Today's Supply Chain Pulse
Pharma giants pledge up to $70B to boost U.S. manufacturing amid tariff threat
Facing a possible 100% tariff on branded drugs, major pharmaceutical companies are accelerating U.S. manufacturing and R&D investments. Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson and Roche announced commitments ranging from $3.5 billion to $70 billion, securing temporary tariff exemptions or price concessions.
Also developing:
By the numbers: GIA acquires 30% stake in De Beers' Tracr blockchain platform
Rail Ambition Drives Freight Growth in Egypt
Egypt is launching a high‑speed electric rail network to transform its freight logistics, linking industrial zones, agricultural hubs and seaports across a 2,000‑kilometre corridor that will later extend to 2,250 km. The system aims to lift annual rail freight volumes from roughly 4‑5 million tonnes to 13 million tonnes, while also doubling passenger capacity. Siemens will supply 41 Vectron locomotives capable of hauling up to 1,200 tonnes each, supporting multimodal connections to road and air networks. The project underpins Egypt’s 2030 transport strategy and its bid to become a regional logistics hub.
UNSW Sydney Researchers Target Cleaner Manufacturing with Waste-to-Fertiliser Breakthrough
UNSW Sydney researchers have developed a copper‑cobalt catalyst that electrochemically combines carbon dioxide and nitrogen pollutants to produce urea using renewable electricity. The method sidesteps the high‑temperature, high‑pressure, fossil‑fuel processes that dominate today’s fertilizer industry. Laboratory tests show higher selectivity...
ELDT Undermines CDL Standards, Enables Unqualified Drivers
The ELDT is one of the worst regulation ever created in the history of trucking. It eliminated accountability and created an environment where anyone can get a CDL without ever demonstrating proficiency. Some of these CDL mills do little more...
Flexport Simulator Updated, Awaiting 15% Tariff Change
The Flexport Tariff Simulator is up to date with the latest changes to the tariff code. For now we only have a 10% section 122 in place, awaiting official CFR update on the 15% change Trump announced. We made the...
Queensland Gov’t Trade Mission Targets Manufacturing and Resources Growth in East Asia
The Queensland Government announced a trade mission to South Korea and Japan, led by Minister Dale Last, to boost investment in the state’s mining, critical‑minerals and manufacturing sectors. The delegation will promote coal, gas, and the revived Queensland Train Manufacturing...
Flexport Auto‑enrolls Customers, Files Early Tariff Protests
Existing Flexport customs brokerage customers are auto enrolled in our tariff refund process and we’ll begin filing protests for them well before the deadline.
Bootstrapped Coder Battles Freight Fraud with Community Backing
No VC, no outside investors. No marketing budget. Just a dude coding on a mission to stop freight fraud and a community on X that is rooting for him.
Forward Air Corp (Delaware) (FWRD) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Forward Air Corp reported full‑year 2025 adjusted EBITDA of $293 million, a $40 million increase year‑over‑year, while consolidated EBITDA held steady at $307 million. The OmniLogistics segment nearly doubled its EBITDA to $124 million, boosting its margin by 360 basis points, and Expedited Freight...
Check Domain Creation Dates to Spot Emerging Fraud
This is an emerging fraud. Everything looks legit, until you realize that it isn’t. @garrett_makes you should add a domain creation born on date search to do domain verification.
Trade Data Gaps Between China and Central Asian States Point to Pervasive Smuggling
A joint review of Chinese, Kazakh and Kyrgyz customs data reveals massive discrepancies in reported trade values, with China claiming $48.7 billion in exports to Kazakhstan and $27.2 billion to Kyrgyzstan in 2025, while the two neighbours report only $34.1 billion and $5 billion...
Autonomous Trucks Won’t Go Mainstream Until 2035‑40
The folks that believe autonomous trucks will suddenly just show up are the same people that believe that the Tesla Semi is going to be ubiquitous choice among fleets. The way consumers buy cars, is not the way that fleets...
Truckers' $750K Minimum Insurance Outdated, Needs $3M
The minimum insurance policy for a trucker has not changed since in over 40 years and is $750k. If you end up in a serious accident with long-term physical ailments this amount will unlikely cover your or the truck driver's...
US: Landmark Supreme Court Decision Holds IEEPA Tariffs Invalid
On February 20, 2026 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6‑3 that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not give the President authority to impose tariffs, invalidating the IEEPA tariffs enacted by President Trump. The majority applied the major questions...
Automation Won’t Replace Truck Drivers Anytime Soon
This isn’t true. While there will be a lot of automation, we won’t see the elimination of truck drivers in 4 years. Perhaps we will see some local deliveries using robotics, but we are a long way off from point...
