US Faces Highway Trust Fund Crisis As Infrastructure Funding Woes Deepen

US Faces Highway Trust Fund Crisis As Infrastructure Funding Woes Deepen

The US Highway Trust Fund (HTF) has long faced funding shortages. The gas tax, unchanged since 1993, has hindered infrastructure projects. Short-term extensions offer temporary relief but fail to address the underlying problem. A bipartisan consensus is needed to find a long-term solution, and raising the gas tax may be a viable option. The HTF's financial woes necessitate a comprehensive approach to ensure the nation's infrastructure can be adequately maintained and improved, supporting economic growth and public safety.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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FMCSA Relaxes Trucker Hours Rules As Climate Challenges Grow

FMCSA Relaxes Trucker Hours Rules As Climate Challenges Grow

FMCSA relaxed HOS regulations for truck drivers in response to climate emergencies, but shortened the exemption period and scope, and increased reporting requirements. Logistics companies need to be flexible in adapting to the new rules. This adjustment aims to balance immediate relief during climate-related disruptions with the need for safety and accountability. The changes impact how logistics operations plan for and manage driver hours during emergencies, requiring proactive strategies and efficient communication to ensure compliance and minimize disruptions to supply chains.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Hurricane Helen Nears Landfall ALAN Provides Logistics Aid

Hurricane Helen Nears Landfall ALAN Provides Logistics Aid

The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) has released its hurricane season logistics preparedness guide, assisting businesses in preparing for Hurricane Helene. The guide emphasizes safety first, leveraging ALAN's Supply Chain Intelligence Center for the latest information, proactively offering or requesting support, and avoiding unauthorized actions. ALAN encourages collaboration, urging support for relief efforts through donations and other means, to collectively address the challenges posed by hurricanes. The guide aims to improve logistics coordination and ensure effective aid delivery during and after the storm.

01/01/2026 Logistics
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WCO Backs Digital Shift in Western Balkans for Closer Ties

WCO Backs Digital Shift in Western Balkans for Closer Ties

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization visited North Macedonia to promote regional integration in the Western Balkans through digital transformation. He emphasized the importance of data analysis, coordinated border management, and Single Window systems. He suggested building a regionally interconnected customs system based on WCO standards. Furthermore, he highlighted the role of customs in disaster relief and the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders. This visit underscores the WCO's commitment to supporting efficient and secure trade facilitation in the region.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Simplifies Ecommerce Customs with WCO Backing

Moldova Simplifies Ecommerce Customs with WCO Backing

With the support of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the World Customs Organization (WCO) held an e-commerce workshop for the Moldovan Customs Service (MCS) to enhance its cross-border e-commerce processing capabilities. By streamlining procedures, promoting information sharing, and aligning with WCO standards, the MCS aims to accelerate customs clearance, reduce costs, and integrate into the global e-commerce ecosystem. Follow-up technical assistance focusing on relief consignments will be provided to further improve customs efficiency.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Europe Ocean Freight Costs Fall As Supply Chain Pressures Ease

Europe Ocean Freight Costs Fall As Supply Chain Pressures Ease

Good news for European shipping: port congestion is easing, container supply is increasing, and freight rates are stabilizing with a slight decrease. However, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and global economic slowdown continue to introduce uncertainty. Foreign trade enterprises need to pay close attention to market dynamics and manage risks effectively. The improvement in congestion and container availability offers some relief, but ongoing geopolitical and economic factors necessitate careful monitoring and proactive risk mitigation strategies for businesses involved in European trade.

02/02/2026 Logistics
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Tiktok Fuels Demand for Weighted Plush Toys As Anxiety Aid

Tiktok Fuels Demand for Weighted Plush Toys As Anxiety Aid

Weighted plush toys are trending on TikTok, becoming a popular stress reliever for adults. These toys combine a cute appearance with stress-reducing functionality, providing physical relaxation through their weight and psychological comfort through their plushness. Market data indicates significant potential, with personalization, smart features, and emotional connection being key future development trends. The appeal lies in their ability to provide tactile comfort and a sense of security, resonating with individuals seeking stress relief and emotional well-being in a fast-paced world.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Guide to Dutyfree Shipping for Small Parcels

Guide to Dutyfree Shipping for Small Parcels

This article provides an in-depth analysis of duty exemption policies for international small packets, detailing the types of goods more likely to qualify for tax relief, such as charitable aid, humanitarian assistance, policy-supported items, and compliant low-value goods. It offers a guide to avoid common pitfalls, reminding sellers to steer clear of high-risk products. The importance of accurate declaration, understanding destination country policies, and consulting professionals is emphasized, helping cross-border e-commerce businesses optimize tax costs and maximize profits.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Simplifies Customs to Boost Trade Emergency Aid

Moldova Simplifies Customs to Boost Trade Emergency Aid

Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, the Moldovan Customs Service has completed follow-up tasks to optimize SOPs, aiming to enhance emergency response capabilities and expedite the clearance of relief goods. By aligning with WCO standards, a national emergency framework is being built, laying the foundation for trade facilitation. Continuous improvement and collaboration will help Moldova become a model for trade facilitation. This initiative strengthens the country's ability to handle crises and ensures the smooth flow of essential goods during emergencies.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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