Import cargo volumes at major United States-based container ports are slowly beginning to see annual monthly gains as retailers prepare for the holiday shopping season, according to the monthly Port Tracker report by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.

The brighter picture painted by the International Air Transport Association contained some disappointing news as well. Asia Pacific carriers have been hit by a dramatic downturn compared to 2010.

Third party logistics transportation services provider Exel, a wholly-owned entity Deutsche Post DHL, recently announced it plans to begin construction on a 250,000 square-foot distribution facility in Laredo, Texas.