Today's Supply Chain Pulse
Logistics volatility declared permanent in 2026 State of Logistics Report
The report finds supply‑chain volatility now a permanent condition, with U.S. logistics costs falling to $2.4 trillion, or 7.8% of GDP, down from $2.6 trillion in 2025. Five structural forces—uneven global growth, tighter financial conditions, geoeconomic realignment, labor constraints, and energy price swings—drive the new normal, while AI and automation reshape operations.
Also developing:
By the numbers: US IDFC partners with Chubb on $20B maritime reinsurance plan
Russia and Cuba
Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov announced that Moscow will keep delivering oil and humanitarian aid to Cuba, following a recent shipment of roughly 700,000 barrels of crude. The pledge was made during Lavrov’s visit to China and underscores the long‑standing alliance between the two nations. Meanwhile, the Trump administration warned Congress that Cuba may have sent up to 5,000 fighters to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. Analysts also note that a $8‑$20 billion investment could make Cuba the Caribbean’s first fully renewable‑powered grid, challenging the U.S. energy blockade.
Trump’s Waiver Of Jones Act Fails To Cool Oil Prices
President Trump issued a 60‑day Jones Act waiver hoping to shave a few cents off U.S. fuel costs, but oil prices remain elevated as global supply disruptions and rising crude costs dominate. Brent fell 4.2% to $95.09 per barrel and...
Former Walmart Canada Exec John Bayliss to Join Metro
Metro Inc. announced that John Bayliss, a former Walmart Canada senior executive, will become executive vice‑president of national supply chain and procurement, effective May 29. Bayliss leaves his role as CEO of Mastermind Toys, where he has served since May 2025, after...
U.S. Grid-Scale Battery Production to Support 100% of Renewable Generating Capacity
The United States has rapidly built grid‑scale battery manufacturing capacity, reaching roughly 70 GWh of finished storage systems in 2025—enough to meet the entire storage demand of wind and solar generation. Companies such as Fluence, LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, SK On and...
How to Get an Accurate Car Shipping Estimate Without Hidden Fees
Consumers face wildly divergent car‑shipping quotes—sometimes $600 versus $1,400 for the same route—because auto‑transport pricing fluctuates with diesel costs, truck availability, and real‑time demand. Predatory brokers exploit this volatility by offering artificially low numbers to secure deposits, then adding hidden...
Carriers Redeploy Hormuz-Stranded Ships for Intra-Gulf Shuttle Operations
Container carriers are repurposing vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz for short‑haul shuttle services within the Gulf. CMA CGM has moved five of its 13 trapped ships into feeder routes between northern ports, while MSC, with 15 immobilized vessels, is...
50 Years of Global Shop Solutions: A Conversation with Dusty Alexander CEO and President, Global Shop Solutions
Global Shop Solutions celebrated its 50th anniversary as a family‑owned ERP provider that has never strayed from a manufacturing‑only focus. Founded in 1976, the company grew by embedding its platform directly on shop floors, expanding internationally while maintaining a debt‑free...
Iran Offers Free Passage Through Hormuz If US Deals
Reuters: "Iran could consider allowing ships to sail freely through the Oman side of the Strait of Hormuz without risk of attack as part of proposals it has offered in negotiations with the United States if a deal is clinched...
Iran Can Withstand Two Months without Oil Exports
Iran can sustain its current oil output of roughly 3.5 million barrels per day for about two months if exports are halted, according to consultancy FGE NextantECA. The U.S. blockade that began on April 13 blocks an estimated 2 million bpd from reaching China,...
Proactive Fleet Strategies: Leveraging AI, Integration, Predictive Maintenance for Future Success
A NAFA Institute panel highlighted how AI‑powered cameras, telematics integration, and predictive maintenance are reshaping fleet management. Real‑time in‑cab coaching slashed unsafe driving incidents for companies like SavATree and the City of Akron, while API‑linked data streams unlocked hidden cost...
Amtrak Unveils Ambitious 800‑car Long‑distance Fleet Plan
Amtrak released a vision for their new long-distance fleet as they drop an RFP for 800 more cars, and let me tell you, this is exactly how I want to celebrate Tax Day.