Mercy and Comfort Remain Docked for Maintenance
This photo was post by Alabama Shipyard on Jan 23, 2026. That’s Mercy on the right and Comfort on the left. They are currently in maintenance and not deployed or underway — Mercy in drydock and Comfort alongside the pier,...
The 2026 M&A Rebound: Why Logistics Is Primed for a Banner Year with Logisyn’s CEO Ron Lentz
Logisyn Advisors’ CEO Ron Lentz warns that a $4 trillion pool of private‑equity dry‑powder is set to spark a wave of logistics M&A in 2026. He argues that specialist, operator‑led advisors outperform generalist banks by preserving the unique value of logistics...
Supreme Court Ruling Unlocks Government Tariff Refunds
Here's almost everything I know about tariffs in light of yesterday's Supreme Court ruling. Watch til the end to learn how to get your company's refund from the government. https://t.co/GFmQbceVox
Shipping Industry Faces Legal, Political, and Trade Turbulence
What the Ship (Ep139) 1⃣ Supreme Court's Tariff Decision & President Trump's Reaction 2⃣Shipping Stocks 3⃣North American Shipbuilding 4⃣The IMO, Stateless Ships &False Flags 5⃣Container Trade Video: https://youtu.be/oy057GWUxbM
Emerson Redefines Scalable Reliability with AI-Driven APM
Emerson’s Aspen Technology unveiled the latest version of its Mtell asset performance management platform on Jan. 22, adding AI-driven capabilities that extend from basic health monitoring to predictive failure analytics. The upgrade features industry‑specific templates, AI‑powered alert grouping, direct integration with...
Guest: Fab Brasca of Kinaxis on Who Is Leading in AI Adoption; The Top Five Freight Bottlenecks; A New Data...
The podcast features Fab Brasca, Kinaxis senior VP, discussing how AI is reshaping supply chains and which firms are leading adoption. It also reveals the American Transportation Research Institute’s ranking, naming Chicago as the nation’s most severe freight bottleneck. Additionally,...
Qatar Airways Cargo Launches Paperless Ramp Solution
Qatar Airways Cargo has unveiled its Ramp Digitalisation Programme, introducing the Ramp Offload and Load Supervision (ROLS) platform to replace paper‑based loading instructions. The digital tool provides real‑time loading confirmations, QR‑code scanning, and 100% ULD verification, streamlining offload and load...
Pennsylvania PUC To Update Railroad Safety Regulations
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission voted unanimously to begin rule‑making that will modernize the state’s railroad safety regulations, the first overhaul since 2013. The motion, prompted by the three‑year anniversary of the East Palestine derailment, calls for updates to wayside...
Winning 2026: The CPO 45-Second Briefing – “Permanent Beta Mode”
Andrew Bartolini, founder of Ardent Partners, launches a new 45‑second video series titled “Procurement 2026: Big Trends and Predictions.” The inaugural episode, called “Permanent Beta Mode,” highlights the growing overlap between procurement and supply chain functions. The series will unpack 33...
Rail Baltica Launches Market Consultation for Electrification Design Expertise
Rail Baltica’s RB Rail AS has launched a market consultation ahead of an open procurement for independent technical review and validation of its electrification system design. The contract will support detailed design work in Latvia and Lithuania, ensuring compliance and...
Bulgaria to Refurbish Four Intermodal Port Terminals
The Bulgarian Ministry of Transport has earmarked €7 million to refurbish four intermodal terminals across Varna and Burgas, restoring rail links and installing new handling equipment such as a mobile crane and a charging station. The upgrades target Varna‑West, PCHMV‑Varna, Dolno Ezerovo...
France Launches Tender for 300 Double-Deck EMUs
SNCF Voyageurs and Île‑de‑France Mobilités have issued a joint tender for more than 300 Z2N NG double‑deck EMUs under a framework worth over €8 billion. The 23‑year agreement, running to December 2052, includes a firm order for 52 trains valued at €1.5 billion and optional tranches...
LTG Infra CEO: ‘Keeping the Green Course Is More Important than Ever’
Lithuania’s railway electrification will rise from 8% to 28% by year‑end, driven by the Vilnius‑Klaipėda line upgrade and the introduction of the Baltic region’s first battery‑train charging station. CEO Vytis Žalimas highlighted that Rail Baltica will push electrification to 38%,...
Rail Freight Terminal Project for Rungis International Market Hits the Buffers
A 36‑million‑euro rail freight terminal intended for Paris’s Rungis International Market has been abandoned after Rail Logistics Europe, the parent of the planned operator VIIA, withdrew its involvement. The decision, made last year but only disclosed following a media inquiry,...
