Americas Caribbean Customs Boost Postclearance Audit Expertise

Americas Caribbean Customs Boost Postclearance Audit Expertise

The World Customs Organization held a Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) workshop in the Americas and Caribbean region to enhance the auditing capabilities of customs administrations. The aim was to ensure compliance with laws and regulations and integrate international standards into customs operations. The workshop focused on the role of risk management in PCA, facilitating the exchange of experiences among customs administrations and the joint development of regional audit plans. This aims to improve compliance control levels and safeguard tax revenue. The future of PCA will increasingly rely on digitization and intelligent technologies.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lasership and Ontrac Merge to Compete in Ecommerce Delivery

Lasership and Ontrac Merge to Compete in Ecommerce Delivery

The merger of LaserShip and OnTrac aims to create a national e-commerce last-mile delivery network, challenging the UPS and FedEx duopoly. This consolidation faces challenges in network integration, brand positioning, and service expansion, but also presents opportunities to disrupt the monopoly, meet e-commerce demands, and improve service quality. This merger represents a significant attempt by regional carriers to break through and potentially reshape the US last-mile delivery market landscape. It aims to provide a more competitive alternative for online retailers seeking faster and more flexible delivery options.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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WCO Program Strengthens African Customs for Trade Growth

WCO Program Strengthens African Customs for Trade Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO), with EU funding, held a Technical and Operational Advisor (TOA) accreditation workshop for French-speaking African countries. The aim was to enhance customs officials' skills in areas like commodity classification, origin, and valuation. Through pre-accreditation and field visit assessments, the project seeks to expand the pool of experts and facilitate regional trade. Quantitative evaluation and continuous improvement are crucial for the project's success, contributing to the upgrading of African trade. The program ultimately aims to streamline customs procedures and boost economic development within the region.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Certification Enhances Trade in Latin America

WCO Certification Enhances Trade in Latin America

The World Customs Organization successfully held a Mercator Programme Advisor certification workshop for the Spanish-speaking Americas region. The aim was to cultivate a group of high-quality MPA experts and promote the coordinated implementation of trade facilitation measures globally. This initiative helps relevant countries optimize customs clearance processes, reduce trade costs, and improve efficiency, injecting strong momentum into regional trade facilitation. The workshop focused on equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement the WCO's Mercator Programme, ultimately contributing to streamlined trade procedures and economic growth.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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DRC Zambia Launch Tradeboosting Customs Link

DRC Zambia Launch Tradeboosting Customs Link

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia are collaborating on a customs systems interconnectivity project at the Kasumbalesa border post to enhance cross-border trade efficiency. Supported by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), the project has established a steering committee and developed a work plan. Data exchange is expected to commence in May 2025, significantly reducing trade costs and promoting regional integration. This initiative underscores the commitment of both nations to streamlining trade processes and fostering economic growth through enhanced customs cooperation.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bank of America Index Shows High Costs Low Volumes in US Logistics

Bank of America Index Shows High Costs Low Volumes in US Logistics

The Bank of America Freight Payment Index indicates a decrease in freight volumes during the fourth quarter, while freight spending reached a record high. Driver shortages, rising fuel prices, and ongoing supply chain challenges are key contributing factors. Regional performance varied, with the Western region experiencing the largest increase in spending. To navigate these challenges, businesses need to optimize their supply chains, strengthen collaboration, diversify transportation options, and embrace digital transformation. These strategies are crucial for mitigating the impact of rising costs and ensuring efficient freight operations in the current economic climate.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in Early 2024

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in Early 2024

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes declined year-over-year in the first week of February, with varying performance across categories. While cumulative freight volume saw a slight increase, the decline in intermodal transportation partially offset this growth. Overall, North American rail freight volume decreased, with significant regional differences. Moving forward, railway companies need to optimize asset allocation, improve operational efficiency, expand service offerings, strengthen partnerships, embrace digitalization, and focus on sustainable development to address challenges and seize opportunities.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Global Industrial Robot Growth Slows Despite Record Deployments

Global Industrial Robot Growth Slows Despite Record Deployments

While the global stock of industrial robots reaches record highs, new sales growth is slowing down. This analysis examines the current market situation, the reasons for the slowdown (impact from the automotive and electronics industries), highlights of collaborative robots, and regional market dynamics. Looking ahead, economic recovery is crucial. Companies need to expand application areas, enhance intelligence levels, optimize service models, and strengthen talent development to seize market opportunities. Focus on innovation and adaptation will be key to navigating the evolving landscape and achieving sustainable growth in the industrial robotics sector.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Adapts to Pandemic Challenges

US Rail Freight Adapts to Pandemic Challenges

This paper analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on US rail freight, highlighting challenges such as declining freight volumes, supply chain disruptions, and decreased demand. It explores how railway companies adjusted their operational strategies, enhanced customer communication, and ensured employee safety. The paper also looks ahead to post-pandemic trends in rail freight, including supply chain diversification, increased regional trade, and growing e-commerce logistics demands. The analysis provides insights into the resilience and adaptability of the rail freight industry in the face of unprecedented global disruptions.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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India Malaysia Indonesia Explore New Trade Opportunities

India Malaysia Indonesia Explore New Trade Opportunities

This paper delves into the geographical distances between India and Malaysia, and Malaysia and Indonesia, analyzing their impact on economic and cultural exchanges. It highlights that despite the geographical distances, the connections between these three nations remain strong. The study explores the influence of distance on trade, investment, and cultural understanding. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes the existing bonds and positive relations, outlining the potential for future regional cooperation and collaboration in various sectors, including trade, tourism, and infrastructure development. It envisions a future where these nations can further strengthen their ties for mutual benefit.

01/26/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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