How to Avoid Customs Delays

by leah | Jul 8, 2026 | News

Customs delays can disrupt even the most carefully planned supply chains. A missing document, an incorrect HS code, or a misunderstanding of country‑specific regulations can hold freight for days, increase costs, and create downstream challenges for production and delivery schedules. The good news is that most customs delays are preventable with the right preparation and the right logistics partner.

Smooth customs clearance starts long before a shipment reaches the border. Accurate documentation, proper classification, and a clear understanding of import requirements are essential. When commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin are complete and consistent, customs authorities can process shipments more quickly and with fewer questions. Clear product descriptions and correct valuations also help prevent inspections that slow down the process.

Another key factor is proper classification. Using the correct HS codes ensures duties, taxes, and admissibility rules are applied correctly. Misclassification is one of the most common causes of customs delays, often leading to reprocessing or additional scrutiny. Staying current with tariff updates and regulatory changes helps keep shipments compliant and moving.

Country‑specific regulations also play a major role. Every destination has its own rules regarding restricted items, labeling, packaging, and documentation. Understanding these requirements, or working with experts who do, helps avoid surprises at the border. Even small details, such as missing labels or improper packaging, can trigger inspections that delay clearance.

Financial readiness matters as well. Shipments can be held if duties or taxes are unpaid or if payment terms are unclear. Knowing the total landed cost and ensuring the correct Incoterms are in place helps prevent unnecessary holds.

This is where a partner like Logistics Plus makes a meaningful difference. With our global network, experienced customs specialists, and strong relationships with brokers and authorities, we help customers navigate complex regulations with confidence. From documentation review to classification support and proactive communication, Logistics Plus works behind the scenes to prevent issues before they occur. When challenges do arise, our hands‑on approach ensures they are resolved quickly and efficiently.

Avoiding customs delays isn’t just about compliance; it’s about protecting your supply chain. With the right preparation and the right partner, your shipments can move smoothly across borders and arrive exactly where they need to be, right on time.

As always, Logistics Plus is here to support you through this process and any other trade compliance changes. Our team can be contacted at [email protected] or by using the button below. Additionally, you can sign up to receive our Global Logistics Alerts as we share the most critical news alerts affecting the world of logistics.

Key Takeaways from the June 2026 Logistics Manager’s Index Report

by Scott Frederick | Jul 8, 2026 | News

The monthly Logistics Manager’s Index (LMI) was just released. This monthly report is full of important supply chain trends, graphs, and commentary. Here is a quick summary of some key points from this month’s release, with a link to the full online report at the bottom.

1. Index Hits a 4-Year High
• Overall LMI reads 71.1 in June, up 1.6 points from May’s 69.5 — the first reading above 70 (and the fastest expansion) since March 2022, well above the all-time average of 61.6.

2. Retailers Are Pulling Inventory Forward
• Inventory Levels jumped 5.7 points to 60.5, reversing a cautious, wait-and-see posture that defined most of 2026.
• Driven by back-to-school demand and a rush to beat potential Section 301 tariffs at the end of July.

3. A Retailer- and Large-Firm-Led Surge
• Downstream (retail) respondents outpaced Upstream firms on Inventory Levels, Inventory Costs, Warehousing Prices, and Transportation Prices.
• Larger firms (71.3 overall index) are expanding much faster than smaller firms (63.3) and absorbing cost increases more easily.

4. Warehousing Capacity Is Tightening Again
• Warehousing Capacity flipped back into contraction (-3.0 to 47.5) as incoming inventory eats up space.
• Utilization rose to 69.4 (highest since September 2022); Prices rose to 73.8.

5. Transportation Capacity Is Historically Tight
• Transportation Capacity fell to 30.8 — a seventh straight month of contraction at historically low levels.
• Utilization spiked to 74.7, an eight-year high, accelerating sharply within the month (69.2 early June to 78.8 late June).

6. Prices Stay Elevated Despite a Slight Cooldown
• Transportation Prices dipped 3.6 points to 92.4 but have now held above 90 for four straight months, unprecedented in the prior 52 months.
• Falling diesel and oil prices post-Iran-conflict have offered some relief, but tight capacity keeps pricing elevated.

7. Carriers Are Holding Back on Hiring
• Transportation jobs fell for the fourth time in five months (-1,300 in June), suggesting carriers view the price surge as potentially transitory.
• Shippers are shifting to rail: intermodal container volume is up 6% month-over-month.

8. 12-Month Outlook: Bullish, Especially on Inventory
• Respondents expect the overall index to reach 70.6 a year out.
• Expected Inventory Level growth jumped 10.7 points to 67.7, hinting at a broader move away from lean/JIT strategies.

9. Macro Backdrop Remains Uncertain
• USMCA expired July 1 with renewal in doubt; new EU tariff threats are looming.
• Job growth is soft (57K added in June vs. ~100K expected); inflation remains elevated (CPI +4.2% YoY, PPI +6.5% YoY, the highest since Nov. 2022).

10. Industry Consolidation Signals Confidence in Warehousing/3PL
• CMA CGM’s $1.4B acquisition of FedEx Supply Chain (adding 34M sq ft and 10,000 employees) would create the sixth-largest U.S. 3PL.
• JLL Income Property Trust’s continued shift toward industrial real estate reflects the same trend.

Read the full report at https://www.the-lmi.com/june-2026-logistics-managers-index.html.

About The Logistics Manager’s Index®
The Logistics Manager’s Index (LMI) is a joint project between researchers from Arizona State University, Colorado State University, University of Nevada, Reno, Florida Atlantic University, and Rutgers University, supported by CSCMP. It is authored by Zac Rogers Ph.D., Steven Carnovale Ph.D., Shen Yeniyurt Ph.D., Ron Lembke Ph.D., and Dale Rogers Ph.D.

Want additional supply chain updates? Read and subscribe to the Logistics Plus LogisticsPULSE Supply Chain Executive Briefing.

Logistics Plus El Salvador Supports Growth Across Latin America

by Ryan Markiewicz | Jun 25, 2026 | News

The Logistics Plus El Salvador (aka LP El Salvador) team has been fully operational since March 2026 and continues to strengthen the company’s presence throughout Central America. As Logistics Plus expands its global network, the El Salvador office serves as a strategic hub for supporting customers across the region with customized logistics and supply chain solutions.

LP El Salvador offers a comprehensive range of services, including:

• International Freight Forwarding
• Imports & Exports
• Customs & Compliance
• Project Cargo
• Regional Distribution
• Supply Chain Management

The office is led by Country Manager Alejandra Gonzalez, with Beatriz Marquez leading business development efforts. Together, they are focused on supporting customers across key industries, including energy, manufacturing, consumer goods, retail, and infrastructure projects.

El Salvador serves as an important gateway for regional and international trade. LP El Salvador further strengthens the Logistics Plus presence in Latin America, complementing recent investments in Mexico, ongoing growth in Brazil and Chile, and support from the company’s Miami operation. Whether serving as a 3PL or 4PL partner, Logistics Plus continues to provide flexible, customized solutions that help customers navigate increasingly complex supply chains throughout the Americas.

For any requests involving our El Salvador office, please email [email protected]. If you want to learn more, you can visit the Logistics Plus El Salvador website at sv.logisticsplus.com.

Logistics Plus, Inc. (El Salvador)
Boulevard del Hipódromo, pasaje 11, #73,
Colonia San Benito, San Salvador, El Salvador