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
Stadler to Supply 7 More Battery Trains to ÖBB to Phase Out Diesel in Regional Austrian Rail
ÖBB has placed an order for seven additional FLIRT Akku battery‑electric trains from Stadler, slated for delivery in 2028. The units will replace diesel‑powered services on the Kamptalbahn and Erlauftalbahn lines in Lower Austria starting in 2029. Each train combines overhead line capability with full battery operation, offering over 160 seats and barrier‑free access. This follows a 2023 framework agreement that could see up to 120 FLIRT Akku units deployed across Austria’s regional network.
Hormuz Disruption Threatens Global Fertilizer and Food Security
The Strait of Hormuz isn’t just about oil and gas. It’s about fertilizer. It’s about the supply chains that feed the world. Disrupt them, and the consequences show up months later—smaller harvests, tighter grain supplies, and higher food prices.
Avianca Cargo Introduces A330F Link Between Bogota and Caracas
Avianca Cargo launched a weekly Airbus A330F freighter between Bogotá and Caracas on March 7, providing up to 60 tonnes of maindeck capacity. The service adds 7 tonnes of belly cargo on passenger flights, creating a combined 67‑tonne weekly offering. The airline also...
Saudia Cargo Moves to Extend Sea – Air Options
Saudia Cargo has broadened its partnership with the Saudi Ports Authority and ZATCA to launch sea‑to‑air logistics corridors from the western‑coast ports, starting with Jeddah Islamic Port. The initiative enables containers to move under a single customs declaration, dramatically cutting...
Hormuz Disruption Could Persist for Up to One Month
If Hormuz flows do not resume for a month, that's the worst-case disruption duration my colleagues at @RapidanEnergy and I modeled last June when we mapped out a US-Iran conflict on global oil and LNG markets and prices. We modeled disruption...
How Mars, Meta, Patagonia and L’Oréal Are Tackling Scope 3 Emissions: GreenBiz26
At GreenBiz26, sustainability leaders from Mars, Meta, Patagonia and L’Oréal detailed how they are measuring and cutting scope 3 emissions, which account for up to 90% of corporate carbon footprints. Mars reported a 16.4% supply‑chain emissions reduction since 2015 and launched...
Renewables Become Only Viable Exit Amid Global Energy Crisis
Renewables are the only exit strategy: Day 12 (updated) impact of the Israel and US attack, tracking Force Majeure, surcharges, and the explosive inflation behind the headlines FORCE MAJEURE IMPLICATIONS >Shell: FM on all LNG cargoes from Qatar >QatarEnergy: Pretty much totally down,...
FedEx Introduces Reusable Shipping Boxes for B2B Shipments
FedEx has launched a reusable shipping box system for B2B shipments, created with Returnity. The collapsible containers hold up to 50 lb, survive roughly 50 reuse cycles, and fit existing FedEx sorting equipment. FedEx says the solution can slash packaging costs...
5 Top Generative AI Use Cases in Procurement
Generative AI is reshaping procurement by automating document‑heavy tasks such as drafting RFPs, reviewing contracts, analyzing spend, assessing supplier risk, and supporting unusual purchase requisitions. The technology can produce first‑draft texts, flag non‑standard clauses, surface tail‑spend anomalies, and continuously monitor...
Renfe Displays Spanish Trains in Real-Time Map and Unifies Geolocation Systems
Renfe has unveiled a real‑time online platform that maps every high‑speed, long‑distance and medium‑distance train across Spain, displaying punctuality and service details. The system lets users filter by train type, view remaining stops, and see colour‑coded delay indicators. QR codes...
The Evolution of Transportation Management: Increased Efficiency by Smart Automation
Transportation management systems have evolved from simple routing tools into dynamic, real‑time execution platforms that integrate telematics, weather, customs, and carbon data. Descartes’ network now connects over 200,000 firms and adds 2,000 carriers each month, enabling rapid onboarding and reducing...