US DOE Selects Five Project to Restart Domestic Primary Gallium Recovery
The U.S. Department of Energy announced roughly $5.4 million in funding for five projects aimed at restarting domestic primary gallium recovery, a capability absent since 1987. The TRACE‑Ga initiative, managed by ENERGYWERX, will prototype novel extraction methods from waste streams, alumina...
Swire Shipping Updates Terminal Handling Charges Across Europe
Swire Shipping announced a revision of its terminal handling charges (THC) across nine European markets, effective April 23, 2026. Rates vary by country and cargo type, with the United Kingdom charging £240 ($310) for standard containers and £310 ($403) for...
Iran War Leads To Fluoride Shortages For Some US Water Utilities
U.S. water utilities in Maryland and Pennsylvania have reduced fluoride levels due to shortages of hydrofluorosilicic acid, a key fluoridation chemical, caused by supply chain disruptions linked to the Israel‑Iran conflict. Baltimore and WSSC Water cut concentrations from the CDC‑recommended...
Report: OCI TerraSus Of Malaysia And SpaceX In Talks For Polysilicon Supply
OCI TerraSus, the Malaysian arm of South Korea's OCI Holdings, is reportedly in multi‑year talks with SpaceX to supply high‑purity solar‑grade polysilicon. The material is essential for both solar panels and the semiconductor components SpaceX plans to develop as it...
Nobody Should Control the Strait of Hormuz, UAE Minister Says
UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy said the Strait of Hormuz must remain a free, public waterway and not be controlled by any nation. She warned that any US‑Iran security pact must include a definitive end to...
Interview with Volvo Autonomous Solutions: Driverless Trucks Are upon Us
Volvo Autonomous Solutions is moving driverless trucks from pilot projects to commercial reality with its purpose‑built VNL Autonomous platform, produced alongside conventional models at the New River Valley plant in Virginia. The company integrates autonomy at the vehicle level, partners...
Pete Hegseth Is a Clear and Present Danger to America
The blog argues that the United States’ current Iran War strategy is fundamentally flawed, warning that a ground invasion would be disastrous. It highlights how the conflict’s focus on the Strait of Hormuz threatens to disrupt global oil supplies and...
New MHI and Deloitte Report Finds AI Biggest Disruptor of Supply Chains over the Next Decade
A joint MHI‑Deloitte report released at Modex 2026 identifies artificial intelligence as the top disruptive technology for supply chains over the next decade. The survey shows 24% of leaders view AI as transformational and 48% rate its impact as significant...
OCM: The New Standard for Global Imports with Century’s Jim McCullen
Century Supply Chain Solutions’ Chief Technology Officer Jim McCullen explains how the company’s Origin Cargo Management (OCM) platform delivers upstream visibility and tactical control before goods leave the factory. Powered by the AI‑driven VIZIV platform, OCM acts as a global...
US Sets April 20 Rollout for Tariff Refund System Covering US$166bil in Claims
The Trump administration will activate the Customs Automated Processing Environment (CAPE) on April 20 to refund importers for the $166 billion in tariffs the Supreme Court declared unlawful. CAPE will consolidate refunds into a single electronic payment, adding interest where applicable,...
Direct Action Forces Immediate Policy Change
When supply chains shut down in 2021, @typesfast rented a boat, hit the water, and tweeted what he saw in the Port of LA. The mayor changed the law that same day. On Progress, we get into tariffs, Black Death, AI...
Blockading Ports Isn’t Strategy; It’s Self‑defeating.
2025: blockading American ports. 2026: blockading Iranian ports. Same move, different flag. If your grand strategy is just “less trade for everyone,” mate, that’s not chess. That’s flipping the board. https://t.co/Re8HN1bIye
US Reveals Start Date for Tariff Refund Process, but Questions Remain on Implementation
U.S. Customs and Border Protection will roll out the first phase of its Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) tool on April 20, allowing importers to submit tariff refunds through the ACE Portal. The move follows a February Supreme...
