US Rail Freight Gains in Coal Slumps in Container Traffic

US Rail Freight Gains in Coal Slumps in Container Traffic

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that for the week ending November 29th, US rail freight traffic increased year-over-year, while intermodal traffic declined, indicating a 'hot carload, cold container' situation. Demand for coal, minerals, and grain is strong, while miscellaneous freight, forest products, and chemicals are down. Year-to-date figures still show growth. However, global economic uncertainties pose challenges. Digital transformation could present opportunities for the rail freight sector to adapt and thrive in the changing landscape.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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GAO to Study Precision Railroadings Impact Backed by Chemical Industry

GAO to Study Precision Railroadings Impact Backed by Chemical Industry

The American Chemistry Council supports the GAO's study on the impacts of Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR). While acknowledging PSR's potential to improve rail efficiency, the ACC notes its possible negative consequences for the transportation of chemical products. Class I railroads emphasize PSR's benefits, while freight customers express concerns regarding service and costs. The GAO's study aims to comprehensively assess the overall effects of PSR on the rail industry and its customers, providing a balanced perspective on its advantages and disadvantages.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Guide to Customs for International Air Freight Shipments

Guide to Customs for International Air Freight Shipments

This article delves into the key aspects of customs clearance for branded goods transported via international air freight, emphasizing the importance of authorization letters and providing practical operational advice. Choosing the right logistics channels can effectively address the challenges of international air transport for branded products, helping your goods arrive safely and efficiently at their destination. It highlights the critical role of proper documentation and compliance to ensure a smooth and timely customs process, ultimately optimizing the international shipping experience for branded merchandise.

02/04/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Alibaba Tightens UL Certification Rules for Usbound Fire Safety Goods

Alibaba Tightens UL Certification Rules for Usbound Fire Safety Goods

Alibaba.com has announced new regulations requiring smoke detectors, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide alarms sold to the United States to comply with UL certification standards. Merchants are required to obtain and upload UL qualifications as soon as possible, otherwise their products will face sales restrictions and blocking. This article provides a detailed interpretation of the new regulations and offers a UL certification guide to help merchants achieve export compliance. Failure to comply may result in product removal and account penalties.

02/04/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Amazon Sellers in Europe Must Comply With New EU Directives

Amazon Sellers in Europe Must Comply With New EU Directives

From June 2025, Amazon's European Station will enforce stricter EEL and RED regulations. Electronic products like smartphones and tablets must comply with energy efficiency labeling requirements. Wireless devices need a unified Type-C port and a 'charger-free' option. Sellers should complete product testing, EPREL registration, and information updates as soon as possible to avoid product removal and ensure continued operation in the European market. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for maintaining product listings and avoiding disruptions to sales within the EU.

02/04/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Air Freight Challenges for Electronics Shipping Grow

Air Freight Challenges for Electronics Shipping Grow

International air freight of dangerous goods requires careful attention to documentation and packaging. Essential documents include MSDS/TDS reports, UN38.3 test reports, and air transport certification to ensure cargo safety and compliance. Packaging must be sturdy and impact-resistant, with batteries individually insulated and clearly labeled. Products with built-in batteries must be powered off. External/pure batteries require packaging according to dangerous goods standards. Special circumstances may require additional reinforcement and separate compartment loading to ensure safe and efficient delivery.

02/04/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Global Sources Webinar to Explore Trends in Quality Living Sports Sectors

Global Sources Webinar to Explore Trends in Quality Living Sports Sectors

Global Sources will host an online webinar on January 23rd, focusing on the quality lifestyle and sports & outdoor industries. The webinar will provide in-depth analysis of trending sectors like pet products, AI toys, personal care & health, camping & hiking, and sports fashion, sharing industry trends and market opportunities. It will also highlight key features of the 2026 Hong Kong show and strategies for suppliers to efficiently acquire customers. Live Q&A sessions will be included to help you seize business opportunities.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Nail Art Pens Gain Global Popularity Boost Ecommerce Sales

Nail Art Pens Gain Global Popularity Boost Ecommerce Sales

A nail art marker pen went viral on TikTok, achieving $1 million in sales within two weeks. This highlights a new product selection strategy for cross-border e-commerce: capitalize on personalized and convenient needs, and leverage social media marketing. Even small products can achieve significant success. Key strategies include lightweight product selection, a blend of creativity and practicality, and leveraging existing strengths. This case demonstrates how a niche product, amplified by TikTok's reach, can generate substantial revenue for cross-border sellers.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Tiktok Trend Boosts Short Snowboard Sales in Snow Sports Market

Tiktok Trend Boosts Short Snowboard Sales in Snow Sports Market

The viral success of BootSki, a short ski board, on TikTok highlights the potential for niche innovative products to achieve growth through content-driven e-commerce. However, TikTok Shop's new shipping regulations place higher demands on fulfillment time. Cross-border sellers need to improve their warehousing and logistics efficiency to seize this opportunity and convert traffic into sales. This necessitates a focus on optimizing the entire supply chain to meet the platform's requirements and capitalize on the viral product trend.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Malawi Customs Boosts Wildlife Protection with WCO Tech Upgrade

Malawi Customs Boosts Wildlife Protection with WCO Tech Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) in enhancing its intelligence capabilities to combat illegal wildlife trade. Through training and process optimization, the initiative strengthens risk management and contributes to the protection of biodiversity. This collaboration aims to improve the MRA's ability to identify and intercept shipments of illegal wildlife products, ultimately supporting global efforts to conserve endangered species and combat transnational crime. The WCO's support is crucial for building sustainable enforcement mechanisms within the MRA.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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