Advanced TMS Features Cut Logistics Costs for Businesses

Advanced TMS Features Cut Logistics Costs for Businesses

A Transportation Management System (TMS) offers much more than just optimized load planning. This article delves into the value of a TMS as an ERP interface, freight payment/settlement application, complex route builder, backhaul planning tool, custom Bill of Lading generator, and performance tracking tool. It also provides ROI evaluation ideas, helping companies fully leverage the various functions of a TMS to achieve significant reductions in logistics costs. By understanding its multifaceted capabilities, businesses can unlock substantial savings and improve overall supply chain efficiency.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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STB Extends Comment Deadline on Rail Freight Switching Rule

STB Extends Comment Deadline on Rail Freight Switching Rule

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has extended the comment period for its reciprocal switching rulemaking to December 20th, aiming to address inadequate rail freight service. The proposed rule focuses on reciprocal switching, outlining three key performance standards – service reliability, consistency, and local service – to provide recourse for freight shippers. Diverse perspectives are being considered as the STB seeks to improve rail freight service quality through these reforms. The extension allows for further input on the proposed changes and their potential impact on the industry.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Sees Carload Drop Container Gains in November

US Rail Freight Sees Carload Drop Container Gains in November

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates a mixed performance for the U.S. rail freight market in early November. Railcar loadings decreased by 5.2% year-over-year, although certain sectors like automotive and parts saw growth. Container volume experienced a slight increase of 1.5%, but the growth rate has slowed. Year-to-date figures show railcar loadings remaining relatively flat, while container volume has declined by 7%. Logistics managers should closely monitor market trends, diversify transportation methods, optimize supply chain management, and strengthen risk management strategies.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Slump Signals Economic Worries

US Rail Freight Slump Signals Economic Worries

The latest report from the Association of American Railroads reveals that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes both declined year-over-year for the week ending August 6th. Rail freight growth is slowing, while intermodal transportation shows a clear downward trend. Total North American rail freight volume also decreased compared to the same period last year. Rail freight volume is considered an economic 'canary in the coal mine,' and the data decline may signal challenges for the U.S. economy, but also presents opportunities that require proactive responses.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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EU Halts Aviation Carbon Tax Balancing Industry Relief and Climate Targets

EU Halts Aviation Carbon Tax Balancing Industry Relief and Climate Targets

The EU's suspension of the aviation carbon tax is welcomed by the US House Transportation Committee. This move stems from controversy surrounding the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), with countries like the US long opposing its extraterritorial jurisdiction. The suspension may reduce airline costs and ease trade tensions, but it could also weaken global climate governance. Future efforts should focus on strengthening international cooperation and developing a global aviation emissions reduction mechanism. The pause highlights the need for a unified approach to address aviation's environmental impact.

02/12/2026 Logistics
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Arcbest Adopts Spacebased Pricing As LTL Costs Rise

Arcbest Adopts Spacebased Pricing As LTL Costs Rise

ArcBest's adoption of 'space-based pricing' in the LTL industry signals a shift towards more granular operations. This move aims to address the 'dimensional overload' issue caused by e-commerce, standardize industry practices, and improve transportation efficiency. Shippers need to focus on optimizing packaging to cope with cost pressures. The LTL industry may be entering a new era of transformation. This pricing model is designed to more accurately reflect the space occupied by shipments, leading to fairer pricing and potentially incentivizing more efficient packaging practices.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Multimodal Transport Faces Supply Chain Challenges Experts Warn

US Multimodal Transport Faces Supply Chain Challenges Experts Warn

Multimodal expert Larry Gross highlighted significant challenges facing US intermodal transportation at the RailTrends conference, citing port congestion, capacity constraints, and declining market share. He emphasized the diffused responsibility for the supply chain crisis, advocating for increased resilience. Gross predicted a future market shift from west to east, with a corresponding increase in trucking's share. While the damage inflicted in 2021 is repairable, it will require substantial effort. The focus should be on building a more robust and adaptable intermodal system to mitigate future disruptions.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Shantou Launches Direct Flights to Kuala Lumpur

Shantou Launches Direct Flights to Kuala Lumpur

This article provides travel planning advice for traveling from Shantou to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It covers various aspects such as transportation options, itinerary duration, the best time to visit, must-see attractions, and budget considerations. The aim is to offer a practical Kuala Lumpur travel guide for residents of Shantou, helping them plan their trip effectively. It includes information on flights or other modes of transport, suggesting an optimal number of days, highlighting key attractions, and providing a rough estimate of the trip's costs.

02/02/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Airport Rents Surge As Logistics Firms Seek Competitive Edge

Airport Rents Surge As Logistics Firms Seek Competitive Edge

CBRE research indicates rising industrial real estate rents near major US airports, driven by companies relocating to mitigate high transportation costs. Third-party logistics (3PL) providers account for the largest share of leasing activity. Companies should reassess supply chain strategies, embrace 3PL, plan ahead, explore emerging markets, leverage technology, and diversify their footprint to address the challenges posed by increasing airport real estate rents. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and optimizing logistical operations in the evolving landscape of airport-adjacent industrial spaces.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Firms Under Fire for Service Failures After Staff Reductions

US Rail Firms Under Fire for Service Failures After Staff Reductions

Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Martin Oberman sharply criticized the four major railroads at the RailTrends conference, attributing their service crisis to 'self-inflicted' workforce reductions. He argued that these cuts have diminished rail transport capacity, significantly harming the U.S. economy. Oberman emphasized the need for railroads to balance shareholder interests with the public good and rebuild a healthy industry ecosystem. He believes the current service problems stem directly from prioritizing profits over reliable service and adequate staffing, leading to widespread disruptions in rail freight.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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