US Retail Sales Rebound Annually Despite Minor Monthly Decline

US Retail Sales Rebound Annually Despite Minor Monthly Decline

US retail sales in May showed a significant year-over-year increase, with a slight month-over-month decrease, but the long-term growth trend remains solid. The apparel sector rebounded strongly, and the restaurant industry continued its recovery. The NRF revised its full-year retail sales growth forecast upwards. Experts emphasize the importance of long-term trends over short-term fluctuations. Data analysts should delve deeper into the data to uncover valuable insights and provide retailers with actionable recommendations. This analysis is crucial for understanding the ongoing economic recovery and its impact on the retail landscape.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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BNSF Acquisition Sparks Shippers Concerns Over Rising Freight Costs

BNSF Acquisition Sparks Shippers Concerns Over Rising Freight Costs

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) of the U.S. Department of Transportation held hearings on Berkshire Hathaway's acquisition of BNSF Railway, focusing on whether the $8.1 billion acquisition premium should be included in BNSF's cost base, thus impacting freight pricing. Shippers expressed concerns about potential freight rate increases and urged the STB to protect their interests. Experts suggested breaking the regulatory cycle. This case concerns fair competition and efficiency improvement in rail transport, and the outcome will have a profound impact on the industry. The core issue is whether the premium should be considered when calculating BNSF's costs.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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Amazon Halts Thirdparty Delivery Service Amid Strategy Review

Amazon Halts Thirdparty Delivery Service Amid Strategy Review

Amazon's suspension of non-self-operated package delivery services has sparked industry attention on its logistics strategy. This move may be a temporary measure to address the challenges of the pandemic, or it may be accumulating strength for a larger-scale logistics expansion in the future. Experts believe that the short-term impact on UPS and FedEx is limited, but in the long run, Amazon's determination to enter the logistics field will not change, and future competition will be more intense. This decision highlights the evolving landscape of e-commerce fulfillment and Amazon's ambition to control more of its supply chain.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Logistics Sector Faces Tech Growth Amid Talent Shortages

Logistics Sector Faces Tech Growth Amid Talent Shortages

The 30th annual 'Trends and Issues in Logistics and Transportation' report reveals the profound impact of technological transformation on the logistics industry. Companies are shifting their strategic focus from cost control to innovation, with operational goals increasingly emphasizing asset utilization. Technology adoption is becoming a key competitive differentiator, but also presents cost and talent challenges. The report also commemorates the original author of the study, Mary Holcomb, and looks forward to the future of the research. This year's edition highlights the critical need for businesses to adapt to the evolving technological landscape and address the growing talent gap.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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CMA CGM Sells APL Terminals to Cut Debt Focus on Core Routes

CMA CGM Sells APL Terminals to Cut Debt Focus on Core Routes

CMA CGM's sale of APL Terminals aims to optimize its debt structure, focus on core business, and synergize with the Ocean Alliance to reduce route redundancy. This move will impact the competitive landscape of the shipping market, trigger a battle for terminal assets, and potentially accelerate industry consolidation. While CMA CGM remains a significant port operator, it will continue to adjust its strategy to address market challenges. The sale represents a significant strategic shift for the company, impacting its port operations and financial standing. The long-term effects on the shipping industry remain to be seen.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Supply Chain Education Tackles Skills Gap to Boost Business Growth

Supply Chain Education Tackles Skills Gap to Boost Business Growth

This article delves into the significance of supply chain education and how investing in education can bridge the skills gap and drive business growth. It analyzes the current state of the supply chain talent market, highlighting the existing skills gap and its impact on both companies and individuals. Furthermore, the article introduces diverse educational models and explores how companies can enhance team capabilities and cultivate a learning organization through skills gap assessments and on-the-job training. Ultimately, it emphasizes the crucial role of continuous learning in addressing the evolving demands of the supply chain industry.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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USPS Suspends China Package Imports Straining Crossborder Ecommerce

USPS Suspends China Package Imports Straining Crossborder Ecommerce

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced a suspension on accepting packages from China and Hong Kong, raising concerns among cross-border e-commerce sellers. As a result, the small package logistics market is in turmoil, with sellers facing pressure to adapt to new policies and additional costs. Sellers need to closely monitor changes in tariffs and consider switching to other shipping companies.

08/05/2025 Logistics
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Texas Floods Disrupt Global Dry Bulk Supply Chain

Texas Floods Disrupt Global Dry Bulk Supply Chain

Severe flooding in Texas has affected bulk cargo ports, leading to delays in cargo transport, potential queues of vessels, and rising freight costs, posing challenges to the global supply chain. The export and import of bulk goods at key ports have been impacted, and future market fluctuations require attention.

08/05/2025 Logistics
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