US Rail Freight Struggles Amid Shifts Shows Resilience

US Rail Freight Struggles Amid Shifts Shows Resilience

U.S. rail freight volume decreased year-over-year for the week ending September 20th, but cumulative year-to-date figures remain positive. There are structural differences within specific commodity categories, and intermodal transportation faces competition. Rail freight confronts numerous challenges including economic conditions, energy dynamics, and supply chain disruptions. Transformation and upgrading are crucial, requiring embracing digitalization, strengthening partnerships, and expanding into new business areas. This shift is essential for the future sustainability and growth of the rail freight industry in a dynamic and competitive market.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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AI and Regionalization Boost Supply Chain Resilience Prologis

AI and Regionalization Boost Supply Chain Resilience Prologis

The Prologis report, "Supply Chain Outlook 2026," highlights AI and regionalization as crucial for enhancing supply chain resilience. Based on a survey of over 1,800 global executives, the report reveals a growing trend of companies leveraging AI to optimize operations and shortening supply chain distances to mitigate geopolitical risks. Businesses need to develop strategies tailored to their specific circumstances to truly improve supply chain resilience. This involves carefully considering how AI can be implemented and how regional sourcing and manufacturing can be effectively integrated.

E2open CEO Highlights Key Logistics Trends for Resilience

E2open CEO Highlights Key Logistics Trends for Resilience

E2open CEO Michael Farlekas analyzes three major trends in the current logistics industry: the state of the freight economy, the impact of declining imports on US ports, and the importance of supply chain diversification and resilience. Businesses need to monitor macroeconomic indicators, optimize transportation plans, expand supplier networks, and establish risk warning mechanisms to address these challenges. Focusing on these areas will help companies navigate the current complex logistics landscape and build more robust and adaptable supply chains.

E2open CEO Discusses Logistics Challenges Supply Chain Resilience

E2open CEO Discusses Logistics Challenges Supply Chain Resilience

E2open CEO Michael Farlekas analyzes the current challenges and opportunities facing the logistics industry, including the state of the freight economy, the impact of declining US port throughput, and the importance of supply chain diversification and resilience. He emphasizes that companies should pay attention to market dynamics, embrace technological changes, and build highly resilient supply chain systems. This proactive approach is crucial for navigating the complexities of the modern global logistics landscape and ensuring business continuity.

Prologis Report Highlights US Industrial Real Estate Resilience

Prologis Report Highlights US Industrial Real Estate Resilience

The Prologis IBI report indicates a return to pre-pandemic levels of activity in the industrial real estate market. First-quarter rents rose by 4.4%, while vacancy rates remained low at 3.7%. Despite a decrease in new construction starts, market demand remains robust. Prologis anticipates continued rental growth in the future. Businesses and investors should closely monitor market dynamics to capitalize on opportunities and mitigate potential risks in this evolving landscape.

Madagascar Strengthens Disaster Resilience Amid Rising Humanitarian Needs

Madagascar Strengthens Disaster Resilience Amid Rising Humanitarian Needs

The World Customs Organization, the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, and the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University collaborated to enhance Madagascar's disaster response capabilities. Through improved standard operating procedures, workshops, and simulations, the country effectively coordinated relief efforts during Tropical Cyclone Batsirai. This experience provided valuable lessons for other nations facing similar challenges. The collaboration focused on strengthening customs procedures and inter-agency cooperation to ensure efficient delivery of aid and resources during emergencies, ultimately minimizing the impact of disasters on the vulnerable population.

WCO Stresses Supply Chain Resilience at ADBI Conference

WCO Stresses Supply Chain Resilience at ADBI Conference

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization delivered a keynote speech at the Asian Development Bank Institute Annual Conference, emphasizing the importance of resilient global supply chains. He analyzed challenges such as digital transformation, data standardization, disruptive technologies, e-commerce, environmental sustainability, and geopolitical conflicts. He highlighted the crucial role of customs in building resilient supply chains and called for strengthened international cooperation to address global trade challenges and jointly build a new future for global trade. This collaboration is essential for navigating the complexities and ensuring stability in the global trading system.

Bolivia Customs Boosts Staff Resilience Via WCOSECO Program

Bolivia Customs Boosts Staff Resilience Via WCOSECO Program

The WCO-SECO GTFP project assisted Bolivian Customs in enhancing stress management skills and team cohesion among its officers. This support helped them navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The project recommended establishing a permanent mechanism for stress management and resilience building within the customs administration to ensure continued well-being and effectiveness of customs officers in the face of ongoing and future pressures.

Accenture Cloud Digital Transformation Boost Supply Chain Resilience

Accenture Cloud Digital Transformation Boost Supply Chain Resilience

Accenture's 2021 Technology Vision report highlights the pandemic's impact on supply chains and emphasizes the importance of digital transformation. The report identifies digital twins, technology democratization, and reshaping partnerships as key trends in rebuilding supply chains. Cloud technology is presented as the cornerstone of digital transformation, contributing to enhanced supply chain resilience, efficiency, and sustainability. It enables organizations to better adapt to disruptions and optimize operations in a rapidly changing environment.

California Ports Boost Climate Resilience Against Rising Seas

California Ports Boost Climate Resilience Against Rising Seas

Four California ports jointly held a workshop on “Storm, Flood, and Sea Level Defense Strategies” to discuss tackling climate change challenges. The Port of Rotterdam shared its flood defense experience, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. California ports are actively developing response strategies and strengthening regional cooperation. By upgrading infrastructure, improving drainage systems, adopting innovative technologies, and developing emergency plans, ports can enhance their resilience to storms and floods, ensuring the smooth flow of global trade.