US Import Growth Slows Amid Trade Shifts

US Import Growth Slows Amid Trade Shifts

Descartes' latest report reveals that US import growth stalled in October, experiencing a year-over-year decline, indicating increased market risk. China's import share rose, but its total volume decreased, mirroring a general downturn among major trading partners. Performance varied between East and West Coast ports. Businesses should diversify their supply chains, optimize inventory, enhance risk management, and actively explore new markets to navigate the changing market landscape. The stagnation suggests potential challenges ahead for the US economy and highlights the need for proactive strategies.

01/07/2026 Logistics
Read More
Metal Manufacturers Guide to ERP System Selection

Metal Manufacturers Guide to ERP System Selection

This article provides an in-depth analysis of five ERP software systems suitable for metal manufacturing companies. It evaluates them from multiple dimensions, including functionalities, advantages, disadvantages, and application scenarios, aiming to provide selection guidance for enterprise decision-makers. The focus is on key factors such as production process management, MRP accuracy, inventory control, MES integration, and total cost of ownership. This helps companies optimize resource allocation and improve production efficiency by choosing the right ERP system for their specific needs in the metal manufacturing sector.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volumes

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volumes

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 1.1% year-over-year in late July, driven by automobiles, coal, and farm products. However, container traffic declined by 2.5% year-over-year, reflecting cooling consumer demand. Year-to-date, total U.S. rail freight volume remains down compared to the previous year, and overall North American freight volume also shows weakness, suggesting challenges for U.S. economic growth. The decline in container shipments is a key indicator of potentially slowing economic activity.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Carloads Up Intermodal Down

US Rail Freight Carloads Up Intermodal Down

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending July 23, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 1.1% year-over-year, while intermodal volume decreased by 2.5%. Carload gains were seen in motor vehicles, coal, and farm products, while declines occurred in metals, petroleum, and miscellaneous carloads. Total North American rail traffic decreased by 1.4% year-over-year. Rail freight data serves as a barometer of economic activity, providing insights into the current state of the economy and helping to forecast future trends.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Slump Signals Economic Worries

US Rail Freight Slump Signals Economic Worries

The latest report from the Association of American Railroads reveals that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes both declined year-over-year for the week ending August 6th. Rail freight growth is slowing, while intermodal transportation shows a clear downward trend. Total North American rail freight volume also decreased compared to the same period last year. Rail freight volume is considered an economic 'canary in the coal mine,' and the data decline may signal challenges for the U.S. economy, but also presents opportunities that require proactive responses.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
Global Airlines to Stabilize at 39 Profit Margin by 2026

Global Airlines to Stabilize at 39 Profit Margin by 2026

IATA forecasts the global airline industry's profitability will stabilize by 2026, reaching a net profit margin of 3.9%, despite ongoing supply chain challenges. Passenger and cargo volumes, along with total revenue, are projected to increase. However, the imbalance between industry profitability and value contribution persists, requiring a reshaping of the value chain. The report also analyzes the development of the aviation industry in various regions and highlights passengers' expectations for sustainable development within the sector. The industry needs to address these issues to ensure long-term success.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Guangzhous Miniprogram Market 2026 Growth Strategies

Guangzhous Miniprogram Market 2026 Growth Strategies

Addressing the challenge of selecting a mini program e-commerce platform in Guangzhou by 2026, this article offers an objective reference and guidance to avoid pitfalls for businesses. It analyzes four key dimensions: technical feasibility, total cost of ownership, operational efficiency, and applicable scenarios. The aim is to help companies choose the most suitable solution, enhance their market competitiveness, and navigate the complexities of building a successful mini program store. This guide empowers businesses to make informed decisions and optimize their e-commerce strategy.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Service and Cost Drive 2024 Forklift Purchasing Trends

Service and Cost Drive 2024 Forklift Purchasing Trends

The 2024 forklift application survey reveals that service quality and total cost of ownership are surpassing price as key factors in forklift procurement decisions. Companies are placing greater emphasis on reliability, service support, safety, and energy efficiency during evaluation. Economic conditions are influencing purchasing intentions, and regular replacement of parts is a primary maintenance focus. This shift indicates a growing awareness of the long-term value and operational efficiency offered by superior service and reliable equipment, rather than solely focusing on initial purchase price.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Rail Freight Rebounds in June As Intermodal Offsets Coal Decline

US Rail Freight Rebounds in June As Intermodal Offsets Coal Decline

U.S. rail freight data for June 2011 presented a mixed picture. Total freight volume increased year-over-year, but coal shipments declined. Intermodal transportation was a bright spot, although its growth rate slowed. Metallic ores and forest products showed strong performance. Railroad employment increased, and capacity was sufficient. Future trends will depend on economic recovery, supply chain stability, and energy policies. The data suggests cautious optimism with potential headwinds in the coal sector and a need to monitor intermodal growth for sustained positive impact.

02/04/2026 Logistics
Read More
Global Supply Chain Disruptions Challenge Multimodal Transport

Global Supply Chain Disruptions Challenge Multimodal Transport

The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) reported a significant decline in intermodal volume in Q1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with total units down 6.7% year-over-year. While domestic containers saw growth, trailers and international containers experienced substantial drops. The pandemic-induced manufacturing shutdowns and decreased imports exacerbated the challenges for trailer transport. The future outlook remains uncertain, with an estimated 15% decline expected for the full year. The industry needs to proceed with caution and adapt to the evolving situation.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More