WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is upgrading the PICARD Professional Standards (PS) to adapt to the evolving global trade landscape. The updated standards will encompass key areas such as public-private sector cooperation, customs and tax function integration, and coordinated border management. It will also address emerging trends, security, trade facilitation, technological advancements, and project management. The WCO invites stakeholders to participate in capacity building initiatives to jointly promote global customs development. This collaborative effort aims to enhance customs efficiency and effectiveness worldwide.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Descartes Buys Boxtop to Boost SME Logistics Globally

Descartes Buys Boxtop to Boost SME Logistics Globally

Descartes' acquisition of BoxTop aims to empower small and medium-sized logistics service providers. By combining BoxTop's freight management strengths with Descartes' global logistics network, it will provide customers with more comprehensive digital solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, visibility, and customs compliance accuracy. This acquisition is a key step in Descartes' strategy to build a complete logistics ecosystem, accelerating the digital transformation of the logistics industry. The integration promises a more streamlined and efficient experience for smaller players in the market.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Descartes Acquires Localz to Boost Lastmile Delivery Services

Descartes Acquires Localz to Boost Lastmile Delivery Services

Descartes' acquisition of Localz aims to strengthen its last-mile service offerings. By integrating real-time vehicle tracking with customer communication technologies, it enhances delivery transparency and customer satisfaction. This acquisition is part of Descartes' ongoing investment in last-mile solutions, designed to help customers stand out in a competitive market and expand its solutions in the delivery and home/last-mile delivery space. The integration will enable improved customer interaction and visibility throughout the final stage of the delivery process.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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EUWCO Project to Strengthen Afcfta Via Rules of Origin by 2025

EUWCO Project to Strengthen Afcfta Via Rules of Origin by 2025

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme Steering Committee recently convened to review the 2025 project objectives. These objectives include assisting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in finalizing its rules of origin and harmonizing the rules of origin regimes across African countries. The program aims to foster intra-African trade growth and promote regional economic integration. The project seeks to streamline trade processes and reduce barriers within the continent, ultimately contributing to a more unified and prosperous African economy.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Autonomous Forklifts Transform Warehousing Industry

Autonomous Forklifts Transform Warehousing Industry

Autonomous forklifts are not entirely 'unmanned' but require human-robot collaboration. Humans play a vital role in exception handling, remote monitoring, and dual-mode operation. As technology advances, pallet movement in high-density storage areas is trending towards full autonomy, integrating with WMS to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Human-robot collaboration is crucial for the development of autonomous forklifts, leveraging human intelligence for complex scenarios while automating routine tasks. This synergy optimizes warehouse operations and ensures seamless integration with existing systems.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Target Expands Largeformat Stores Amid Ecommerce Shift

Target Expands Largeformat Stores Amid Ecommerce Shift

Target is launching a 150,000-square-foot superstore designed to enhance its competitiveness in the e-commerce era. This new store format emphasizes spatial design, omnichannel integration, supply chain efficiency, data-driven marketing, and social responsibility. It aims to provide consumers with a superior shopping experience and reshape the retail landscape. The store focuses on creating a more engaging and convenient environment, leveraging technology and data to personalize the shopping journey and optimize operations, ultimately aiming to redefine the future of retail.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Handsfree Scanning Tech Increases Warehouse Efficiency 20

Handsfree Scanning Tech Increases Warehouse Efficiency 20

Amidst retail growth and warehousing pressures, handheld scanning technology significantly boosts warehouse productivity by freeing hands, reducing errors, enhancing safety, and optimizing management. Widely applied in picking, palletizing, and sorting processes, this technology is evolving towards intelligence, integration, lightweight design, and augmented reality. It has become a crucial element for businesses seeking to improve their competitiveness. It improves efficiency and accuracy, thus streamlining operations and reducing operational costs. The future of warehousing is undoubtedly intertwined with advancements in handheld scanning solutions.

01/16/2026 Warehousing
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Walmart Expands Beef Supply Chain for Premium Cuts

Walmart Expands Beef Supply Chain for Premium Cuts

Walmart is building its own Angus beef supply chain to control quality, reduce costs, and differentiate itself. This vertical integration strategy aims to provide consumers with 'steakhouse quality' beef. However, Walmart faces challenges in quality control, cost management, and sustainable development. The success of Walmart's 'beef empire' hinges on its execution, innovation, and understanding of consumer needs. This move allows for greater oversight from farm to shelf, potentially improving traceability and consistency while navigating the complexities of the meat industry.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Freight Forwarders Face Customs Delays and Air Cargo Crunch

Freight Forwarders Face Customs Delays and Air Cargo Crunch

This paper focuses on common issues in freight forwarding practice, such as customs clearance negligence and LCL cargo handling. By analyzing real-world cases, it explores in-depth coping strategies aimed at helping freight forwarding practitioners enhance their professional competence and avoid unnecessary losses. The study provides practical guidance and suggestions for improving efficiency and minimizing risks associated with these specific challenges in the freight forwarding industry. It aims to be a valuable resource for professionals seeking to optimize their operational processes.

08/21/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Guide to Navigating International Air Freight Operations

Guide to Navigating International Air Freight Operations

This article, presented in an encyclopedic format, provides a detailed analysis of the twelve key stages in international air freight, from order acceptance to file archiving. It covers core processes such as inquiry, quotation, customs clearance, and delivery. The aim is to offer a comprehensive and practical operational guide for both shippers and freight forwarding professionals, helping to improve efficiency and reduce risks. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the intricacies of international air cargo and optimizing related operations.

08/21/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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