US Forms Task Force to Address Shipping Supply Chain Crisis

US Forms Task Force to Address Shipping Supply Chain Crisis

The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has established a "Supply Chain Innovation Team" to address challenges in ocean shipping caused by the pandemic, including empty container accumulation, refrigerated container shortages, and vessel delays. By bringing together representatives from various sectors, the team aims to identify innovative solutions and coordinate actions to alleviate the pandemic's impact on the global supply chain and ensure smooth trade flows. The initiative seeks to find practical ways to improve efficiency and resilience within the current system.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Global Shipping Container Sizes Shape Trade Economics

Global Shipping Container Sizes Shape Trade Economics

This paper elaborates on common container specifications in international shipping, including standard dry cargo containers, refrigerated containers, and specialized containers such as open-top and flat rack containers. It provides an in-depth analysis of the applicable scenarios, economic considerations, and usage precautions for various container specifications. The aim is to offer a practical reference guide for foreign trade practitioners, helping them understand the nuances of container selection and optimize their shipping strategies based on container type and associated costs.

02/06/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Trucking Shortage Drives Up Freight Costs for Businesses

Trucking Shortage Drives Up Freight Costs for Businesses

Shrinking truckload capacity is a top concern for shippers, driven by factors like the ELD mandate, driver shortages, and manufacturing growth. Intermodal transportation emerges as a crucial strategy to combat capacity challenges. Businesses need to optimize their supply chains and select appropriate intermodal solutions to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and maintain a competitive edge in the market. Focusing on strategic intermodal implementation allows companies to navigate the current capacity constraints and build more resilient and cost-effective supply chains.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Trucking Demand Falls Rates Rise Amid Economic Concerns

US Trucking Demand Falls Rates Rise Amid Economic Concerns

US truckload volumes decreased in September, while rates saw a slight increase. Excess capacity contributed to rising spot rates but declining contract rates. With a potentially weak peak season ahead, carriers need to be agile and responsive to market challenges. The imbalance between supply and demand continues to shape the freight landscape, requiring careful capacity management and strategic pricing decisions from carriers navigating the current market dynamics. Monitoring capacity analysis is crucial for informed decision-making.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Trucking Sees Surprise Winter Freight Boom

US Trucking Sees Surprise Winter Freight Boom

The American Trucking Associations reported a 2.8% increase in truck freight volume in February, despite severe winter weather. Analysts attribute this growth to pent-up freight demand, stable underlying freight activity, and regulatory constraints tightening capacity, leading to price increases. Industry players should monitor weather conditions, capacity management strategies, and policy changes to capitalize on market opportunities. The upcoming spring agricultural season is expected to further strain capacity and potentially create additional growth opportunities in the trucking sector.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Major Retailers Adopt Collaborative Supply Chains to Boost Efficiency

Major Retailers Adopt Collaborative Supply Chains to Boost Efficiency

Retail supply chains face challenges like driver shortages and capacity constraints. The RILA Conference emphasized the need for shippers to establish strategic partnerships with carriers, breaking traditional models to achieve information sharing and capacity optimization. Collaboration among shippers is also increasingly important. By integrating capacity, optimizing routes, and collectively responding to market changes, they can build efficient and flexible supply chains. This collaborative approach enables better resource utilization and resilience in the face of evolving market dynamics.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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East Africa Trade Project Ends Strengthens Regional Ties

East Africa Trade Project Ends Strengthens Regional Ties

With the support of WCO and JICA, five East African countries successfully completed a trade facilitation and border control capacity development project. Focusing on One-Stop Border Post operations and customs capacity building, the project significantly improved trade efficiency and border control levels in the East African region. The WCO Secretary General praised East Africa's experience, encouraging its sharing with other African regions. He also emphasized the continued support for customs capacity building in Africa and Pacific Island countries.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Hong Kong Customs Enhances Asiapacific Antismuggling Collaboration

Hong Kong Customs Enhances Asiapacific Antismuggling Collaboration

The Regional Office for Capacity Building Asia Pacific (ROCB A/P), with strong support from regional members like Hong Kong Customs, is dedicated to providing high-quality capacity building support to customs administrations in the Asia-Pacific region. The renewed dispatch of technical experts by Hong Kong Customs demonstrates its long-term commitment to regional capacity building. ROCB A/P will continue to play a vital role in facilitating regional trade development, ensuring trade security, and enhancing customs management capabilities.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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SADC Conference Boosts Regional Trade Through Customs Reform

SADC Conference Boosts Regional Trade Through Customs Reform

The 2010 SADC Customs Capacity Building Conference fostered regional customs reform and modernized management, strengthening regional coordination. Participants shared capacity-building experiences and identified areas for cooperation based on WCO standards. Significant attention was given to the SACU pilot project and the implementation of the WCO Customs Learning Standards, laying the foundation for future regional capacity-building development. The conference highlighted the importance of harmonized procedures and collaborative efforts in enhancing customs efficiency and regional trade facilitation within the SADC region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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XPO Werner Executives Optimistic About Peak Season Supply Chain

XPO Werner Executives Optimistic About Peak Season Supply Chain

XPO and Werner executives expressed optimism about the 2020 peak season outlook at the CSCMP conference, anticipating an early and sustained peak driven by strong demand and tight capacity. Companies should enhance communication with customers, optimize capacity allocation, increase technology investment, improve employee skills, and strengthen risk management. These strategies are crucial to capitalize on opportunities and navigate challenges presented by the demanding peak season environment within the evolving supply chain landscape. Addressing capacity constraints will be key to success.

12/31/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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