Hidden Fees Plague Crossborder Ocean Freight Report Warns

Hidden Fees Plague Crossborder Ocean Freight Report Warns

Hidden fees in cross-border e-commerce FCL shipping quotes can significantly impact costs. These include charges like detention fees, special cargo handling fees, fumigation fees at the origin port; congestion surcharges, currency adjustment factors, and fuel surcharges during transit; and demurrage, customs clearance fees, and bill of lading fees at the destination port. This article delves into these hidden costs, helping cross-border e-commerce sellers effectively control their ocean freight expenses and improve cost management.

Union Pacific Expands Houston Port Rail Links to Five Key Markets

Union Pacific Expands Houston Port Rail Links to Five Key Markets

Union Pacific is expanding its intermodal services at Port Houston, allowing containers to be loaded directly from the port onto railcars. This service provides direct rail access to five major metropolitan areas: Denver, Salt Lake City, Oakland, Los Angeles, and El Paso. The initiative aims to improve transportation efficiency, reduce costs, alleviate highway congestion, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, benefiting both customers and the community. This expansion further solidifies Union Pacific's leading position in the intermodal market.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US Import Growth Persists Despite Port Strike Concerns

US Import Growth Persists Despite Port Strike Concerns

Despite the looming threat of port strikes on the East and Gulf Coasts, US import volumes remain high. Reports indicate that retailers are front-loading shipments to mitigate strike risks and concerns about future tariff changes, driving the increase. However, port congestion is escalating, challenging supply chain management. Businesses need to closely monitor market dynamics and adapt their supply chain strategies to navigate the uncertainties. The potential strike action adds further complexity to an already strained global logistics network.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Data Tools Boost Supply Chain Resilience Amid Port Delays

Data Tools Boost Supply Chain Resilience Amid Port Delays

This paper analyzes the causes of international shipping terminal congestion from a data analyst's perspective, proposing a core response logic of 'early prediction + proactive avoidance + dynamic adjustment + emergency coordination.' Strategies such as port/route substitution, process optimization, and resource coordination are employed to mitigate the impact of congestion on cargo timeliness. The paper emphasizes the crucial role of data-driven approaches in risk management, decision support, and supply chain optimization, ultimately helping businesses enhance supply chain resilience. It highlights the importance of leveraging data for proactive problem-solving and improved operational efficiency.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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New Maritime Rules Risk Heightened Port Delays Industry Warns

New Maritime Rules Risk Heightened Port Delays Industry Warns

US port leaders are expressing concerns about upcoming maritime regulations, believing they could lead to reduced port efficiency and increased congestion. They are urging caution, enhanced communication, and the exploration of commercial solutions to ensure ports continue to operate efficiently under the new regulatory environment, safeguarding global trade. The leaders emphasize the need for a collaborative approach to mitigate potential negative impacts and maintain the smooth flow of goods through American ports, highlighting the importance of proactive planning and adaptation.

UK to Chengdu Shipping Times Key Trends and Challenges

UK to Chengdu Shipping Times Key Trends and Challenges

This article delves into the timeliness of shipping from the UK to Chengdu, indicating a typical transit time of 30-45 days. It analyzes key influencing factors such as shipping distance, vessel speed, port operations, customs clearance efficiency, and inland transportation. The analysis also highlights the importance of considering cargo characteristics, weather conditions, port congestion, and holidays, which can significantly impact the overall shipping duration. Understanding these elements is crucial for accurate planning and managing expectations for UK-Chengdu sea freight.

01/23/2026 Logistics
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Shipping Congestion Surges in Europe Latin America

Shipping Congestion Surges in Europe Latin America

International shipping congestion at ports in Europe and Latin America continues to worsen. The CEO of Hapag-Lloyd noted that labor disputes in Rotterdam and Antwerp are causing delays, while strong performance in the Brazilian market is exacerbating congestion at South American ports. Cargo owners and freight forwarders need to be aware of this trend and actively plan their logistics strategies.

06/09/2025 Logistics
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Intermodal Transport Faces Postpandemic Congestion Capacity Crunch

Intermodal Transport Faces Postpandemic Congestion Capacity Crunch

Larry Gross highlighted the challenges facing multimodal transportation at the RailTrends conference, including congestion and capacity shortages, leading to market share decline. He emphasized the need to reshape the supply chain, focusing on resilience and capacity. Gross also predicted a future shift in freight volume from west to east. He urged the industry to avoid repeating past mistakes and capitalize on emerging opportunities. The presentation underscores the critical need for innovation and strategic planning within the multimodal sector to navigate current and future supply chain disruptions.

Lagos Port Auctioning Overdue Cargo More Than 4000 Containers Awaiting Action

Lagos Port Auctioning Overdue Cargo More Than 4000 Containers Awaiting Action

The severe congestion at Lagos Port has resulted in over 4,000 containers being delayed, prompting industry calls for customs auctions. High clearance fees and dock charges are forcing importers to abandon their goods, creating a vicious cycle. The government urgently needs to implement effective measures to improve the port's condition to avoid economic losses and prevent goods from spoiling.

01/07/2021 Logistics
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Global Shipping Crisis Unpacking Supply Chain Bottlenecks

Global Shipping Crisis Unpacking Supply Chain Bottlenecks

The current shipping market crisis isn't attributable to a single party, and capacity isn't the sole bottleneck. Historically, carriers have faced downturns. Supply-demand imbalances and port congestion are primary drivers. Collaboration is essential. Shippers should optimize loading, while governments and industry invest in infrastructure and technology. Together, we can build an efficient, stable, and sustainable maritime transport system.