On May 26, 2026, Walmart launched a new prepaid transportation program to help suppliers combine LTL freight into fuller truckloads before goods enter Walmart’s distribution network. The reason is simple: Walmart’s private fleet mainly moves goods from distribution centers to stores. Most inbound freight from suppliers still depends on third-party carriers. When suppliers cannot fill a full trailer, they often rely on LTL, which means more handling, longer lead times, and higher cost. Walmart...

After the Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing, the U.S. and China reached a preliminary consensus on agriculture, tariffs, rare earths, aviation, and market access. The two sides plan to create the U.S.-China Board of Trade and the U.S.-China Board of Investment to manage selected goods trade, tariff talks, agricultural access, non-tariff barriers, critical minerals, and aviation purchases. 1. Agriculture Is a Core Issue U.S. agricultural exports to China fell 65.7% in 2025 to $8.4 billion, making...

In the second quarter of 2026, Houston’s industrial rents fell slightly, down 0.1% year over year. This was the first time since late 2010 that Houston’s industrial rent growth turned negative. The pressure is most obvious in large warehouse and logistics space. In recent years, Houston’s industrial rents rose sharply because of population growth, strong leasing activity and limited available space. Now, the market is shifting, and tenants have more negotiating power. Why Are Houston...