EcoVadis, Watershed Partner to Provide Scope 3 Data Solutions
EcoVadis and climate‑tech firm Watershed announced a strategic partnership to deliver precise Scope 3 emissions data across supply chains. The collaboration embeds EcoVadis’ supplier‑level carbon metrics into Watershed’s AI‑powered accounting platform, moving firms away from generic averages toward verified supplier data....
Higher Fuel Costs Crush Carrier Margins, Boost Brokers
I agree with this analysis. The gross spot rate that brokers are paying is stable, but the calculated net minus fuel (i.e. carrier margins) is getting crushed due to the surge of fuel prices. Paradoxically, higher fuel costs are...
IATA Launches DG Digital
IATA unveiled DG Digital at its World Cargo Symposium in Lima, a fully electronic Dangerous Goods Declaration tool that integrates with the DG AutoCheck platform. The solution digitises creation and approval for more than 3,800 hazardous items, eliminating the 95%...
Hapag Lloyd Ship Hit in Hormuz, Crew Safe
The Hapag Lloyd container ship Source Blessing was hit by projectile fragments in the straight of Hormuz earlier today. Hapag reports that it was not a direct hit, all crew are safe, and they have extinguished the fire on...
How Tariff Early Movers Can Continue to Cement Their Advantage
When the Trump administration imposed tariffs, firms that quickly diversified suppliers and shifted production to near‑shore locations gained a lasting competitive edge. These early movers reduced geopolitical risk, shortened lead times, and improved working‑capital turnover, while companies that delayed faced...
Iran Conflict Threatens Global Economy Across All Sectors
The Iran War could trigger a global economic crisis and you won’t find a better summary of why than this one sentence from Rachel Ziemba below. Yes, this is about gas prices. But it’s also about: - the cost of food...
Best Buy Counters Memory Shortage with Inventory, Vendor Tweaks
Best Buy is confronting a sharp rise in memory‑chip costs driven by an AI‑fuelled data‑center boom. The retailer plans to load warehouses with extra stock, extend vendor forecasting windows, and tighten assortments in high‑pressure categories. It also encourages suppliers to highlight...
CTDOT Announces $20MM in Rail Freight Infrastructure Grants
The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced a $20 million rail freight infrastructure grant program, supplemented by $4 million of private railroad investment. Six regional freight carriers—CSO, HRRC, NAUG, NECR, P&W, and PAS—will receive awards ranging from $1.5 million to $4.9 million for bridge repairs,...
Alstom to Deliver CBTC System for Paris Metro Line 8 Modernisation
Alstom has been chosen to supply its I‑CBTC onboard signalling system for Paris Metro Line 8 as part of the OCTYS 2030 modernisation programme. The contract covers an onboard automatic train control solution operating at Grade of Automation 2 and a dedicated radio...
Awery Becomes First Company to Integrate IATA CO2 Connect Tool for Cargo
Awery Aviation Software has become the first digital platform to embed IATA’s CO2 Connect for Cargo into its ERP system, giving users real‑time, flight‑specific emissions data within existing workflows. The calculator draws on operational inputs from over 100 airlines, delivering...
Korea’s March Exports Show Semiconductor Supply Still Robust
Korea btw posted strong exports for the first 10 days of March, so the semi-trade is NOT disrupted yet, and this notion that Helium is running out for Hynix and TSMC is so far 100% BS as they have 5-6...
Trump Tells Oil, Shipping to Prep For
The Trump administration has told U.S. oil companies and shipping groups to prepare for a potential waiver of the Jones Act https://t.co/X46i7aSDwu
Anglo American Iron Ore Cargoes Diverted by Iran War
Anglo American rerouted three iron‑ore vessels after the Strait of Hormuz became impassable following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The ships—Cape Shangrila, Cape Jasmine and Mineral Zimbabwe—were diverted to Singapore, Vietnam and China respectively. Vale experienced similar disruptions, sending...
