Bankruptcy of Hanjin Shipping Spurs Supply Chain Resilience Debate

Bankruptcy of Hanjin Shipping Spurs Supply Chain Resilience Debate

The Hanjin Shipping bankruptcy serves as a warning for shippers to prioritize risk management. Immediate actions include ceasing business with bankrupt companies, strengthening cargo protection, and confirming insurance coverage. To enhance supply chain resilience, strategies such as diversifying carrier choices, establishing contingency plans, and optimizing supply chain networks are crucial. These measures help mitigate disruptions caused by shipping company bankruptcies and other unforeseen events, ultimately safeguarding global trade stability. This proactive approach ensures businesses are better prepared to navigate potential crises and maintain operational continuity.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Standards Set for Customs Leadership Excellence

Global Standards Set for Customs Leadership Excellence

The WCO's PICARD Programme, in collaboration with the International Network of Customs Universities (INCU), has developed a set of professional development standards for customs middle and senior managers. These standards aim to enhance the leadership, management capabilities, and professional skills of customs officials. They can be flexibly applied to internal training and recruitment strategies, helping to build high-performing customs management teams capable of addressing increasingly complex international trade challenges. The standards provide a framework for continuous improvement and professional growth within customs administrations worldwide.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Guide to Fuel Efficiency Standards Unveiled

Global Guide to Fuel Efficiency Standards Unveiled

This tool provides an online fuel efficiency unit conversion service, supporting quick conversion between units such as kilometers per liter, liters per 100 kilometers, miles per US gallon, and miles per Imperial gallon. It aims to solve the unit conversion problems encountered by users in cross-border trade, vehicle performance evaluation, and fuel cost control, thereby improving efficiency and decision-making quality. This tool is designed to provide a convenient and accurate solution for anyone dealing with fuel efficiency calculations across different measurement systems.

01/20/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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North American Ports Adopt Smart Tech to Boost Cargo Efficiency

North American Ports Adopt Smart Tech to Boost Cargo Efficiency

North American ports are undergoing a technology-driven service revolution, enhancing efficiency and service levels through digital transformation, optimized processes, and strengthened collaboration. Leading ports like the Port of Virginia excel in areas such as 'ease of doing business,' setting benchmarks for the industry. Facing challenges like infrastructure bottlenecks, labor issues, and cybersecurity risks, ports must proactively adapt and embrace change to achieve sustainable development and better serve global trade. This requires strategic investments and a focus on innovation to remain competitive in the evolving landscape.

01/20/2026 Port Encyclopedia
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Intermodal Freight Volumes Decline Amid Economic Slowdown

Intermodal Freight Volumes Decline Amid Economic Slowdown

According to the Intermodal Association of North America, U.S. intermodal volumes continued to decline in June, although the rate of decrease narrowed. The overall downward trend persists, primarily driven by economic downturn, changing consumer behavior, inventory adjustments, and shifts in transportation modes. The association's president believes that challenges and opportunities coexist. Inventory reshaping, cross-border trade, and the West Coast labor agreement are potential growth areas. Businesses should closely monitor the market, optimize inventory, re-evaluate transportation strategies, strengthen collaboration, and invest in technological innovation.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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US Customs Proposes CAIN As EIN Alternative for Foreign Importers

US Customs Proposes CAIN As EIN Alternative for Foreign Importers

Overseas importers can import into the US without a mandatory EIN application by obtaining a CAIN instead. Using a CAIN requires designating a US-based company as the 'Ultimate Consignee.' This article provides a practical guide for overseas importers navigating US customs clearance, aiming to simplify the import process and reduce trade risks. It outlines the key requirements and considerations for utilizing CAIN, ensuring compliance and efficient import operations. This guide is designed to help businesses understand and leverage the CAIN option for smoother US market access.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Flexport Expands Shanghailos Angeles Shipping with New Services

Flexport Expands Shanghailos Angeles Shipping with New Services

This article delves into freight solutions from Shanghai to Los Angeles, highlighting Flexport's professional freight forwarding services. It analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of various shipping methods, including air freight, Full Container Load (FCL) sea freight, and Less than Container Load (LCL) sea freight. Key factors influencing transit time and costs are also examined. The aim is to assist businesses in selecting the most suitable freight strategy for efficient and economical international trade. This analysis provides valuable insights for optimizing supply chains between China and the US.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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West Coast Port Labor Talks Near Breakthrough May Ease Supply Chain Delays

West Coast Port Labor Talks Near Breakthrough May Ease Supply Chain Delays

A preliminary agreement on chassis maintenance has been reached in the US West Coast dockworker labor negotiations, offering a glimmer of hope for alleviating long-standing port congestion. However, labor and management continue to trade accusations, with issues of slowdowns and safety training remaining. Data analysis indicates that ship waiting times and container throughput should be closely monitored. While shippers see a ray of light, cautious optimism is advised as they await a final, long-term, and stable agreement. The situation remains fluid and requires careful observation.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Crossborder Ecommerce Faces Customs Valuation Hurdles

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces Customs Valuation Hurdles

This paper delves into the challenges of customs valuation in cross-border e-commerce, highlighting the importance of digital transformation and the necessity of public-private partnerships. By standardizing electronic invoices, promoting electronic payments, and strengthening risk management, the aim is to build a fair, transparent, and efficient cross-border e-commerce trading environment. This will ultimately foster global trade prosperity. The paper argues that digitalization is crucial for addressing valuation complexities and ensuring compliance in the rapidly evolving landscape of cross-border e-commerce.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Namibias Anticounterfeiting Efforts in IP Program

WCO Boosts Namibias Anticounterfeiting Efforts in IP Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched its Intellectual Property Health and Safety (IPHS) Programme, with the first online training successfully held in Namibia. This initiative aims to enhance customs' ability to combat counterfeiting and piracy, particularly focusing on illicit medical goods during the pandemic. The WCO emphasizes customs' responsibility and provides tools to address these challenges. Funded by Japan Customs, the program seeks to strengthen international cooperation through information sharing, joint enforcement operations, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns, ultimately safeguarding global trade security.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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