Biden Administration Consults Industry on Supply Chain Fixes

Biden Administration Consults Industry on Supply Chain Fixes

The US supply chain faces significant challenges. The Biden administration issued an executive order and invited stakeholders to propose solutions, aiming to address port congestion, rail delays, and truck driver shortages. The government intends to rebuild supply chain resilience and ensure economic stability by improving port efficiency, enhancing rail capacity, alleviating trucking bottlenecks, accelerating digital transformation, diversifying supply chain networks, and strengthening risk management capabilities. These measures seek to create a more robust and reliable system capable of withstanding future disruptions.

Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS) Explained

Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS) Explained

The Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS) is an additional fee charged to shippers due to rising costs from busy ports. This fee varies depending on the port and time period, making it essential to consider for accurate logistics cost assessments to avoid economic losses. Specific charges are determined by announcements from shipping companies.

US Cities Adopt Innovations to Ease Supply Chain Gridlock

US Cities Adopt Innovations to Ease Supply Chain Gridlock

Four major US cities – New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta – are grappling with significant traffic congestion. In collaboration, Smart City and Supply Chain magazines delve into how these cities are leveraging technological innovation to combat congestion. The analysis includes New York's crowdsourced logistics, Chicago's rail freight hub redesign, Los Angeles' port efficiency improvements, Atlanta's technology-driven solutions, and the potential of drones in urban logistics. The report highlights various approaches to improve urban mobility and optimize supply chains within the context of smart city initiatives.

CPKC Merger Approved Transforming North American Rail Freight

CPKC Merger Approved Transforming North American Rail Freight

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has approved Canadian Pacific Railway's (CP) $31 billion acquisition of Kansas City Southern (KCS), marking a new era for North American rail freight. The merged CPKC will be the first railway connecting the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, fostering trade growth, reducing highway congestion, promoting investment and job creation, and improving transportation efficiency. This merger reshapes the North American freight landscape by creating a single-line service across the continent, offering shippers new options and enhancing competition in the rail industry.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Chicago Rail Bypass Project Under STB Scrutiny

Chicago Rail Bypass Project Under STB Scrutiny

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has requested Great Lakes Basin Transportation (GLBT) to supplement information regarding its proposed Chicago rail bypass project. This includes a list of served cities, financial statements, and shareholder information. The project aims to alleviate rail congestion in the Chicago hub but faces opposition from railroad companies and environmental groups, as well as challenges related to financial transparency. The STB's decision primarily addresses procedural issues, leaving the project's future uncertain. The additional information will allow the STB to properly evaluate the project's impact and feasibility.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Port Congestion Challenges Oversized Cargo Deliveries

Port Congestion Challenges Oversized Cargo Deliveries

Oversized containers often face issues like port area queuing and information delays when entering the port. This paper analyzes the reasons for the difficulty in OT cabinet entry and provides freight forwarders with coping strategies, including patient waiting, proactive communication, and paying fees when necessary. The aim is to help freight forwarders better solve the problem of port entry difficulties.

Brazilian Port Congestion Disrupts Agribusiness Exports

Brazilian Port Congestion Disrupts Agribusiness Exports

Brazilian port infrastructure is facing extreme strain, causing logistics congestion and significant losses for agricultural exports. Insufficient infrastructure investment, bureaucracy, and lagging digitalization exacerbate the problem. Coordinated action between the government and private sector is needed to increase investment and promote digital transformation to improve port efficiency and ensure Brazil's competitiveness in the global market. Shippers and freight forwarders should closely monitor port dynamics, plan ahead, and choose reliable logistics partners.

01/08/2026 Logistics
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Shipping Congestion Surges in Europe Latin America

Shipping Congestion Surges in Europe Latin America

International shipping congestion at ports in Europe and Latin America continues to worsen. The CEO of Hapag-Lloyd noted that labor disputes in Rotterdam and Antwerp are causing delays, while strong performance in the Brazilian market is exacerbating congestion at South American ports. Cargo owners and freight forwarders need to be aware of this trend and actively plan their logistics strategies.

06/09/2025 Logistics
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Freight Forwarders Tackle Port Congestion Container Shortages

Freight Forwarders Tackle Port Congestion Container Shortages

This paper delves into common issues in the freight forwarding industry: 'carrier-imposed container locks' and 'overbooking'. It analyzes the underlying causes and potential losses, offering corresponding strategies. It emphasizes that freight forwarders should strengthen internal management, improve document accuracy, communicate proactively, flexibly adjust transportation plans, and seek professional assistance to resolve crises. By implementing these measures, freight forwarders can mitigate risks associated with container locks and overbooking, minimizing disruptions and financial impacts.