Great Lakes Rail Bypass Faces Delays Amid Chicago Congestion

Great Lakes Rail Bypass Faces Delays Amid Chicago Congestion

A $2.8 billion bypass rail project, championed by GLBT, aims to alleviate Chicago's freight congestion, but faces funding and demand challenges. The Surface Transportation Board's (STB) decision will have significant implications. Freight companies need to pay close attention to and participate in the process. The proposed bypass seeks to improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks in the Chicago rail network, a critical hub for North American freight. Success hinges on securing sufficient investment and demonstrating sustained demand for rail freight services.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Kazakhstan Adopts WCO Method to Boost Trade Efficiency

Kazakhstan Adopts WCO Method to Boost Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop for the Kazakhstan Customs Service to help measure cargo clearance times, identify bottlenecks, and optimize processes. Kazakhstan has established a Single Window platform and plans further digitalization. Despite pandemic challenges, the country intends to implement the TRS to improve trade efficiency. Recommendations include establishing a project team, strengthening training, developing a data quality control system, and enhancing international cooperation. The TRS aims to streamline customs procedures and boost Kazakhstan's trade competitiveness.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Cape Verde Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

Cape Verde Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, supported Cape Verde Customs in preparing its first Time Release Study (TRS) to improve clearance efficiency and comply with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. A workshop facilitated collaboration between customs officials and stakeholders, leading to the development of an action plan. This initiative not only enhances trade facilitation in Cape Verde but also provides a valuable reference for other developing countries. The TRS aims to identify bottlenecks and streamline processes for faster goods release.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Eswatini Launch Customs Capacity Pilot Program

WCO Eswatini Launch Customs Capacity Pilot Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Eswatini Revenue Authority (ERA), launched a capacity building assessment pilot project. This initiative aims to enhance training quality and effectiveness, facilitate knowledge transfer, and strengthen customs capacity building through a systematic five-level evaluation model. The project's findings will be shared with WCO members, contributing to the security and facilitation of global trade. The assessment framework will provide valuable insights for optimizing training programs and ensuring sustainable capacity development within customs administrations.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Data Model Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce Security

WCO Data Model Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce Security

The WCO Data Model project meeting highlighted the crucial role of data in cross-border e-commerce. Discussions focused on model updates and e-commerce data exchange to promote the digital transformation of global trade. The meeting emphasized the importance of standardized data for efficient customs procedures and improved trade facilitation in the context of rapidly growing e-commerce. Participants explored ways to leverage the data model to enhance security, streamline processes, and foster greater collaboration among stakeholders involved in cross-border transactions.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Boosts Customs Intelligence to Curb Wildlife Trafficking

Malawi Boosts Customs Intelligence to Curb Wildlife Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) continues to support the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) in strengthening its intelligence functions to enhance its risk management capabilities in combating illegal wildlife trade. Through the WCO-INAMA project, the MRA has optimized its business processes and job responsibilities, laying the foundation for the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This initiative is of great significance for the ecological security of Malawi and the world.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Port of Oakland Targets Asian Market with Expansion Plan

Port of Oakland Targets Asian Market with Expansion Plan

Port of Auckland is actively addressing the challenges posed by larger vessels through optimized operational efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, and expanded cold chain logistics capabilities. It aims to become an ideal gateway connecting to the Asian market. The Auckland Global Project, a collaboration between the port and the city of Auckland, will provide advanced intermodal facilities, further enhancing the port's competitiveness and helping customers seize market opportunities. This strategic development positions Auckland as a key player in facilitating trade flows and supporting economic growth.

01/29/2026 Port Encyclopedia
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WCO Launches Tool to Curb Illegal Wildlife Trade

WCO Launches Tool to Curb Illegal Wildlife Trade

The WCO's INAMA project launched an institutional assessment tool to help customs comprehensively enhance their ability to combat endangered species smuggling. This tool assists customs in developing targeted capacity-building plans by evaluating legal frameworks, organizational structures, personnel capabilities, technical equipment, and cooperation mechanisms. Representatives from multiple countries participated in the tool's pilot testing and validation at a workshop held in the Republic of the Congo, laying the foundation for global customs cooperation in combating smuggling crimes and protecting biodiversity.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Maersk Customizes Supply Chain Solutions for Sudan Trade

Maersk Customizes Supply Chain Solutions for Sudan Trade

Maersk offers customized supply chain solutions to optimize trade with Sudan, including localized services such as customs clearance, inland transportation, warehousing and distribution, and project logistics. This is combined with comprehensive logistics solutions encompassing global ocean, air, and supply chain management. Through a digital platform, Maersk provides convenient features like instant booking confirmation and visualized route selection, empowering businesses to enhance their global trade competitiveness. These integrated solutions aim to streamline operations and improve efficiency for companies engaged in or looking to engage in trade with Sudan.

09/28/2025 Logistics
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Lanzhou Dongchuan Railway Logistics Center Officially Opens: Promoting the Development of the Silk Road Economic Belt

Lanzhou Dongchuan Railway Logistics Center Officially Opens: Promoting the Development of the Silk Road Economic Belt

The Lanzhou Dongchuan Railway Logistics Center officially opened on December 31, marking its successful integration with domestic and international trade markets. This new project, which includes the Dongchuan Railway Freight Center and Lanzhou Railway Comprehensive Cargo Yard, lays the foundation for improved regional logistics efficiency. With a layout of 'two zones and five parks,' the expected cargo throughput by 2020 is projected to reach 7.08 million tons, with a forecast of 15.42 million tons by 2030, further promoting the development of the Silk Road Economic Belt.

12/31/2023 Logistics
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