US Rail Freight Decline Points to Yearend Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Yearend Economic Slowdown

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates that U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic decreased year-over-year for the week ending December 15th, but cumulative volumes remain slightly up for the year. Detailed data reveals varied performance across different commodity categories, reflecting structural market adjustments. Railroad companies need to pay attention to macroeconomic factors, supply chains, and the energy transition to actively address challenges, embrace change, and achieve sustainable development.

12/19/2025 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Strike Threatens Supply Chains Sparks Business Concerns

US Rail Strike Threatens Supply Chains Sparks Business Concerns

The US faces its first nationwide railroad strike threat in 30 years, potentially causing $2 billion in daily economic losses and disrupting the global supply chain. This article analyzes the potential impacts of the strike, including cargo transportation disruptions, retail product shortages, and increased inflation. It explores possible solutions such as congressional intervention and third-party arbitration. Furthermore, it offers strategic recommendations for businesses to mitigate the crisis, including risk assessment, identifying alternative solutions, and increasing inventory levels.

12/31/2025 Logistics
Read More
Union Pacific Norfolk Southern Pursue Transcontinental Rail Merger

Union Pacific Norfolk Southern Pursue Transcontinental Rail Merger

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have submitted a merger application to create the first transcontinental railroad in the United States, connecting the East and West Coasts and over a hundred ports. This initiative aims to improve transportation efficiency, reduce costs, and boost trade. However, potential impacts on market competition, employment, and the environment need to be considered. The merger's success hinges on addressing these concerns while realizing the promised benefits of a more streamlined and integrated national rail network.

01/15/2026 Logistics
Read More
West Coast Port Labor Dispute Sparks Calls for White House Action

West Coast Port Labor Dispute Sparks Calls for White House Action

The labor dispute at US West Coast ports is escalating, prompting trade associations to urge the Biden administration to intervene. The White House is taking a cautious approach, emphasizing negotiated solutions. The retail and manufacturing sectors face the risk of supply chain disruptions, requiring businesses to proactively adjust their strategies. The ongoing situation threatens to further strain global commerce and highlights the vulnerability of international supply networks to localized conflicts. Businesses are exploring alternative shipping routes and diversifying suppliers to mitigate potential impacts.

11/03/2025 Logistics
Read More
WACAM Project Advances Customs Modernization in West Africa

WACAM Project Advances Customs Modernization in West Africa

The West Africa Customs Administration Modernization (WACAM) project aims to improve customs management and operational efficiency in West African countries. Through regional workshops and national support missions, it shares best practices in strategic management and provides capacity building support in areas such as human resource management, stakeholder relations, and resource mobilization. The project has successfully held resource mobilization workshops and will continue to advance stakeholder relations workshops, contributing to customs modernization in West Africa. The goal is to create more effective and efficient customs administrations.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Plus One Robotics and Berobox Launch Depalone for Warehouse Automation

Plus One Robotics and Berobox Launch Depalone for Warehouse Automation

Plus One and beRobox have partnered to launch DepalOne, a depalletizing system designed to simplify deployment and address warehouse depalletizing challenges. This solution aims to alleviate labor shortages and accommodate increasing throughput demands. DepalOne offers a streamlined approach to automating the depalletizing process, improving efficiency and reducing reliance on manual labor in warehouse environments.

01/06/2026 Logistics
Read More
Chinese Yuan Holds Steady at 500 to US Dollar

Chinese Yuan Holds Steady at 500 to US Dollar

Currently, 500 RMB can be exchanged for approximately 69.60 USD, with an exchange rate of about 1 CNY = 0.1392 USD, reflecting significant changes in Sino-American economic relations. Monitoring exchange rate dynamics can help individuals and businesses better respond to market fluctuations.

08/10/2025 Exchange Rate Query
Read More
DHL Express Canada Faces Potential Strike Amid Logistics Uncertainty

DHL Express Canada Faces Potential Strike Amid Logistics Uncertainty

Over 2,000 DHL Express Canada employees may strike due to stalled contract negotiations with Unifor, focusing on wages and working conditions. The strike could begin as early as this Sunday, adding to the challenges already facing Canadian logistics due to Canada Post labor issues. DHL has prepared contingency plans to minimize disruption. The potential strike highlights ongoing labor tensions within the Canadian logistics sector and the impact on supply chains.

01/08/2026 Logistics
Read More