Mississippi River Drought Threatens US Supply Chains

Mississippi River Drought Threatens US Supply Chains

Drought conditions have lowered the Mississippi River to its lowest level in a decade, causing waterway closures, hundreds of stranded vessels, and hindered agricultural product transport, leading to soaring freight costs. Concurrently, US imports are projected to fall to a near two-year low, reflecting weakened demand and ongoing supply chain challenges. The combination of extreme weather events and slowing global demand is exacerbating economic uncertainty. The low water levels are severely impacting the ability to move goods along this vital waterway.

12/29/2025 Logistics
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US Sellers Optimize Tiktok Shop Shipping Strategies

US Sellers Optimize Tiktok Shop Shipping Strategies

This article provides an in-depth analysis of three shipping methods for TikTok Shop: direct shipping from China, local warehouse fulfillment, and virtual warehouse fulfillment. It details the advantages, disadvantages, and applicable scenarios of each method for different types of sellers. The article also offers strategic recommendations for selecting the appropriate shipping method, aiming to help sellers efficiently operate their local TikTok Shop. This guide helps navigate the complexities of fulfillment to optimize performance and customer satisfaction within the TikTok ecosystem.

Ebay Introduces Automated Returns for US Sellers

Ebay Introduces Automated Returns for US Sellers

This article provides a detailed explanation of the eBay US automated returns feature, covering the types of automated returns and the two resolution processes: 'refund without return' and 'refund upon return'. It also discusses the use of Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) numbers. The aim is to help sellers understand and effectively utilize eBay's automated returns functionality, reduce operational costs, improve the after-sales experience for buyers, and ultimately enhance store performance.

Ecommerce Booms in Postpandemic US and Europe

Ecommerce Booms in Postpandemic US and Europe

Following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Europe and the US, demand for apparel, luxury goods, and beauty products has surged. The US retail sector is showing strong recovery, while lipstick sales in France have skyrocketed. Social media marketing is crucial for beauty brands to stand out. Cross-border e-commerce sellers should closely monitor policy changes, optimize product selection strategies, strengthen social media marketing efforts, improve supply chain efficiency, and pay attention to consumer feedback to seize new opportunities in the post-pandemic era.

US Rail Freight Declines Amid Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Declines Amid Economic Slowdown

For the week ending September 20th, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic experienced a year-over-year decrease. Grain and metallic ores shipments increased, while coal, miscellaneous carloads, and nonmetallic minerals declined. Year-to-date, both freight and intermodal volumes remain positive. Recommendations include increased infrastructure investment, promotion of technological innovation, optimization of transportation structure, strengthened industry collaboration, and improved regulatory policies to bolster future growth and efficiency.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Decline Sparks Economic Worries

US Rail Freight Decline Sparks Economic Worries

U.S. rail freight volume and intermodal traffic have declined year-over-year, raising economic concerns. A significant drop in coal shipments is putting pressure on intermodal transportation. It is crucial to monitor these changes in rail freight, address the challenges they present, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. The decline serves as a potential leading indicator of broader economic trends, warranting close observation and strategic planning within the transportation and logistics sectors.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Traffic Declines in Midseptember

US Rail Freight Traffic Declines in Midseptember

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic decreased by 0.5% and intermodal volume declined by 2.6% for the week ending September 13. Despite recent weakness, year-to-date rail freight and intermodal traffic are still up 2.3% and 3.8%, respectively. The report highlights growth in sectors like chemicals and automobiles, alongside declines in coal and agricultural products, reflecting structural shifts within the U.S. economy.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Decline Signals Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Signals Economic Slowdown

Recent year-over-year declines in U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes have raised concerns about a potential economic slowdown. While year-to-date figures remain positive, performance varies across different market segments, reflecting the diverse challenges and opportunities facing various industries. Investors should closely monitor these data and conduct in-depth analysis of the underlying economic factors to better understand market trends. The decline warrants attention as a potential leading indicator of broader economic conditions.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Industrial Real Estate Defies Demand Shifts

US Industrial Real Estate Defies Demand Shifts

A CBRE report indicates that the US industrial real estate vacancy rate remained stable at 6.6% in Q3, with robust leasing demand, but fewer new construction starts. E-commerce and 3PL are key drivers, with companies outsourcing logistics to enhance flexibility and focus on core operations. Completions continue to outpace absorption, posing a potential oversupply risk. The future of industrial real estate will increasingly emphasize efficiency, flexibility, and customization. The strong leasing demand is driven by companies seeking to optimize their supply chains and meet the growing demands of online retail.

US Industrial Real Estate Defies Ecommerce Slowdown

US Industrial Real Estate Defies Ecommerce Slowdown

CBRE's Q1 data reveals a resilient US industrial real estate market, despite adjustments. New supply reached a record high, and vacancy rates slightly increased. However, rents continued to rise. While e-commerce growth slowed and financing became more challenging, demand is normalizing. Overall, the industrial real estate sector demonstrates continued strength. Although facing headwinds, the long-term outlook for industrial real estate remains positive, suggesting continued growth potential.