US Ocean Freight Rates Surge Amid Supply Chain and Geopolitical Strains

US Ocean Freight Rates Surge Amid Supply Chain and Geopolitical Strains

US ocean freight rates have surged due to a confluence of factors including supply-demand imbalances, geopolitical events, and port congestion, with the SCFI index soaring by 27%. High shipping costs are squeezing corporate profits, driving up commodity prices, and impacting consumer purchasing power. It is anticipated that ocean freight rates will remain volatile at elevated levels in the future, requiring businesses to proactively adapt and manage these challenges.

Italian Battery Brands Face Air Freight Compliance and Cost Challenges

Italian Battery Brands Face Air Freight Compliance and Cost Challenges

This guide provides importers with a practical manual for air freighting batteries from Italy, covering brand selection, compliance essentials, and cost control. It details IATA regulations, packaging requirements, and transportation declaration procedures, while also addressing frequently asked questions. The aim is to facilitate safe and efficient cross-border transportation of batteries. It helps navigate the complexities of shipping batteries, ensuring adherence to international standards and optimizing the import process for businesses.

Warehouse Robot Integration Guide Covers Software to Hardware

Warehouse Robot Integration Guide Covers Software to Hardware

Implementing warehouse robotics involves not only hardware procurement but also the effective integration into existing processes and software. This article explores critical integration factors, best practices, and future developments to help enterprises enhance logistics efficiency and reduce operational costs.

09/16/2025 Warehousing
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US to Tighten Air Cargo Rules for Lithium Batteries in 2025

US to Tighten Air Cargo Rules for Lithium Batteries in 2025

New US regulations for air transport of lithium batteries will be implemented in phases starting in 2025, focusing on capacity limits, packaging testing, and label updates. From 2026, all lithium battery cells and packs must be transported at a state of charge (SOC) not exceeding 30% of their rated capacity. A new 3-meter stacking test is introduced, and labels are renamed to cover sodium-ion batteries. The FAA prohibits the air transport of damaged batteries. Cross-border e-commerce sellers need to pay close attention to the new regulations and adjust their strategies to ensure compliant transportation.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Supply Chain Education Tackles Skills Gap to Boost Business Growth

Supply Chain Education Tackles Skills Gap to Boost Business Growth

This article delves into the significance of supply chain education and how investing in education can bridge the skills gap and drive business growth. It analyzes the current state of the supply chain talent market, highlighting the existing skills gap and its impact on both companies and individuals. Furthermore, the article introduces diverse educational models and explores how companies can enhance team capabilities and cultivate a learning organization through skills gap assessments and on-the-job training. Ultimately, it emphasizes the crucial role of continuous learning in addressing the evolving demands of the supply chain industry.

HS Codes for Agricultural Products Boost Global Trade

HS Codes for Agricultural Products Boost Global Trade

This article provides a detailed analysis of agricultural products related to HS Code 12, including endangered seeds, hops, and American ginseng. It explores their export conditions and market demand, offering insights for agricultural enterprises looking to engage in international trade.