US Rail Freight Shows Early 2025 Growth Amid Challenges

US Rail Freight Shows Early 2025 Growth Amid Challenges

The Association of American Railroads reported a year-over-year decrease in U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic for the week ending September 20th, but year-to-date volumes remain up. Coal carloads experienced the largest decline, while grain and metallic ores saw increases. Railroad operators need to improve operational efficiency, expand service offerings, and focus on sustainability to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the evolving freight landscape. The report highlights the ongoing shifts and pressures within the rail freight sector and its broader impact on the supply chain.

02/04/2026 Logistics
Read More
Rail Merger Threatens US Chemical Supply Chain Council Warns

Rail Merger Threatens US Chemical Supply Chain Council Warns

American Chemistry Council (ACC) President Chris Jahn expressed concerns regarding the proposed merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, fearing it could harm manufacturing supply chains, leading to service degradation and increased costs. The ACC will actively advocate, urging policymakers to address the risks, safeguard the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing, and oppose the railroad consolidation. The ACC also supports promoting reciprocal switching. The ACC believes this merger could negatively impact the chemical industry and the broader manufacturing sector, and is committed to ensuring a reliable and affordable rail network.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Railroad Merger Risks US Chemical Industry CEO Warns

Railroad Merger Risks US Chemical Industry CEO Warns

American Chemistry Council CEO Chris Jahn warns that the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern railroad merger could negatively impact U.S. manufacturing. He emphasizes the potential for service degradation and increased rates, urging regulators to address monopoly risks within the rail industry. Jahn suggests learning from Canada's reciprocal switching model to ensure fair competition and safeguard the American economy. He believes the merger warrants careful scrutiny to prevent harm to manufacturers and consumers due to reduced service options and higher costs. The focus should be on maintaining a competitive and efficient rail network.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Chemical Council CEO Opposes Railroad Mergers Over Monopoly Concerns

Chemical Council CEO Opposes Railroad Mergers Over Monopoly Concerns

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) warns that a merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern could exacerbate railroad monopolies and harm the chemical industry. The ACC argues that such a merger would reduce competition, leading to higher prices and potentially impacting the reliable transport of vital chemicals. They are urging regulatory agencies to conduct a thorough review and ultimately reject the proposed merger, citing concerns about its potential negative impact on the chemical sector and the broader economy. The ACC believes the merger would stifle innovation and limit transportation options for chemical manufacturers.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Amazon Sellers Face Account Suspensions Amid Complaint Surge

Amazon Sellers Face Account Suspensions Amid Complaint Surge

A new trend of "complaint-based account suspension" is emerging on Amazon, posing a risk to sellers with millions in annual sales. This report analyzes the reasons behind these suspensions and proposes strategies such as proactive appeals, enhanced quality control, standardized operations, and risk diversification. It emphasizes the crucial role of overseas warehouses in mitigating the impact of account suspensions and helping sellers achieve sustainable business development. The report aims to equip sellers with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the challenges and maintain their Amazon presence.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Supply Chains Face Dual Crisis From Hurricanes and COVID19

Supply Chains Face Dual Crisis From Hurricanes and COVID19

A joint report by Resilience360 and Riskpulse highlights the unprecedented challenges to global supply chains in 2020 due to the combined impact of the hurricane season and the COVID-19 pandemic. The report forecasts above-normal Atlantic hurricane activity and analyzes the pandemic's effects on port operations. It recommends that businesses map their supply chains, develop contingency plans, leverage technology, and enhance collaboration to improve supply chain resilience and withstand the double storm. These measures are crucial for mitigating disruptions and ensuring business continuity in the face of these compounding risks.

02/05/2026 Logistics
Read More
SHEIN Imposes Tax Withholding for Sellers to Boost Compliance

SHEIN Imposes Tax Withholding for Sellers to Boost Compliance

SHEIN has officially launched income tax withholding services, simplifying tax filing for sellers in its fully managed model. Sellers can choose platform withholding or self-declaration; unregistered sellers will have their taxes reported by SHEIN. Amazon Mexico will also begin withholding taxes from 2026, signaling a growing trend towards tax compliance in cross-border e-commerce. Sellers need to pay close attention to policy updates and assess the impact on their operating costs. This shift highlights the increasing importance of adhering to tax regulations in the global e-commerce landscape.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More