In November 2025, US rail freight saw carload traffic increase by 4.3%, while intermodal traffic declined by 6.5%. Commodities like coal experienced growth, while miscellaneous carloads decreased. Year-to-date figures still show overall growth. The rail freight industry faces both challenges and opportunities, as reflected in these economic indicators and the performance of intermodal and traditional rail freight sectors.
New US regulations for air transport of lithium batteries will be implemented in phases starting in 2025, focusing on capacity limits, packaging testing, and label updates. From 2026, all lithium battery cells and packs must be transported at a state of charge (SOC) not exceeding 30% of their rated capacity. A new 3-meter stacking test is introduced, and labels are renamed to cover sodium-ion batteries. The FAA prohibits the air transport of damaged batteries. Cross-border e-commerce sellers need to pay close attention to the new regulations and adjust their strategies to ensure compliant transportation.
HSBC International Freight focuses on FBA first leg services and overseas warehousing in Europe and the United States, providing efficient and compliant cross-border e-commerce logistics solutions. Our dedicated Europe and US lines offer fast delivery times and a strong reputation, making us a trustworthy partner for your business.
The US House of Representatives passed a legislative package aimed at averting a nationwide railroad strike. The package includes resolutions to enforce the existing agreement (containing pay raises and healthcare benefits) and add seven days of paid sick leave. The passage of this package in the Senate remains uncertain, directly impacting the lifeline of the American economy. The potential strike could cripple supply chains and significantly disrupt various industries, making the Senate vote crucial for preventing widespread economic damage.
Anticipation is growing for TikTok Shop's potential launch in the US market, with possible plans to establish its own logistics network, targeting a trillion-dollar e-commerce opportunity. Simultaneously, the Double 11 shopping festival in Southeast Asia is approaching, and TikTok Shop is partnering with Flash Express to enhance delivery capabilities, aiming to help sellers seize market advantages. Cross-border sellers should capitalize on these opportunities and address the challenges to succeed in the future.
Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Martin Oberman sharply criticized the four major railroads at the RailTrends conference, attributing their service crisis to 'self-inflicted' workforce reductions. He argued that these cuts have diminished rail transport capacity, significantly harming the U.S. economy. Oberman emphasized the need for railroads to balance shareholder interests with the public good and rebuild a healthy industry ecosystem. He believes the current service problems stem directly from prioritizing profits over reliable service and adequate staffing, leading to widespread disruptions in rail freight.
The 2025 Sino-US Kuala Lumpur Agreement brings benefits to the exhibition trade industry, including tariff reductions and relaxed technology restrictions. Companies should seize this opportunity to adjust product strategies and actively participate in professional exhibitions in Europe and the United States. At the same time, they should pay attention to potential risks and formulate countermeasures to enhance competitiveness. This agreement presents a significant policy opportunity for businesses involved in exhibition trade and offers potential for increased growth and expansion in international markets.
The container shipping market in 2025 is turbulent, marked by fluctuating freight rates, regional divergence, the Red Sea crisis, and disruptions from trade policies. Oversupply coexists with fragmented demand, putting pressure on the Europe route while Southeast Asia shines. Looking ahead to 2026, capacity growth is expected to slow, narrowing the supply-demand gap. The resumption of shipping through the Red Sea is a crucial variable. To navigate these challenges and seize opportunities, companies need to diversify their strategies, refine their services, and strengthen risk management.
This paper provides an in-depth interpretation of Chapter 15 of the Harmonized System (HS) code, detailing the classification standards and import/export regulations for animal, vegetable, and microbial fats and oils. It covers the specific categorization of products such as lard, tallow, fish oil, vegetable oil, margarine, and various waxes. The aim is to assist related businesses in compliant operation and understanding market trends within the international trade of fats and oils.
To alleviate port congestion, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach announced surcharges on lingering containers starting November 1st. The new rule aims to accelerate container turnover, but its effectiveness remains to be seen. The root cause of port congestion lies in the supply-demand imbalance, requiring systemic solutions. These include increasing throughput capacity, optimizing land transportation, and improving digitalization. Addressing these underlying issues is crucial for long-term improvement and stability within the supply chain.
