South Carolina Ports Report Cargo Decline Auto Exports Rise

South Carolina Ports Report Cargo Decline Auto Exports Rise

South Carolina Ports saw a 9% year-over-year decline in cargo volume in August, mirroring weakened US consumer demand and an economic slowdown. Bucking the trend, automobile transportation surged by 9%, driven by the automotive industry's recovery and increased demand for electric vehicles. The inland port in Greer demonstrated strong performance. Moving forward, the port needs to embrace digital transformation and diversify its development strategies to navigate the challenging economic landscape.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Warehouse Vacancies Rise As Demand Cools Rent Growth Slows

Warehouse Vacancies Rise As Demand Cools Rent Growth Slows

Impacted by inflation and economic uncertainty, the warehouse market is experiencing cooling demand, leading to increased vacancy rates and slower rental growth. Business expansion has slowed, exacerbating the oversupply situation. New and existing warehouses face different challenges, requiring companies to adapt strategies and embrace automation. Despite current headwinds, the long-term growth trend of the warehouse market remains positive. Companies need to be flexible to navigate the changing landscape and capitalize on future opportunities.

01/16/2026 Warehousing
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US Import Volumes Drop Sharply Amid COVID19 and Low Demand

US Import Volumes Drop Sharply Amid COVID19 and Low Demand

Panjiva data reveals a sixth consecutive month of decline in US seaborne imports in February, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and weakened demand. Imports from China experienced a sharp decrease, and future prospects remain uncertain. The ongoing pandemic continues to disrupt global supply chains and consumer spending, contributing to the overall downturn in trade activity. This trend raises concerns about the potential long-term economic consequences for both the US and its trading partners.

US Container Imports Fall in September Signaling Economic Slowdown

US Container Imports Fall in September Signaling Economic Slowdown

Descartes reported that U.S. container imports decreased by 8.4% in September compared to August, but are still up 1.9% year-to-date. Imports from China saw a sharp decline, with widespread decreases among major trading partners. East Coast ports gained market share. The data reflects the impact of seasonal factors, trade policy uncertainty, and a slowdown in global demand. The overall trend suggests a complex interplay of economic forces affecting U.S. import activity.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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US Truckload Spot Rates Surge As Capacity Shrinks

US Truckload Spot Rates Surge As Capacity Shrinks

A DAT report indicates a recovery in the US truckload spot market. Increased freight volumes and tightening capacity are driving spot rates higher, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Experts attribute this to a return to seasonal patterns, with retail demand being a key factor. Market participants need to monitor these dynamics and adapt accordingly. The upward trend in spot rates suggests a strengthening freight market, but sustained growth depends on continued consumer spending and inventory replenishment.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Carload Rise Amid Intermodal Decline

US Rail Freight Sees Carload Rise Amid Intermodal Decline

Recent data reveals a diverging trend in the US rail freight market: carload traffic saw a slight increase, driven by commodities like grains and automobiles, while intermodal transportation experienced a minor decline. Despite this, year-to-date cumulative figures still indicate overall positive performance. Market participants should closely monitor these dynamics, proactively address challenges, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. This nuanced understanding is crucial for strategic decision-making in the evolving rail freight landscape.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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Winter Storms Push Truckload Rates to Record Highs in January

Winter Storms Push Truckload Rates to Record Highs in January

Recent data from DAT Freight & Analytics reveals that US freight volume hit a historic high in January due to the impact of cold weather, leading to a surge in spot rates. Experts analyze that this is not a long-term trend, and the market is expected to return to seasonal patterns in the future. Shippers and carriers need to flexibly adjust strategies, optimize transportation networks, strengthen cooperation, and leverage technology to cope with market changes.

B2B Export Brands See Sixfold Rise in Lead Conversion

B2B Export Brands See Sixfold Rise in Lead Conversion

Facing new challenges in B2B global marketing, relying solely on traffic operations is unsustainable. Brand building becomes a core driver, significantly improving conversion rates, bargaining power, and market share. Through accessible brand deployment channels like YouTube videos, combined with precise targeting and long-term trend evaluation, B2B companies can effectively build trust, convey product value, and adapt to AI search logic. Ultimately, this strategy enables them to gain a competitive edge in the market.

MIT ASU Launch Online Supply Chain Management Masters Program

MIT ASU Launch Online Supply Chain Management Masters Program

MIT and ASU collaborate to offer an online Master's in Supply Chain Management, designed for students who have completed the MITx MicroMasters program. This flexible and affordable degree program leverages the strengths of both universities. The curriculum covers the end-to-end supply chain, aiming to cultivate professionals with a global perspective. This collaboration signifies a new trend in higher education partnerships, providing accessible and high-quality education in a critical field.

Global Supply Chains Adapt to Challenges and New Career Trends

Global Supply Chains Adapt to Challenges and New Career Trends

Interview research reveals a shift in the role of supply chain managers, requiring strategic thinking and collaboration. They face short-term interest conflicts and resource constraints. The future trend points towards digitalization and intelligentization. This requires professionals to develop new skills and adapt to a changing landscape. Understanding these trends is crucial for career advancement in the field. The insights provide valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within supply chain management.