Logistics service providers and freight forwarders are optimistic that the economy will continue to grow, and provide opportunities for expansion in 2013, according to a survey by Transport Intelligence, a global logistics research firm, and Kewill, a provider of trade and logistics software.

U.S. import volume in October, measured in twenty-foot-containers, is down 6.8 percent from September and another 4.8 percent from October of last year. This is total of 1,433,446 containers imported.

CargoSmart Limited, a software-as-a-service shipping and logistics solutions provider, has launched a monthly, complimentary e-newsletter designed to provide shippers, logistics service providers, and ocean carriers insight about cargo delays around the globe.

LLamasoft Inc., a vendor of applications for supply-chain network design, has launched Transportation Guru.

Global opposition has forced the European Union to conditionally freeze its emissions trading scheme for one year. EU Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard said she is seeking to create "a positive atmosphere" for global talks concerning aircraft emissions management - an approach lauded by many in the aviation industry.

Kewill, a vendor of software for global trade and logistics, has released a new version of its freight-forwarding application.

Sageworks Inc. has released a Business Credit Report, to help companies assess the likelihood that a business partner will default on its financial obligations.

The American Waterways Operators (AWO) and Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI) are calling upon Congress and the Administration to address a developing situation on the Mississippi River which could effectively bring commerce on the Mighty Mississippi to a halt in early December.

To help fuel its rapid geographic expansion, specialty value retailer Five Below has signed the lease for a new distribution center in Olive Branch, Miss. The 600,000 square-foot facility is the retailer's second DC and will allow the company to more quickly and efficiently supply stores in the South and Midwest with its range of products all priced at $5 and below.