Red Sea Crisis Raises Freight Costs Hits Ecommerce Before Lunar New Year

Red Sea Crisis Raises Freight Costs Hits Ecommerce Before Lunar New Year

The Red Sea crisis has caused a surge in freight rates and delays on Asia-Europe routes, creating an urgent situation for cross-border e-commerce sellers preparing for the Chinese New Year. It is recommended that sellers prepare inventory in advance, actively communicate with freight forwarders, optimize supply chain management, and consider expanding into diversified markets. Flexible adjustment of pricing strategies is also crucial to cope with the crisis. These measures can help mitigate the impact of the disruption and ensure business continuity during this challenging period.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Biden Averts Rail Strike to Stabilize US Supply Chains

Biden Averts Rail Strike to Stabilize US Supply Chains

US President Biden established a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) to mediate the railway labor dispute, aiming to avert a potential railway strike that could disrupt supply chains. The PEB will investigate the dispute and propose solutions. The retail industry is concerned about the impact of a strike on the peak season, while railway companies state their commitment to reaching an agreement. Experts believe a strike is unlikely, but the final outcome depends on the bargaining between labor and management. The PEB's recommendations are crucial in navigating this complex situation and preventing significant economic disruption.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Three US Rail Unions Reach Tentative Deal Easing Strike Fears

Three US Rail Unions Reach Tentative Deal Easing Strike Fears

A significant breakthrough has been reached in US railroad labor negotiations, with three unions and railway companies reaching a tentative agreement, potentially averting a potential rail transport disruption. The agreement is based on the Presidential Emergency Board's recommendations, including wage increases and lump-sum payments. However, vigilance is still required regarding the attitudes of other unions and the final ratification results to ensure a comprehensive agreement and safeguard economic stability. The deal aims to prevent a nationwide rail shutdown that could severely impact supply chains and the broader economy.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Posthurricane I95 Shutdown Raises Logistics Costs Hits Consumers

Posthurricane I95 Shutdown Raises Logistics Costs Hits Consumers

Hurricane Matthew's closure of I-95 on the US East Coast significantly impacted logistics, leading to increased freight costs and supply chain disruptions. This analysis examines the importance of I-95, the consequences of its closure, and a warning about supply chain vulnerabilities. It proposes response measures and future perspectives, emphasizing the importance of strengthening infrastructure and risk management. The disruption highlights the fragility of just-in-time supply chains and the need for businesses to develop more resilient strategies to mitigate future disruptions caused by natural disasters.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Deloitte ASCM Launch Digital Supply Chain Transformation Model

Deloitte ASCM Launch Digital Supply Chain Transformation Model

Deloitte and ASCM jointly launched the Supply Chain Digital Capability Model (DCM) to help companies address market volatility and technological disruption, enabling the transition from linear supply chains to digital networks. The DCM is suitable for companies with digital transformation needs, offering investment strategies, transformation plans, and external perspectives. Compatible with the SCOR Digital Standard, it represents a significant shift in the field of supply chain management. It helps organizations assess their current digital capabilities, identify gaps, and develop a roadmap for implementing digital solutions across their supply chain.

UK Targets Ebay Sellers with Overseas Warehouse Tax Crackdown

UK Targets Ebay Sellers with Overseas Warehouse Tax Crackdown

HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) is strengthening tax supervision on e-commerce, with overseas warehouse data being integrated with the tax authority. eBay sellers face stricter tax compliance challenges. Overseas warehouses are required to register and disclose customer information, VAT numbers, and product details. Sellers should register for a VAT number, standardize declarations, choose compliant overseas warehouses, and seek professional tax advice to proactively address the trend of tax transparency. Failing to comply can lead to penalties and business disruption. Ensuring compliance is now more crucial than ever for UK e-commerce businesses.

Canada Averts Rail Strike with Government Intervention

Canada Averts Rail Strike with Government Intervention

A brief railway worker strike in Canada was averted after the Labour Minister intervened, mandating arbitration. The CPKC and CN Rail work stoppage posed a potential economic shock, prompting swift government action to order a return to operations. The stalled labor negotiations stemmed from issues like rest periods, scheduling, and relocation, resulting in significant economic losses. The aftermath involves restoring order and addressing the underlying disagreements, serving as a reminder of the importance of labor relations. The government's quick response aimed to minimize disruption to the supply chain and the overall economy.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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US Regulators Warn of Rail Freight Delays Embargoes

US Regulators Warn of Rail Freight Delays Embargoes

Frequent rail embargoes in the United States, particularly those issued by Union Pacific Railroad, are raising concerns. Regulatory bodies are wary of their impact on agricultural transportation and may take action. There's a growing need for stronger oversight of rail companies, emphasizing their social responsibility alongside operational efficiency. The potential disruption to the supply chain caused by these embargoes necessitates a balanced approach that prioritizes both economic stability and the needs of essential industries like agriculture. Increased scrutiny and proactive measures are crucial to mitigate the negative consequences.

ASCM and Deloitte Outline Digital Supply Chain Resilience Plan

ASCM and Deloitte Outline Digital Supply Chain Resilience Plan

ASCM and Deloitte have jointly launched a digital capabilities model for supply chain networks, aiming to help companies address challenges such as market volatility, digital disruption, and evolving consumer expectations. The model emphasizes data-driven decision-making, agile response, collaborative cooperation, and continuous innovation. Looking ahead to 2026, supply chain management software will evolve towards intelligence, integration, and platformization, covering a wider range of operations, improving response speed, execution capabilities, and decision support. This evolution will be crucial for businesses seeking to optimize their supply chains in the face of increasing complexity.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Ever Given Incident Still Disrupting Global Supply Chains

Ever Given Incident Still Disrupting Global Supply Chains

The freeing of the Ever Given eased the Suez Canal blockage, but the resulting 'aftereffects' on the global supply chain are just beginning. This article analyzes the impact of the incident on ports, shipping capacity, and air freight. It also explores how businesses should respond to an increasingly complex and uncertain global supply chain environment, enhance resilience, and mitigate risks. The incident highlighted vulnerabilities and the need for companies to diversify sourcing and improve visibility across their supply networks to better prepare for future disruptions.