US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic declined year-over-year for the week ending February 11. Carload traffic decreased by 1.6%, while intermodal volume fell sharply by 10.2%. Year-to-date, carload traffic is up slightly by 1%, but intermodal volume is down 7.7%. While North American rail carload traffic increased, intermodal volume also saw a decline. These figures reflect the complexities of the current economic environment and the challenges facing supply chains, requiring businesses to closely monitor and adapt their strategies.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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New Tariffs Reshape Crossborder Ecommerce Product Strategies

New Tariffs Reshape Crossborder Ecommerce Product Strategies

Faced with new tariff policies, the traditional product selection logic for cross-border e-commerce is challenged. This article explores how product selection assistants can reconstruct data dimensions, including accurate tax rate mapping, logistics plan simulation, and inventory turnover assessment, to adapt to the new environment. The product selection assistant needs to upgrade from a "data display" to a "decision simulator," providing full-chain data support to help merchants achieve refined operations amidst uncertainty. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive data analysis for informed decision-making in a dynamic market.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Authorities Crack Down on Crossborder Tax Evasion

Global Authorities Crack Down on Crossborder Tax Evasion

This paper emphasizes the importance of customs-tax cooperation, analyzing intelligence sharing and joint enforcement mechanisms. The aim is to enhance fiscal revenue, safeguard the trade environment, and promote economic development. Effective collaboration between customs and tax authorities is crucial for combating illicit financial flows, preventing tax evasion, and ensuring fair trade practices. This collaborative approach strengthens border security, improves risk management, and ultimately contributes to a more stable and prosperous economy. The paper highlights the benefits of a coordinated strategy in addressing complex challenges in international trade and taxation.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kenya Enhances Customs Training Via WCO Elearning Platform

Kenya Enhances Customs Training Via WCO Elearning Platform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Kenya Regional Training Centre (CRF) in introducing e-learning, aiming to enhance the professional capabilities and efficiency of Kenyan customs officers. This initiative seeks to improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, and enhance international competitiveness. This effort not only boosts Kenya's own capabilities but also provides valuable lessons for other developing countries, contributing to a more efficient, convenient, and secure global trade environment. The e-learning model is expected to significantly improve knowledge dissemination and skills development within the Kenyan customs administration.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Body Firms Partner on Disruptive Tech

Global Customs Body Firms Partner on Disruptive Tech

The 44th meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) focused on the impact of disruptive technologies on the customs environment. It emphasized strengthening customs-private sector cooperation to address cross-border e-commerce challenges, piloting information exchange, and establishing regional organizations. Discussions covered topics such as combating counterfeit goods, global connectivity, the WCO Academy, and trade platforms. The meeting aimed to promote trade facilitation and sustainable economic development by addressing the evolving landscape and fostering collaboration between customs authorities and the private sector.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Ghana Customs Modernization Plan

WCO Backs Ghana Customs Modernization Plan

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, assessed and optimized the 2015-2017 strategic plan of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). This initiative aimed to enhance customs modernization in Ghana, enabling it to better adapt to the international trade environment and safeguard national economic development. The focus was on strategic plan compliance, modernization reforms, capacity building, and improving the monitoring and evaluation unit, along with internal project management capabilities. The project sought to improve GRA's overall effectiveness and efficiency in customs operations.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Enhances Customs Enforcement for Environmental Agreements

Botswana Enhances Customs Enforcement for Environmental Agreements

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme and the Basel Convention Secretariat, held a workshop in Botswana to enhance customs officers' awareness and enforcement capabilities regarding multilateral environmental agreements. The workshop covered key issues such as the Basel Convention and the Montreal Protocol, strengthening cooperation between customs and environmental agencies. The WCO will continue to provide technical support to Botswana and other countries in achieving sustainable development goals. This initiative aims to combat illegal trade in environmentally sensitive goods and promote responsible environmental practices.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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3PL Growth Drives Industrial Real Estate Shift Amid Ecommerce Decline

3PL Growth Drives Industrial Real Estate Shift Amid Ecommerce Decline

A recent CBRE report highlights the dominance of 3PL providers in the industrial real estate leasing market, while noting a decline in retail e-commerce demand. Businesses should capitalize on 3PL outsourcing opportunities to optimize supply chain management and embrace a more specialized and efficient approach. Active industrial real estate leasing areas include Southern California's Inland Empire, the I-78/I-81 Corridor in Pennsylvania, and the Dallas-Fort Worth region. This trend underscores the growing importance of strategic partnerships and optimized logistics networks in today's dynamic business environment.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Freight Forwarders Adopt Multicurrency Tools Amid Volatility

Freight Forwarders Adopt Multicurrency Tools Amid Volatility

Facing the erosion of freight forwarding companies' profits due to exchange rate fluctuations, intelligent multi-currency management has become a necessity. By building a real-time exchange rate hub, automated allocation engine, and transparent profit and loss analysis system, companies can effectively manage risks, improve efficiency, and achieve refined operations and profit growth. Embracing intelligence is key for freight forwarding companies to break through in a complex market environment. This approach allows for better control over financial exposure and ultimately contributes to a more sustainable and profitable business model.

02/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Aids African Customs in Enforcing Environmental Agreements

WCO Aids African Customs in Enforcing Environmental Agreements

WCO, in collaboration with the United Nations, is working to enhance the capacity of Kenyan and Tanzanian customs administrations in enforcing environmental agreements. This initiative aims to address climate change and promote green trade by strengthening customs' role in monitoring and controlling the movement of environmentally sensitive goods. The project focuses on providing training, equipment, and technical assistance to customs officers, enabling them to effectively implement relevant regulations and contribute to sustainable development goals. Ultimately, this partnership seeks to foster a more environmentally responsible and economically viable trade environment.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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