Kardex Increases Throughput Using Cube-Based Automation
Smarter Storage: Kardex Boosts Throughput with Cube-Based #Automation via @WevolverApp #Robotics #Engineering #Innovation #Technology https://t.co/dbZpxaFxTM
US Blockade Stalls Traffic in Strait of Hormuz
Data Shows the U.S. Blockade Is Halting Ships in the Strait of Hormuz #energysky -- via Heatmap News https://t.co/7A8cHmSJiQ https://t.co/uXlypTvEWt
$100 Billion Stolen: How Smuggled Oil Funds the Chaos During the Hormuz Blockade
Oil smuggling generates more than $100 billion in annual losses, creating a shadow economy that fuels criminal syndicates, militant groups, and sanctioned regimes. The illicit trade relies on low‑tech tactics—pipeline taps, ship‑to‑ship transfers, AIS spoofing—combined with sophisticated laundering through third‑country refiners....
Agentic AI Cuts Waste, Fraud in IT Procurement
How agentic #AI can empower your IT procurement processes to reduce waste, fraud, and software vendor smoke screens … https://t.co/UPWPGtZROC @ChiefInvOfficer
Russian Ship Carrying Stolen Ukrainian Grain Allowed to Dock in Israel Despite Warnings From Kyiv
A Russian vessel, the ABINSK, docked in Haifa on April 12 and off‑loaded roughly 43,700 tons of wheat that Ukrainian investigators say was stolen from occupied Ukrainian territories. Despite Kyiv’s diplomatic protests, a seizure warrant, and a formal request for...
U.S. Blockade Fuels Iran’s Shipping Disruption Strategy
The U.S. blockade is helping Iran Iran’s play: disrupt shipping, break the system. U.S. response: disrupt shipping even more. That’s not counter-strategy—it’s reinforcement. #Oil #Energy #Geopolitics https://t.co/Kz2aYw9QG3
Britain's 120,000-Drone Package for Ukraine Sounds Massive - Here's What May Actually Be Inside
Britain announced a package of at least 120,000 drones for Ukraine, the largest drone aid ever pledged. The bundle spans long‑range strike, reconnaissance, logistics and maritime platforms, with UK firms Tekever, Windracers and Malloy Aeronautics identified as participants. Tekever’s AR3...
Bluon Launches PartsConnect Tool for HVAC Contractors
Bluon unveiled PartsConnect, a new feature in its mobile app that lets HVAC‑R technicians scan a unit’s model number, instantly see compatible replacement parts, check real‑time inventory at nearby distributors, and purchase the items within the platform. The tool builds...
CATL Must Acquire Ganf
Desperate times call for desperate measures. @catl_official should buy @GanfengOfficial & or #Tianqi. Even with 100% of both, they would still need more #lithium. https://t.co/NBTEIaIRFs
Air Cargo Market Set to Reach $420 Billion by 2035, Fueled by E‑Commerce Surge
Future Market Insights forecasts the global air cargo market will expand from $250 B in 2025 to $420 B by 2035, a 5.3% compound annual growth rate. The surge is driven by booming e‑commerce, cross‑border trade, and digital logistics innovations that are...
US CENTCOM Says Blockade of Iranian Ports Halts 90% of Sea Trade
U.S. Central Command announced that its naval blockade of Iran’s ports is fully operational, halting virtually all sea‑borne trade within 36 hours. The move, backed by more than 10,000 troops and dozens of warships, threatens a key conduit for world...
STB Advances LGIR Texas Project
The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis issued a Draft Environmental Assessment for Laredo Gateway Industrial Railway’s proposed 2.6‑mile common‑carrier line in Webb County, Texas. LGIR, a Kraus Development subsidiary, has petitioned for an exemption to bypass standard prior‑approval...
Vietnam‑China Agricultural Trade Hits $20.9 Bn, Spurring Cold‑chain Logistics Investment
Bilateral agricultural trade between Vietnam and China rose to $20.94 bn in 2025, driven by a 41.1% jump in Vietnam’s exports to China. The surge follows 33 signed agreements, new protocols on product standards, and a joint push to expand cold‑chain...
