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
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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
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Amazon EU Sellers Must Comply With EN 71 Toy Safety Standards

Amazon EU Sellers Must Comply With EN 71 Toy Safety Standards

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the EN 71 safety testing standard for children's toys sold on Amazon in the EU. It details the definition and classification of children's toys, as well as the core content and compliance documentation requirements of the EN 71 and BS EN 62115 standards. The aim is to help sellers understand the EU market's safety requirements for children's toys, ensure product compliance, and protect children's safety. This knowledge is crucial for navigating the complexities of selling toys within the European Union.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Railroads Face Labor Disputes Supply Chain Risks

US Railroads Face Labor Disputes Supply Chain Risks

The US rail transport system faces a supply chain crisis stemming from labor rights issues. This analysis examines the challenges faced by rail workers under the Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) model, leading to declining service quality and supply chain disruptions. It highlights the necessity of improving labor rights and suggests enhanced collaboration between rail companies, unions, and the government to reshape rail transport. Addressing worker concerns is crucial for restoring efficiency and reliability within the rail network and mitigating its impact on the broader supply chain.

11/03/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Workshop Enhances Namibias IP Enforcement

WCO Workshop Enhances Namibias IP Enforcement

The WCO held a workshop in Namibia to enhance intellectual property rights enforcement capabilities of Customs administrations in Eastern and Southern Africa. The workshop focused on risk management, information sharing, and the identification of counterfeit medicines. Participants explored strategies to strengthen regional cooperation and combat the trade in illicit goods that infringe on intellectual property rights. The aim was to improve the effectiveness of Customs administrations in protecting intellectual property at the border and fostering a safer and more secure trading environment within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Philippines Boosts IP Protection in Customs Via WCO Workshop

Philippines Boosts IP Protection in Customs Via WCO Workshop

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop for Philippine Customs to enhance its capacity to combat counterfeit and pirated goods. The workshop focused on customs challenges under the pandemic, WCO's intellectual property protection tools, and counterfeit goods identification. Rights holders were invited to provide training. The workshop significantly improved the intellectual property protection awareness and counterfeit goods identification skills of Philippine Customs officials, promoting cooperation between customs and rights holders. This initiative aims to strengthen IP enforcement and protect legitimate trade in the Philippines.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Crossborder Ecommerce Faces New Customs Valuation Challenges

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces New Customs Valuation Challenges

The World Customs Organization released Advisory Opinion 4.19, clarifying how to handle royalties that include both patent rights for imported raw materials and trademark rights for the final product in customs valuation. This opinion aims to enhance valuation certainty, reduce trade friction, and assist businesses in tax planning. It offers valuable guidance for cross-border e-commerce and import-export enterprises, particularly regarding the treatment of royalties in determining customs value. The advisory opinion provides a framework for consistently applying valuation principles to complex licensing agreements.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Fast Fashion Giant Shein Invests 15M in Factory Upgrades

Fast Fashion Giant Shein Invests 15M in Factory Upgrades

Fast fashion giant Shein announced a $15 million investment to upgrade its supply chain factories, aiming to improve working conditions and enhance its corporate image. This move follows media exposure and internal investigations, and while Shein disputes some allegations, it acknowledges excessive working hours. Facing scrutiny over labor rights and environmental pollution, Shein needs to establish a transparent supply chain, protect worker rights, and promote sustainable development to shed its “sweatshop” image. The investment is a step, but long-term commitment to ethical practices is crucial.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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California Port Truck Drivers Accuse NFI Subsidiary of Labor Violations

California Port Truck Drivers Accuse NFI Subsidiary of Labor Violations

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against California Cartage Express by port truck drivers in Los Angeles, alleging systemic labor rights violations. The lawsuit accuses the company of misclassifying employees as independent contractors and withholding wages. California Cartage Express has a history of labor-related lawsuits and penalties. Government intervention and a finding of violations could reshape employment practices across the port trucking industry. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for worker rights and the overall labor model within the sector.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Uber Ruling Spotlights Gig Economy Contractor Challenges

Uber Ruling Spotlights Gig Economy Contractor Challenges

A US court ruling on an Uber class-action lawsuit impacts labor rights for independent contractors in the gig economy. The verdict emphasizes individual lawsuits, weakening the possibility of collective action. This analysis explores the challenges faced by independent contractors, including ambiguous legal definitions and a lack of rights. It calls for a balance between flexibility and security to build a sustainable gig economy model. The ruling highlights the ongoing debate surrounding worker classification and the need for updated labor laws to protect gig workers.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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