US Retail Sales Surge in September Amid Hurricane Holiday Demand

US Retail Sales Surge in September Amid Hurricane Holiday Demand

September retail sales data showed strong performance, with both the U.S. Department of Commerce and NRF reporting year-over-year growth. While hurricanes had some impact, increased sales of building materials offset some of the negative effects. The NRF forecasts continued growth in holiday retail sales, driven by omnichannel integration and consumer confidence. The retail industry is undergoing a transformation, requiring a focus on personalization, convenience, and engagement. Retailers need to adapt to evolving consumer expectations to thrive in the current market.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Slump Sparks Economic Worries

US Rail Freight Slump Sparks Economic Worries

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a year-over-year decline in U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic for the week ending December 15th, raising concerns about the economic outlook. The article analyzes specific data, highlighting both growing and declining commodity categories. It explores potential factors influencing rail freight volume and looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities facing rail companies. The piece emphasizes the importance of rail freight as a key economic barometer, reflecting overall economic health and trends.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Winter Carload Drop Amid Intermodal Growth

US Rail Freight Sees Winter Carload Drop Amid Intermodal Growth

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight in February presented a mixed picture. Carload volume plummeted 11.1% year-over-year, dragged down by declining demand for coal, building materials, and automobiles. However, container traffic bucked the trend, growing by 1.8%, demonstrating the resilience of intermodal transportation. Severe weather exacerbated the challenges for traditional freight, highlighting the impact of economic restructuring and supply chain bottlenecks. Rail freight needs to actively transform, embracing intermodal solutions and digital technologies, to achieve a resurgence.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Guide to FOB Trade Managing Freight and Risk

Guide to FOB Trade Managing Freight and Risk

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the operational procedures for nominated cargo under FOB trade terms, emphasizing the importance of information communication and instruction execution. It details potential risks such as release of goods without original Bill of Lading and cost settlement issues, along with corresponding mitigation strategies. The article also compares and contrasts the differences and applications of HBL, MBL, and OBL, offering comprehensive operational guidance and risk prevention advice for export companies. This aims to help exporters navigate the complexities of FOB shipments and minimize potential losses.

08/21/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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ASL Airlines Belgium Expands Air Cargo Services

ASL Airlines Belgium Expands Air Cargo Services

This article provides a detailed overview of ASL Airlines Belgium, a European airline specializing in cargo transportation. It covers the company profile, key information, reasons for choosing ASL, cargo tracking methods, and the advantages of its hub airport, Liège Airport. Furthermore, the article expands on fundamental knowledge of air freight and offers advice on selecting a freight forwarder. The aim is to help readers better understand and utilize air freight services effectively. This includes information on how to track shipments and the benefits of using a dedicated cargo airline.

08/22/2025 Airlines
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Pascagoula Airports PGL Code Explained

Pascagoula Airports PGL Code Explained

This article provides a detailed explanation of the Pascagoula Airport's three-letter code, PGL. It elaborates on the crucial role of airport codes in global air transportation and introduces efficient methods for querying airport codes. The article aims to help readers better understand the air freight logistics system and improve the efficiency of related operations. Understanding airport codes is fundamental for navigating the complexities of air cargo and ensuring smooth and accurate tracking of shipments worldwide. This knowledge contributes to streamlined processes and improved communication within the industry.

09/29/2025 Airport Codes
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Freight Forwarders Key to Global Trade Growth

Freight Forwarders Key to Global Trade Growth

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the role and functions of freight forwarders in international trade, clarifying the dynamic relationship between freight forwarders, shippers, and carriers. Acting as a bridge connecting shippers and carriers, freight forwarders offer services such as booking, customs clearance, inland transportation, and warehousing. The article also explores the specifics of LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments, the diverse landscape of freight forwarding companies, and the importance of choosing the right freight forwarder, aiming to help readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the freight forwarding industry.

09/26/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Freight Forwarders Guide to Cutoff and Sailing Times

Freight Forwarders Guide to Cutoff and Sailing Times

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the freight forwarding term "Several Cut-offs and Openings," detailing the meanings and operational key points of various "cut-offs," including Customs Clearance Cut-off, AMS/ACI/ENS Cut-off, Documentation Cut-off, Cargo Cut-off, and ISF Filing. It aims to help foreign trade practitioners understand critical time nodes, avoid potential risks, and ensure smooth cargo transportation. The article clarifies the significance of each cut-off time in the international shipping process, enabling better planning and execution of shipments.

09/26/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Venezuelas Barinas Airport Expands Air Freight Operations

Venezuelas Barinas Airport Expands Air Freight Operations

This article details the three-letter code (BNS) for Barinas Airport in Venezuela and highlights the three-letter code query system offered by West Coast Cargo. This system provides global airport code lookup, air freight tracking, and airline information, making it a valuable tool for air freight operations. It also introduces West Coast Cargo's unique Pinyin initial code query rule, allowing users to quickly locate their target airport. The system simplifies the process of finding relevant information for air cargo shipments to and from Venezuela and other global destinations.

09/29/2025 Airport Codes
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Air Freight Waivers for Fragile Goods Protection or Liability

Air Freight Waivers for Fragile Goods Protection or Liability

International air freight of fragile goods often requires a guarantee (air waybill guarantee) to transfer risk. The core of the guarantee lies in clarifying the division of responsibilities, but shippers still need to strengthen packaging to reduce damage. Guarantees are frequently needed for high-damage goods, LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments, and when carefully reviewing shipping routes. It is recommended to consult with professional logistics consultants and compare prices to choose a reliable channel. Proper packaging and route selection are crucial to minimizing potential damage during transit.

11/03/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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