Global Supply Chains Struggle to Balance Efficiency and Resilience

Global Supply Chains Struggle to Balance Efficiency and Resilience

Faced with the contradiction between sales growth and inventory reduction, companies are divided on lean supply chain strategies. Some choose to increase inventory to mitigate risks, while others adhere to lean principles, improving inventory management through process optimization and data analysis. This article explores how companies can balance efficiency and risk in a volatile environment to achieve sustainable development. The key is finding the right balance between minimizing waste and ensuring sufficient stock to meet customer demand and navigate potential disruptions.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Supply Chain Disruptions Prolong Lead Times for Businesses

Global Supply Chain Disruptions Prolong Lead Times for Businesses

The global supply chain faces severe challenges, with lead times reaching record highs and accelerating due to port congestion, raw material shortages, and labor shortages. Companies are actively responding by exploring alternative ports, using air freight instead of sea freight, and planning ahead. Labor shortage is the most significant challenge, with unsustainable price levels. It is recommended that companies strengthen risk management, diversify suppliers, optimize inventory, and embrace digital transformation to mitigate these disruptions and build resilience in the face of ongoing uncertainty.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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FAST Act Reforms Address CSA Transparency Data Quality Issues

FAST Act Reforms Address CSA Transparency Data Quality Issues

The FAST Act is driving changes to the CSA program, aiming to enhance transparency and address data accuracy concerns. The FMCSA will temporarily suspend public access to certain data for data quality assessment and improvement. The Act also includes technology incentives and accident preventability provisions, eliciting mixed reactions from the industry. Data analysts can leverage advanced technologies to contribute to risk prediction and real-time monitoring, collectively promoting transportation safety. This transformation is crucial for ensuring the CSA program remains effective and reliable.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Guatemala Boosts Trade Compliance with Customs Valuation Training

Guatemala Boosts Trade Compliance with Customs Valuation Training

The Guatemala National Workshop on Customs Valuation aims to improve customs valuation practices and promote trade compliance and efficiency. The workshop covers topics such as the interpretation of the WTO Valuation Agreement, Guatemalan customs regulations, practical valuation operations, risk management, and dispute resolution. Through knowledge sharing and capacity building, it helps Guatemala integrate into the global trading system. The workshop seeks to strengthen Guatemala's ability to accurately value goods, facilitate legitimate trade, and prevent revenue loss, contributing to its economic development.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Businesses Customs Collaborate to Strengthen Supply Chains

Businesses Customs Collaborate to Strengthen Supply Chains

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has adopted a resolution aimed at strengthening customs-business partnerships and enhancing global supply chain resilience. The resolution emphasizes strategic prioritization, innovative partnerships, digital transformation, data sharing, and capacity building. The WCO will support its implementation. Businesses can actively participate through AEO certification, enhanced communication, embracing digitalization, and strengthened risk management, collectively building a secure and efficient trade environment. This collaborative approach fosters greater trust and predictability within the international trade landscape, ultimately bolstering supply chain stability.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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IATA Launches Live Animal Logistics Course for Welfare Compliance

IATA Launches Live Animal Logistics Course for Welfare Compliance

The IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) course elevates industry standards in the air transportation of live animals. It covers regulations, animal welfare, logistics quality, and risk management. This course helps you achieve IATA certification, enhancing your professional competitiveness in the specialized field of live animal air transport. Gain expertise in ensuring the safe and humane handling and transportation of animals by air, adhering to global standards and best practices. This course is essential for professionals involved in animal transport, logistics, and regulatory compliance.

01/20/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Businesses Adapt Supply Chains for Resilience Amid Disruptions

Businesses Adapt Supply Chains for Resilience Amid Disruptions

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global supply chains, posing challenges like production disruptions, rising costs, and demand fluctuations. This paper analyzes the pandemic's effects on various supply chain links and proposes strategies for businesses to cope with the crisis. These include supply chain reshaping, innovation-driven approaches, and collaborative partnerships. Furthermore, it explores future trends in supply chain development, emphasizing resilience and adaptability in the face of unforeseen global events and the need for proactive risk mitigation strategies.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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USPS Faces Reform Challenges Amid Service Overhaul

USPS Faces Reform Challenges Amid Service Overhaul

The United States Postal Service is at a critical juncture of reform, seeking efficiency gains through measures like workforce reductions and government partnerships. High-level personnel changes and the potential risk of privatization are drawing attention. Experts believe that reform must balance efficiency with equity, presenting both challenges and opportunities for future development. The ongoing transformation aims to modernize operations and address financial sustainability while ensuring reliable service for all Americans. The debate surrounding USPS's future remains complex and multifaceted.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Freight Market Recession Worsens Cass Index Shows

Freight Market Recession Worsens Cass Index Shows

The latest Cass Freight Index report reveals a decline in both freight volume and expenditures in October, signaling a market downturn. Factors such as weakening demand, excess capacity, the rise of private fleets, and supply chain reshaping are creating challenges for logistics companies. To survive and thrive in this environment, businesses should focus on refined operations, diversified services, technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and risk management. These strategies will help them weather the storm and prepare for the eventual resurgence of the logistics industry.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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GAO Report Outlines Freight Pricing and Logistics Challenges

GAO Report Outlines Freight Pricing and Logistics Challenges

A GAO report highlights freight pricing discrepancies, contentious trucking regulations, and highway funding challenges within the U.S. logistics industry. Businesses need to strengthen risk management practices and embrace technological innovation to navigate these complexities. The report underscores the need for a more streamlined and efficient system to address the evolving demands of the supply chain and ensure the continued competitiveness of American businesses in the global market. Addressing these issues is crucial for maintaining a robust and reliable transportation infrastructure.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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