Flexport and APL have partnered to launch the 'Eagle Express RailFlash' sea-rail intermodal service, reducing transit times from China to the US inland by at least 4 days. This service offers end-to-end visibility and management throughout the entire logistics process, providing enhanced control and efficiency for shippers navigating US-China trade.
To more accurately measure the quality of port services in the United States, the 29th annual 'Quest for Quality Awards' utilizes an evaluation system encompassing five key dimensions: business ease, value, ocean/intermodal network, equipment, and operations. This framework aims to provide shippers with objective benchmarks and incentivize ports to improve their service levels.
The U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on imported heavy-duty trucks, aiming to revitalize domestic manufacturing and safeguard national security. However, this could lead to higher truck prices, increased transportation costs, and potential trade retaliation. Opinions are divided, with truck manufacturers, transportation companies, and shippers actively seeking coping strategies. The future impact remains uncertain.
The Prologis IBI Index indicates a turning point in logistics real estate demand, with the Q3 activity index reaching 53. Net absorption, new lease signings, and project pipelines all show healthy growth. E-commerce and large enterprises are driving the increase, but trade volatility introduces uncertainty. The market recovery is non-linear, and businesses need to pay close attention to international trade developments.
The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index reveals mixed trends in the US freight market for Q3. Unprecedented discounts in parcel shipping offset rising fuel surcharges. LTL pricing remains stable, but per-shipment weight is declining. Truckload faces continued headwinds from weak demand and excess capacity, with limited near-term improvement expected. This index provides valuable insights for businesses developing their freight strategies.
International freight forwarders play a vital role in cargo transportation, providing shippers and consignees with services like carrier selection, customs clearance, cargo pickup, and freight payment. They also act as multimodal transport operators, offering end-to-end solutions. Value-added services include shipment supervision and special cargo handling, ensuring logistics safety and efficiency - making them indispensable in global trade.
The customs clearance process for container exports involves four main steps: declaration, inspection, tax assessment, and release. Shippers must timely declare and prepare relevant documents, ensuring authenticity and accuracy, and complete customs declaration, tax payment, and inspection within the legally specified time. An effective operational process can significantly enhance clearance efficiency, especially in export tax refunds.
Ocean bill of lading confirmation is a critical legal procedure in export shipments, requiring strict adherence to timelines by shippers. Carriers typically mandate BL details (consignee/shipper/container info) be confirmed 4-5 days pre-sailing. Unconfirmed data by deadlines requires immediate container number designation to prevent shipping disruptions. Timely and accurate BL confirmation ensures smooth maritime operations.
Maritime transport is a critical pillar of global trade, but its reliability has been increasingly challenged by factors such as the pandemic and climate change, leading to significant financial, operational, and reputational costs for shippers. This article explores the impact of this unreliability and strategies to address it, aiming to enhance the resilience and stability of supply chains.
The 2023 air cargo peak season is facing weak rebound, with shippers placing orders early indicating a slowdown in demand and freight rates not rising as expected. Although some airlines benefit from e-commerce demand, the overall cargo market remains complex and volatile, with future growth constrained by a slowdown in manufacturing and various supply chain issues.
