) workshop for Bolivian Customs, aiming to enhance trade facilitation in Bolivia. By reviewing processes, optimizing questionnaires, and preparing pilot projects, Bolivian Customs is ready for TRS implementation. The goal is to reduce goods release times, lower costs for businesses, improve the investment climate, and enhance national competitiveness. The TRS will help identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the customs clearance process, leading to targeted reforms and improvements.
The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) supported Bolivia in conducting a Time Release Study (TRS) to improve trade efficiency and comply with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through expert guidance, questionnaire optimization, and pilot testing, the GTFP helped Bolivia identify bottlenecks in goods release and optimize operational procedures. This support contributes to trade facilitation and economic development by streamlining processes and improving efficiency within Bolivia's trade system. The TRS provides valuable insights for further improvements.
With the support of the WCO-WACAM project, Niger Customs launched a human resource management modernization project. This initiative aims to raise awareness and garner broad support for HR modernization both within and outside the customs administration through change management and communication activities. By diagnosing challenges, building a competency framework, and conducting pilot programs, Niger Customs is committed to building an efficient, professional, and dynamic workforce. This workforce will contribute to the country's economic development and ensure its security.
Nicaragua has launched an AEO pilot program, supported by the WCO, aimed at enhancing customs capacity, streamlining clearance procedures, reducing business operating costs, and boosting international trade competitiveness. The program includes AEO certification and Time Release Studies, designed to create an efficient and convenient customs environment and promote Nicaragua's economic development. This initiative is expected to significantly improve the ease of doing business and attract foreign investment by fostering a more predictable and reliable trade ecosystem.
