Ocean Freight Costs Explaining GRI and PSS Surcharges

Ocean Freight Costs Explaining GRI and PSS Surcharges

This article delves into the General Rate Increase (GRI) and Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) common in ocean freight, explaining their definitions, influencing factors, and Flexport's approach. It emphasizes the importance of transparent pricing and provides practical advice for planning freight budgets, helping shippers navigate the volatility of the ocean freight market. Understanding these charges and proactive budgeting are crucial for efficient supply chain management and minimizing unexpected costs. By providing clarity and actionable insights, this resource empowers shippers to make informed decisions.

01/20/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
Read More
Flexport Offers Shortterm Warehousing for Amazon Sellers

Flexport Offers Shortterm Warehousing for Amazon Sellers

Flexport offers short-term warehousing for Amazon-bound goods, enabling sellers to buffer and batch shipments before sending them to Amazon warehouses. This service is charged weekly per pallet, typically for storage periods of no more than a month. Sellers can optimize inventory management, reduce storage costs, and improve supply chain efficiency. For long-term storage needs, third-party logistics providers or Amazon FBA warehouses should be considered. This allows for greater flexibility and control over inventory flow to Amazon.

01/20/2026 Warehousing
Read More
Collaborative Logistics Gains Traction Beyond Cost Savings

Collaborative Logistics Gains Traction Beyond Cost Savings

Traditional logistics transportation models are becoming unsustainable, and solely focusing on cost reduction is counterproductive. The report suggests establishing strategic partnerships based on mutual trust, sharing information, and jointly planning to solve problems in an open and transparent manner, thereby maximizing overall benefits. Moving away from a 'cost-first' approach and embracing 'value co-creation' is crucial. This collaborative approach fosters innovation and efficiency throughout the supply chain, leading to long-term sustainable growth and competitive advantage for all partners involved.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Automated Packaging Boosts Ecommerce Efficiency

Automated Packaging Boosts Ecommerce Efficiency

E-commerce logistics faces challenges like rising costs, increasing customer expectations, and labor shortages. Automated packaging offers customized, efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions, helping businesses reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction. With technological advancements, automated packaging is evolving towards intelligence, flexibility, and sustainability, becoming a crucial factor for companies to gain a competitive edge. It optimizes the packaging process, ensuring faster delivery times and reducing material waste, ultimately leading to a more streamlined and cost-effective supply chain.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Considers 25 Truck Tariff Sparks Manufacturing Debate

US Considers 25 Truck Tariff Sparks Manufacturing Debate

The US imposes a 25% tariff on imported heavy trucks, aiming to reshape American manufacturing, but potentially leading to increased costs and supply chain disruptions. Experts suggest this move might be intended to limit the entry of Chinese electric trucks into the US market. Shipping companies face challenges in cost control and long-term partnerships. Calls are being made to remove the tariffs, arguing they harm the interests of allies. The impact of the tariff policy is complex and requires close monitoring.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
KICKER Expands Smart Logistics in Eastern US Market

KICKER Expands Smart Logistics in Eastern US Market

KICKER Audio, in collaboration with Averitt, implemented an East Coast strategy encompassing port diversification, strategic warehousing, and technology enablement. This resulted in significant reductions in transportation costs, shorter delivery times, and improved customer satisfaction, ultimately leading to successful market penetration in the East. KICKER's experience provides valuable insights for other fast-moving consumer electronics companies seeking to build scalable and cost-effective distribution strategies. This case highlights the power of smart logistics and supply chain optimization in achieving business goals.

01/20/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Intermodal Gains Offset Carload Declines

US Rail Intermodal Gains Offset Carload Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, the U.S. rail freight market showed a divergence in the week ending October 17th. Container traffic increased by 11.3% year-over-year, while traditional freight declined by 7.5%. E-commerce growth and supply chain restructuring are driving the growth of container business. Meanwhile, energy transition and manufacturing adjustments are causing the decline in traditional freight. Railway companies should increase investment in container business, expand diversified businesses, strengthen technological innovation, and actively participate in policy making.

01/17/2026 Logistics
Read More
USPS Expands Lastmile Delivery to Outside Bidders

USPS Expands Lastmile Delivery to Outside Bidders

USPS plans to open its last-mile delivery network, offering access to over 18,000 DDUs to more shippers through a bidding process. This initiative aims to boost revenue, improve financial sustainability, and enable retailers to achieve same-day or next-day delivery. Experts believe this move could reshape the US logistics landscape, but its success hinges on effective execution. The strategy represents a significant shift for USPS and could have a wide-ranging impact on e-commerce and supply chain operations.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Experts Analyze Shifts in Global Freight Economy Trends

Experts Analyze Shifts in Global Freight Economy Trends

Breakthrough's Chief Economist, Matt Muenster, provides an in-depth analysis of key factors impacting the freight economy on the Logistics Management podcast, including tariffs, manufacturing, capacity, inflation, demand patterns, and pricing. He emphasizes the connection between macroeconomics and micro-level practices, offering actionable strategies for businesses. The podcast aims to explore supply chain innovation and empower companies to make informed decisions in a complex market. It provides valuable insights for navigating the challenges and opportunities within the freight and logistics landscape.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Freight Market Recession Worsens Cass Index Shows

Freight Market Recession Worsens Cass Index Shows

The latest Cass Freight Index report reveals a decline in both freight volume and expenditures in October, signaling a market downturn. Factors such as weakening demand, excess capacity, the rise of private fleets, and supply chain reshaping are creating challenges for logistics companies. To survive and thrive in this environment, businesses should focus on refined operations, diversified services, technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and risk management. These strategies will help them weather the storm and prepare for the eventual resurgence of the logistics industry.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More