GXO Logistics has signed a multi-year strategic agreement with Blue Yonder to become its preferred provider of warehouse management software solutions. This initiative aims to enhance GXO's operational efficiency and ability to meet customer demands, allowing for more flexible supply chain management and enabling businesses to respond quickly to market changes while maintaining inventory flexibility.
SF Technology successfully signed a cooperation agreement with the Civil Aviation Administration in Ganzhou, Jiangxi. Both parties will jointly research drone operational risks and provide support for the establishment of drone standards. This cooperation marks a further development of SF in the drone logistics sector, with a future focus on promoting industry standardization and technological innovation.
The WCO held a customs valuation workshop in Rwanda to enhance the capabilities of tax authority officials. The workshop covered topics such as the WTO Valuation Agreement and transfer pricing. The initiative aims to promote trade development by improving understanding and application of customs valuation principles, ultimately facilitating smoother and more efficient trade processes for Rwanda.
The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will implement the Night Gate program by the end of July. This initiative aims to alleviate port congestion and improve freight efficiency by extending terminal operating hours into the early morning and implementing congestion pricing during peak hours. This encourages cargo companies to utilize off-peak times for loading and unloading. The program has been piloted and is currently undergoing system testing. It is expected to significantly increase port throughput capacity and improve traffic conditions by shifting volume and reducing bottlenecks.
In the first three quarters of this year, the Qianhai Bay Free Trade Port in Shenzhen achieved a cross-border e-commerce clearance value of 430 million yuan, a staggering increase of 48.5 times year-on-year. This remarkable growth is attributed to innovative measures introduced by Shenzhen Customs, such as expedited clearance and integrated operations within the port area, which significantly improved efficiency and reduced costs for businesses. Moreover, the development of foreign trade enterprises was further promoted through internet platforms and dedicated services, enhancing the appeal of the free trade zone.
Yingkou Port actively participates in the Belt and Road initiative, with a 4% increase in throughput in the first three quarters. Both foreign trade and container volumes have significantly risen, and new international trains to Europe have been launched, establishing a sea-rail intermodal network that enhances its role as a key transit hub in Northeast Asia. Domestic trade routes cover over 30 ports with 420 flights, promoting the port's digital transformation and integration into cross-border e-commerce. Yingkou Port demonstrates great development potential, contributing to regional economic growth.
Luzhou Port's Bonded Logistics Center (Type B) has officially begun operations, becoming the fourth Customs Special Supervision Zone in Sichuan Province. This center aims to provide efficient policy support and logistics solutions for enterprises, promoting local economic development and serving as an important platform for regional openness. In the future, the Luzhou Port Bonded Logistics Center will be developed into a fully modernized logistics service center, contributing to the growth of the Sichuan-Yunnan-Guizhou-Chongqing junction.
Jacksons International Airport (POM), located in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, is a major aviation hub. The airport continually upgrades its facilities and services to meet the growing demand from travelers, connecting destinations worldwide.
On July 9, Trump reiterated the threat of increased tariffs, while Treasury Secretary Becerra noted that some countries might reach agreements, but not all parties would meet deadlines. The U.S. Secretary of Commerce stated that an agreement with ten major trading partners is forthcoming, increasing pressure on national survival. Cargo owners and freight forwarders must closely monitor policy changes to mitigate potential risks.
Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern Railway have reached an $85 billion merger agreement to create the first coast-to-coast rail network in the United States. However, various shipper organizations have expressed concerns about potential market monopolization and rising freight rates post-merger. They are urging regulators to review the transaction to ensure competition and service quality in the market.
