Shipping Industry Adapts to SOLAS VGM Compliance Challenges

Shipping Industry Adapts to SOLAS VGM Compliance Challenges

The SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulation regarding Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of containers presents new challenges for the shipping industry. Based on an interview with the President of INTTRA, this paper explores key issues in VGM compliance and offers strategies for addressing them, including early preparation, IT system optimization, and partner selection. VGM compliance will enhance supply chain transparency, strengthen risk management, accelerate technological innovation, and promote the unification of industry standards. Successfully navigating VGM requirements is crucial for efficient and safe maritime operations.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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USPS Cuts Losses As Package Growth Fuels Turnaround

USPS Cuts Losses As Package Growth Fuels Turnaround

The United States Postal Service (USPS) released its latest financial report, showing a narrowed loss with its package business as a growth engine. Despite facing challenges like inflation, regulation, and competition, USPS is striving for financial stability through internal reforms and efficiency improvements. Industry experts believe USPS is heading in the right direction, but execution is key. Moving forward, USPS needs to continue pushing reforms, expanding into new business areas, and collaborating with private companies to address opportunities and challenges and achieve sustainable development.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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BNSF Railway Faces Dispute Over Coal Shipping Cost Reassessment

BNSF Railway Faces Dispute Over Coal Shipping Cost Reassessment

The Western Coal Transportation Coalition challenges BNSF Railway's URCS cost calculation, questioning whether asset revaluation is inflating freight rates. The core dispute centers on whether the net investment increase resulting from Berkshire Hathaway's acquisition of BNSF should be included in the URCS calculation. If BNSF successfully adjusts the URCS, it could raise freight rates, harming industries such as coal and agriculture. The STB's ruling will impact railway industry regulation and market competition. The coalition argues this revaluation unfairly increases costs passed on to shippers.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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Colombia Adopts Mexican Expertise to Modernize Customs Risk Management

Colombia Adopts Mexican Expertise to Modernize Customs Risk Management

In May 2021, Mexico shared its customs risk management expertise with Colombia, aiming to help Colombia improve clearance efficiency and achieve more effective trade regulation. This customs cooperation initiative facilitated knowledge transfer and best practices, enabling Colombia to strengthen its risk assessment capabilities. By leveraging Mexico's experience, Colombia can enhance its ability to identify and mitigate potential risks associated with cross-border trade, ultimately leading to streamlined processes and improved security. The collaboration underscores the importance of international cooperation in fostering secure and efficient global trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Releases New Rules for Crossborder Ecommerce Shipments

WCO Releases New Rules for Crossborder Ecommerce Shipments

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released a report addressing the challenges of customs clearance for low-value cross-border e-commerce parcels. It proposes solutions in five areas: facilitation, risk management, data exchange, anti-counterfeiting regulation, and tax collection. The aim is to improve customs clearance efficiency, maintain market order, and promote the healthy development of cross-border e-commerce. The report provides guidance for customs administrations to streamline processes, enhance security, and ensure fair revenue collection in the rapidly growing e-commerce landscape.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Ports Adapt to VGM Rules for Smoother Supply Chains

Global Ports Adapt to VGM Rules for Smoother Supply Chains

With the global implementation of the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) regulation, ports face compliance challenges. UK ports offer weighing services, while US ports rely on shipper data. Maersk Terminals emphasizes a data-driven approach. Digital transformation is crucial for VGM compliance. Supply chain companies should strengthen collaboration, optimize processes, and adopt advanced technologies to address the challenges posed by VGM and ensure smooth supply chain operations. Key strategies include enhanced data sharing, streamlined documentation, and leveraging technology for accurate weight verification. Ultimately, proactive adaptation is vital for mitigating disruptions and maintaining efficiency.

09/26/2025 Logistics
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Beauty Influencer Hayley Faces Backlash Over Whitening Cream Claims

Beauty Influencer Hayley Faces Backlash Over Whitening Cream Claims

Douyin influencer "Sister Haili"'s live stream selling whitening and blemish-removing cream is under scrutiny for suspected illegal ingredient additions and false advertising, sparking consumer concerns. Issues like non-compliant product names, mismatched registration information, and missing ingredient lists have surfaced. Consumers have reported allergic reactions and refund refusals. This incident highlights the chaotic state of the live streaming e-commerce industry, emphasizing the urgent need for strengthened regulation, standardized operations, and the protection of consumer rights. This case underscores the importance of due diligence and transparency in online sales.

01/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Facebooks Vast Data Collection Raises Privacy Concerns

Facebooks Vast Data Collection Raises Privacy Concerns

This article reveals how Facebook utilizes user data collection and analysis to achieve its targeted advertising business model. It delves into the types of information Facebook gathers, including location data and behavioral patterns, and analyzes the impact on user privacy. Finally, the article proposes suggestions for protecting personal privacy and calls for strengthened legislation and regulation to standardize the data collection practices of social media giants. The aim is to highlight the potential privacy risks associated with extensive data harvesting and advocate for greater user control and transparency.

12/30/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Perus Msmes Gain Boost from Crossborder Ecommerce Forum

Perus Msmes Gain Boost from Crossborder Ecommerce Forum

The Peruvian National Customs Service, with the support of the World Customs Organization, held an online forum to empower Peruvian micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in cross-border e-commerce. The forum brought together representatives to discuss international trends, challenges, and best practices, sharing success stories and emphasizing the importance of simplified procedures. Cross-border e-commerce presents opportunities for the Peruvian economy but also faces challenges related to infrastructure, regulation, and talent. Moving forward, Peru should seize opportunities, address challenges, and promote the development of cross-border e-commerce.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Proposes Green Shift for Chemical Trade Via HS Codes

WCO Proposes Green Shift for Chemical Trade Via HS Codes

A WCO workshop explored using the Harmonized System (HS) code to identify and manage traded chemicals, supporting environmental sustainability. The discussions emphasized the need for improvements to the HS system and promoted dialogue on a 'Green HS'. This aims to leverage HS codes for better tracking and regulation of chemicals with environmental impacts, ultimately fostering more sustainable trade practices and contributing to global environmental protection efforts. The workshop highlighted the potential of the HS code to play a crucial role in achieving a greener and more responsible chemical trade landscape.

01/16/2026 HS Code Query
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