Taiwan's AI Supply Chain Covers End‑to‑End Hardware
2/ Taiwan’s AI supply chain includes companies specializing in: *AI servers *cooling systems *testing equipment *chip packaging *compute racks & trays *fab construction *contract manufacturing
Pentagon's Neglect Angers US Merchant Marine
The easiest ways to infuriate the US Merchant Marine: Not give them advance warning on military action. Not provide naval protection for 🇺🇸 ships (5 are stuck in the Gulf) Refuse to thank them after multiple ships are attacked. Waive the Jones Act. The...
What It Really Means: Balancing Demand and Supply
Balancing demand and supply is the cornerstone of effective supply‑chain planning, ensuring forecasts align with production capacity and inventory. When gaps arise, firms resort to costly “heroics” such as overtime, expedited freight, or excess stock, eroding margins. The article outlines...
Iran Opens Hormuz to Indian Tankers, Shifts Trade Route
"Indian Source Says Iran to Allow India-Flagged Tankers Through Hormuz as First Tanker Arrives" Looks like the Strait of Hormuz will be the new Bab el-Mandeb 🍻 https://t.co/370QXTDJC2
Unimpeded Tankers: Heading to China or Beyond Seiz
Would like to understand why these tankers are sailing unimpeded. Is it that they are going to China? Is it physically impossible to commandeer these ships like with Venezuela?
As War Rages, Multimodal Demand Surges on Asia-Europe Landbridge
Major ocean carriers are rerouting Gulf‑bound cargo to land‑based corridors after the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed by the ongoing war. Maersk now ships to Salalah, Khor Fakkan and Jeddah, then secures trucking capacity to move goods into the Persian...
Carriers Redefine Red Sea Disruption as Permanent Shift
Maersk. Treating the Strait as a long-term situation. The length of the war. How it ends? Iran’s position? Undoing the ship mess in the Strait and Persian Gulf?
AI Boom Fueled by Hundreds of Hidden Taiwanese Suppliers
Everyone talks about Nvidia and TSMC. But the AI boom is actually powered by hundreds of Taiwanese companies most people have never heard of. I built a massive list of the Taiwanese suppliers riding the AI wave. Only at Culpium. https://t.co/KUpxDMev6I
Manz Asia and Epson Form Strategic Partnership to Advance Inkjet Technology for Semiconductor Manufacturing
Manz Asia and Seiko Epson have formed a strategic partnership to develop Lab‑to‑Fab inkjet equipment for semiconductor manufacturing. The collaboration merges Epson’s high‑precision printhead technology with Manz’s equipment engineering and intelligent software, creating a product line that covers R&D, pilot,...
Binary Labels Mask the Strait’s Complex Phases
At some point (idk when) "the Strait is closed/open" is going to be a bit like "we shut down/reopened the economy for covid" -- a binary that glosses over various phases of the process.
Iran War Threatens Fertilizer Flow, Spikes Food Prices
My take on the CONSEQUENCES of the WAR IN IRAN: "About 33 percent of the world's fertilizer goes through the Strait of Hormuz. Some people realize this is a BIG DEAL." UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF WAR = HIGHER FOOD PRICES. My latest with @JanetOnTheMoney on...
Waberer’s Rail Freight Subsidiary Wins Major Contract with BMW
PSP Rail, the rail freight arm of Hungary’s Waberer’s International, has landed a long‑term contract with BMW to move finished vehicles from the automaker’s Debrecen plant to European seaports for export. The agreement, running through 2031, will initially replace a...
