US Rail Freight Rises in Late September Led by Auto and Grain

US Rail Freight Rises in Late September Led by Auto and Grain

The Association of American Railroads reported that for the week ending September 27th, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both experienced year-over-year growth. Significant increases were seen in the transportation of nonmetallic minerals, grain, and motor vehicles & parts. Conversely, coal, petroleum & petroleum products, and metallic ores & metals saw declines. For the first 39 weeks of 2025, both total U.S. rail freight traffic and intermodal volume have shown year-over-year growth, indicating a positive trend in the sector.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Freight Market Splits As Parcel LTL and Truckload Prices Diverge

Freight Market Splits As Parcel LTL and Truckload Prices Diverge

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index reveals a diverging US freight market. Parcel demand is weak with unprecedented discounts and declining fuel surcharges. LTL shipments show declining weight per shipment, but carrier pricing remains firm. Truckload faces headwinds from soft demand and excess capacity, hindering near-term improvement. While future Fed rate cuts are beneficial for long-term truckload and LTL prospects, their immediate impact is limited. The report highlights the contrasting dynamics within different segments of the US freight sector, reflecting broader economic conditions and supply chain adjustments.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Beginners Guide to Containerized Ocean Import Shipping

Beginners Guide to Containerized Ocean Import Shipping

This article provides a detailed overview of the complete process for sea freight container import business. It covers document preparation, exchange orders, customs declaration, inspection and quarantine, three inspections, port charges payment, cargo pickup, and container dispatch and handover. The aim is to help beginners quickly grasp the key operational points of import freight forwarding and trucking.

08/23/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Global Shipping Faces Key Documentation Hurdles

Global Shipping Faces Key Documentation Hurdles

This article addresses common issues in freight forwarding practice, including non-vessel operating certificates, customs declaration cancellation, ocean bills of lading, and Shenzhen port charges. It emphasizes the timeliness of applying for certificates of origin and provides detailed explanations of the calculation methods for various fees. The aim is to offer practical reference for foreign trade practitioners.

08/22/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Strategies to Reduce Demurrage and Detention Costs in Global Shipping

Strategies to Reduce Demurrage and Detention Costs in Global Shipping

This paper delves into the distinctions between detention and demurrage in international ocean freight, clarifying their responsible parties, triggering mechanisms, and calculation methods. Furthermore, it proposes interconnected mitigation strategies, including accurately understanding the start date, optimizing customs clearance processes, and selecting appropriate transportation modes. The aim is to assist businesses in effectively controlling logistics costs and enhancing operational efficiency.

12/30/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Ecommerce Firms Urged to Select Proper Bills of Lading

Ecommerce Firms Urged to Select Proper Bills of Lading

Cross-border e-commerce sellers should be aware of the risks associated with choosing between ocean bills of lading and forwarder bills of lading. Ocean bills of lading, issued by shipping companies, offer a simpler cargo retrieval process and stronger proof of ownership, suitable for full container load (FCL) shipments. Forwarder bills of lading, issued by freight forwarders, are appropriate for less than container load (LCL) shipments and specific trade terms but carry the risk of destination port agent issues. Selecting the wrong bill of lading can lead to cargo detention and financial loss. Consulting with professional logistics advisors is recommended.

11/03/2025 Document Interpretation
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Guide to Selecting Sinothai Shipping Partners

Guide to Selecting Sinothai Shipping Partners

This article delves into the key elements of China-Thailand sea freight, offering a comprehensive guide from sea freight company types (international giants, China-Thailand specialized lines, local logistics) to factors influencing shipping time (direct/transshipment, LCL/FCL). It helps you make informed decisions among numerous shipping companies, ensuring the safe and timely delivery of your goods. Understand the nuances of each option to optimize your supply chain between China and Thailand.

01/23/2026 Logistics
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US Customs Guide for Crossborder Ecommerce Sellers

US Customs Guide for Crossborder Ecommerce Sellers

This paper analyzes factors affecting US air freight customs clearance and inspection time, including cargo and documentation compliance, customs workload, commodity type, and inspection methods. It provides strategies for cross-border e-commerce sellers to shorten inspection times and improve operational efficiency. These strategies include ensuring accurate declarations, selecting professional freight forwarders, purchasing insurance, and avoiding peak periods. The analysis aims to help sellers navigate the complexities of US customs and optimize their supply chain.

01/08/2026 Customs Knowledge
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