Xiaomi's $330 M Dark Factory Assembles a Smartphone Every 3.15 Seconds
Xiaomi has launched a $330 million, 81%‑automated “dark factory” in Changping, China, capable of assembling a flagship phone roughly every 3.15 seconds, delivering about 10 million units a year. The plant combines home‑grown software, extensive robotics and a new Hyper Intelligent Manufacturing...
Boeing Delivers 143 Aircraft in Q1 2026, Led by 737 Output
Boeing delivered 143 commercial aircraft in the first quarter of 2026, with 114 of those being 737 models. The remaining deliveries included six 767s, eight 777s, and 15 787s. Output remained steady after the recovery that began in 2025, though...
A4E Calls for Measures to Help Airlines Manage Middle East Impact
Airlines for Europe (A4E), representing 80% of European traffic, urged the EU to adopt temporary measures to cushion airlines from the Middle East conflict’s fallout. The group asked for slot‑protection rules to cover airspace closures and fuel shortages, a relaxation...
Episode 442: Poland Bets on LNG and Tariff Reform to Strengthen CEE Gas Hub Status
Poland’s gas transmission operator, Gas System, is positioning the country as a central hub for Central and Eastern European (CEE) gas supplies by expanding LNG import capacity, unifying tariffs, and strengthening cross‑border corridors such as the Baltic Sea and Amber...
Aiding Piped Gas Push
The Israel‑Iran conflict disrupted global fuel flows, prompting an LPG shortage in India. The government issued the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order 2026, mandating a 25% boost in LPG output and a 25‑day inter‑booking period to curb hoarding, while...
MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell Says 'Woke' Buyer Forced Factory Relocation
MyPillow founder and CEO Mike Lindell told Steve Bannon’s War Room that a “woke” firm purchased the company’s building, compelling him to shift production to a new site. He is now selling inventory from semi‑truck trailers while promising discounts and...
Saudi Arabian Railways Extends Service Network
Saudi Arabian Railways (SAR) announced five new logistics corridors that connect Gulf ports with central and northern Saudi regions and neighboring countries, serving key dry ports and freight terminals such as Riyadh, Dammam, Jubail, Hail and Al‑Qurayyat. The corridors enable...
Mark Mills: Strait of Hormuz and Global Trade
War between the United States‑Israel coalition and Iran has forced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint between Oman and Iran. The strait handles roughly 15 million barrels of crude oil each day, along with sizable volumes...
Chinese Tanker Crosses Strait of Hormuz, Testing Trump
A Chinese-flagged tanker sailed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, directly challenging President Donald Trump’s newly announced maritime blockade aimed at curbing Iranian oil shipments. The vessel, listed under U.S. sanctions, completed the transit into the Gulf of Oman...
Oil Prices Coming Down, But for a Worrisome Reason
The International Energy Agency (IEA) warns that "demand destruction" is now unfolding as oil prices soar to record levels. The recent partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of global oil shipments, has tightened supply and...
SPS Commerce Posts 16% Q3 Revenue Rise to $189.9M, Highlights B2B Platform Strength
SPS Commerce announced Q3 2025 revenue of $189.9 million, a 16% year‑over‑year increase, driven by strong recurring revenue and a 20% jump in its fulfillment business. The company also flagged a $3 million shortfall in its revenue recovery segment due to Amazon...
TraPac Chooses Künz and ABB for New Cranes and Systems Upgrade at Los Angeles Terminal
TraPac LLC selected Austrian crane maker Künz and ABB to deliver nine new rail‑mounted stacking cranes and upgrade 32 existing cranes at its Los Angeles terminal. The new cranes will be built in Europe, assembled in Poland and delivered between...
Digital Twin Process Could Slash Microbial Protein Costs
A consortium led by Novasign has built an end‑to‑end digital twin of the microbial protein production process, promising to cut experimental runs by roughly 70% compared with traditional design‑of‑experiments approaches. The model spans upstream to downstream steps, offering real‑time deviation...