AI Simplifies EU Procurement Rules Under New Accelerator Act
#tradeXpresso: the proposed EU Industrial Accelerator Act triggered a lot of reactions, as it may impact access to public procurement. Navigating international rules on public procurement is not always simple. But we can easify things. 👇 “AI meets IAA” https://t.co/5QdEEcLoAS https://t.co/SMUwtZTxrj
Intermodal’s Cycle Persists, Yet Remains Freight Backbone
Intermodal is cyclical — but still essential. On Talking Transports, I speak with @stglogistics' CEO Geoff Anderman about restructuring, rail trends, the UP–NS merger, cost discipline & preparing for freight recovery. 🎧 Listen: Apple: https://t.co/BFGLBPxVbm Spotify: https://t.co/qSsGXCEHTb iHeart: https://t.co/t1eLhkFXoB https://t.co/eCb5WV066Z: https://t.co/eA06OJWsu4 Bloomberg Terminal: https://t.co/Ju1Vv2LsIE #Freight #Intermodal #Rail...
Why Platform Consolidation Pays Off
Manufacturers increasingly recognize that juggling multiple best‑of‑breed automation platforms drives hidden costs far beyond initial equipment spend. Training a single technician on five disparate systems can exceed $50,000, inflating a plant’s training budget to a million dollars. Consolidating onto a...
From Crowded MATS Line to Modern Trucking Evolution
The line to get into MATS in 2000 The US trucking scene has evolved a lot in the past 25 years https://t.co/cIoMImK7Xe
Facing Heavy Losses, Honda Cancels Its Three US-Made Electric Vehicles
Honda announced the cancellation of its three U.S.-made electric vehicles—the Honda 0 SUV, Honda 0 sedan, and Acura RSX EV—after projecting losses of $5.1 billion to $7 billion for the fiscal year. The decision stems from a mix of trade‑war tariffs, the end of the...
Freight Economy Sees Familiar Uncertainty as New Pressures Emerge
The freight economy faces renewed uncertainty driven by three new pressures: a Supreme Court ruling that struck down the White House’s IEEPA tariffs and introduced a 10‑15% Section 122 duty, the United States and Israel’s joint military operation against Iran,...
Port Firefighters Quell Two Tanker Blazes at Once
Look at that, having proper firefighting capability in a port can actually extinguish not one, but two ship fires simultaneously.
IATA Announces New AI Initiatives to Support Air Cargo Operations
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) unveiled three AI‑focused initiatives aimed at modernising air cargo operations. The first is AI Subject Matter Expert (AI SME), a mobile and web app that lets users query IATA cargo and safety manuals in...
Power Extension for High-Efficiency Drives - IE5+ Synchronous Motors in a New Size
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has launched an IE5+ permanent‑magnet synchronous motor line that now reaches 11 kW, extending its compact high‑efficiency portfolio. The motors deliver up to 95% efficiency across a wide torque range, cutting energy consumption and CO₂ emissions in industrial applications....
DRM to Showcase Integrated Automation Systems at MAX 2026
DRM, LLC will exhibit at the MAX Manufacturing and Automation Exchange in Nashville from March 24‑26, showcasing its end‑to‑end automation solutions at Booth #515. The company will run a live robotic demonstration cell that highlights precision motion control for dispensing, material...
Iranian Threats Freeze Hormuz Shipping, Spiking Insurance Rates
Last week, shipping ground to a halt due to the threat of attacks based on Iranian past actions. This caused insurance to reset and increase its levels. This week, it is the actual attacks and threats that are holding the ships...
Strait of Hormuz Blockade Halts Global Shipping
Good point. There s no viable workaround for the Strait of Hormuz. Ships and supply chains are at a standstill.
SAVE THE DATE: Stockholm Customs Day, Wednesday 25 March 2026 at 9:00am
Baker McKenzie will host a Stockholm Customs Day on 25 March 2026 at 9 am, targeting customs, trade compliance professionals and legal counsel. The half‑day, in‑person event features speakers from the firm’s Stockholm office and other global locations. The agenda covers the latest...
Flatbed Rates Surge While Reefer Cools, Van Stays Steady
Spot rate momentum is currently mode-specific: Reefer (slight cooling) - seasonality factors Van- stable Flatbed - very strong https://t.co/1SCZy23TF9