US STB Extends Comment Period on Rail Switching Proposal

US STB Extends Comment Period on Rail Switching Proposal

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has extended the comment deadline for its “Reciprocal Switching” proposal, which aims to provide poorly served freight rail shippers with the option to access other rail carriers. The new proposal establishes three key performance standards: service reliability, consistency, and local service. It also requires Class I railroads to provide historical data on service metrics. Industry response to the proposal has been mixed, but there's general agreement that it's intended to improve the quality of rail service.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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USPS Announces 10year Plan to Boost Profitability and Service

USPS Announces 10year Plan to Boost Profitability and Service

The USPS has released a ten-year plan to achieve financial sustainability and improve service quality by expanding e-commerce services (USPS Connect), adjusting service standards, investing in infrastructure, and seeking legislative support. The plan faces numerous challenges, including market competition, internal reforms, and external environmental factors. Its success or failure will directly impact the future of the United States Postal Service. This comprehensive strategy aims to modernize operations and better meet the evolving needs of customers and businesses in the digital age.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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USPS Overhaul Targets Profitability and Modernized Delivery

USPS Overhaul Targets Profitability and Modernized Delivery

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has unveiled a ten-year strategic plan to reshape its profitability and enhance service quality. Key initiatives include expanding seven-day package delivery, making significant infrastructure investments, adjusting service standards, optimizing pricing strategies, and seeking legislative support. The plan aims to gain a competitive edge in the e-commerce market. While facing numerous challenges, the USPS's commitment to reform and innovative measures are noteworthy and hold promise for the future of the postal service.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Postal Reform Act Aims to Revive Struggling USPS

Postal Reform Act Aims to Revive Struggling USPS

The Postal Reform Act aims to improve the financial health of the United States Postal Service by eliminating pre-funding requirements for retirement benefits, integrating health insurance, and codifying the six-day delivery obligation. Experts argue this isn't a bailout but a correction of previous legislation's flaws. The success of the reform depends on addressing challenges like electric vehicle fleet deployment and delivery standards. The future of the USPS and its ability to thrive amidst competition remains to be seen.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Airline Group IATA Enhances Ground Ops Efficiency

Global Airline Group IATA Enhances Ground Ops Efficiency

The IATA OPS Portal is an online platform designed to provide airlines and ground handling service providers with operational standards, facilitate information exchange, and achieve standardization, transparency, and efficiency in ground operations. Through self-assessments, compliance declarations, information exchange, and deviation publications, the OPS Portal helps companies improve operational levels, reduce risks, and provide safer and more reliable services for passengers. It streamlines processes and promotes best practices across the industry, ultimately contributing to a more consistent and higher quality travel experience.

01/20/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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WCO Enhances Cargo Targeting to Strengthen Trade Security

WCO Enhances Cargo Targeting to Strengthen Trade Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO)'s Cargo Targeting System (CTS) has undergone a significant upgrade, featuring enhancements in user interface, air cargo targeting capabilities, global deployment, and security. The WCO CTS, through risk assessment, helps customs administrations improve efficiency, ensure trade security, and promote trade facilitation, while adhering to international standards. Successfully implemented in numerous countries, the CTS will continue to strengthen technological innovation, data sharing, and global coverage. This upgrade aims to further optimize customs procedures and enhance overall supply chain security.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Philippines Boosts Trade with Enhanced Customs Program

Philippines Boosts Trade with Enhanced Customs Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provides capacity building support to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines to enhance its AEO program. This aims to improve the BOC's ability to validate AEO security standards and promote trade facilitation. Through expert training and field exercises, BOC officials' skills are enhanced, laying the foundation for a more secure and efficient trading environment. The WCO will provide further in-depth training and support to facilitate the development of the Philippine AEO program in the future.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and ICC Partner to Strengthen WTO Customs Valuation Rules

WCO and ICC Partner to Strengthen WTO Customs Valuation Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) have a long-standing collaboration to promote the global application of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement. In 2000, they issued a joint declaration aimed at promoting uniform, transparent, and fair customs valuation standards. This collaboration seeks to foster global trade compliance, transparency, and facilitation, ultimately reducing trade costs for businesses. The joint efforts emphasize the importance of consistent and predictable customs valuation practices for efficient and equitable international trade.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Europe Launches Journal for Global Trade Compliance Research

Europe Launches Journal for Global Trade Compliance Research

The *Customs Scientific Journal*, initiated by the European Regional Training Centre, aims to gather research findings in the European customs field, promote academic exchange, and drive innovation and development in customs practices. The journal focuses on four core themes: customs-business partnerships, professional education, WCO standards application, and best practices. It injects new vitality into academic exchange and practical innovation in the global customs field, providing a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration among customs professionals and researchers worldwide.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Firms Urged to Secure Vulnerable Outsourced Supply Chains

Firms Urged to Secure Vulnerable Outsourced Supply Chains

This paper analyzes security vulnerabilities existing in the outsourcing links of international supply chains. It points out the limitations of current supply chain security plans and proposes strategies to bridge these gaps. These strategies include strengthening due diligence, developing security standards, enhancing security supervision, establishing information sharing platforms, applying advanced technologies, and improving employee security awareness. The paper argues that a multi-faceted approach is crucial for mitigating risks associated with outsourcing and ensuring a more secure and resilient global supply chain.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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