HS2 and Rail Freight in UK Future
Tunnelling work on HS2’s Old Oak Common‑to‑Euston section has resumed, marking the first major construction activity after years of cost overruns and political uncertainty. The project will install 48,294 concrete ring segments and extract more than 1.5 million tonnes of spoil,...
Sweden Awards Contracts for the Ostlänken High-Speed Line
Sweden’s transport authority Trafikverket has awarded two design‑and‑build contracts for the Ostlänken high‑speed railway, covering 60 km of the 160 km line between Järna and Skavsta. Hochtief Infrastructure will construct the Vagnhärad section while Bouygues Travaux Publics will handle the Skavsta segment,...
Additive Manufacturing Set to Drive $110B Market by 2034, Reports AM Research
Additive manufacturing is projected to generate $110 billion in market impact by 2034, up from $24.5 billion in 2025, according to AM Research. The forecast draws on more than ten years of historical data and covers metal and polymer parts across eight...
Who Is Your Best Supplier?
The article argues that many procurement teams lack the data needed to identify their best suppliers, despite the strategic importance of supplier performance. It proposes a three‑step framework—clear KPIs, right data sources, and business‑intelligence tooling—to modernize supplier evaluation. By centralizing...
Cargo Elevator System Using XG5000 PLC Programming
The XG5000 PLC program implements a three‑floor cargo elevator that moves one floor at a time using up and down push‑buttons. Limit‑switch sensors on each floor provide position feedback, while a latched SYSTEM_ON memory bit keeps the controller active after...
Job Searching in 2026 Is Tough. Here’s How to Cut Through the Noise.
In 2026, supply chain leaders are scrambling to fill niche, tech‑driven roles as digitalization accelerates. AI‑powered job‑search tools have become indispensable, offering resume optimization and targeted outreach, but misuse can hurt candidacy. The article advises job seekers on leveraging AI...
Scaling Warehouse Operations Through 3PL Outsourcing Models
Third‑party logistics (3PL) outsourcing is emerging as the preferred model for scaling warehouse operations amid surging freight volumes driven by e‑commerce. Purpose‑built 3PL facilities combine high‑speed infrastructure, real‑time inventory technology, and trained staff to keep inventory moving efficiently. Flexible capacity...
YARDS Project Will Restore Railroad Yards in Four States
The Yard Area Rail Decongestion and Safety (YARDS) project will rehabilitate rail yards on five lines across four states, consolidating them under OmniTRAX Holdings. The $51.194 million effort is funded primarily by a $40.955 million CRISI grant, supplemented by a $10.239 million local...
Sawmill Systems Test Assets Intangibly
Comact has deployed Rockwell Automation’s FactoryTalk Logix Echo to emulate 48 ControlLogix 5580 processors, expanding its testing capacity far beyond the limits of physical hardware. The virtual environment costs roughly one‑tenth of traditional PLC racks, delivering a scalable, cost‑effective platform for sawmill...
Network Rail Completes £4m Infrastructure Upgrades on Inverclyde Line
Network Rail has finished a £4 million upgrade programme on Scotland’s Inverclyde line, reinforcing bridges, retaining walls and platform structures. The eight‑day, two‑weekend engineering effort replaced the River Gryffe bridge deck and repaired steel components at multiple sites. Modern, durable materials...
DHL Group Invests €2bn in Healthcare Logistics Push
DHL Group announced a €2 billion strategic investment to expand its Life Sciences & Healthcare air‑freight cold‑chain network. The rollout adds more than 30 GDP‑compliant aviation hubs and a dedicated Boeing 777F route between Brussels and Cincinnati, linking Europe’s life‑science cluster...
Dry Van and Reefer Spot Rates Slip as Flatbed Spot Rates Climb
Dry van and refrigerated spot rates slipped week‑over‑week, with dry van down about 6 cents and reefer down roughly 17 cents, yet both remain 22‑33% above last year. Flatbed spot rates, by contrast, posted modest gains of just over 4 cents and are...
I’ve Got This Bridge to Sell You…
The Gordie Howe Bridge, a Canada‑financed toll crossing linking Detroit and Ontario, is slated to open this year as an alternative to the congested Ambassador Bridge. President Trump has threatened to block the launch unless the U.S. federal government acquires...
The Career Accelerator: Why Leaders Choose TMSA with Jennifer Karpus-Romain
The Transportation Marketing & Sales Association (TMSA) is positioning itself as the premier career accelerator for logistics sales and marketing professionals. It has introduced a five‑track, "track‑based" education model that matches learning to specific roles, from company leaders to practitioners....
John Crane Supports NASA’s Artemis II Lunar Mission
John Crane announced its support for NASA’s Artemis II lunar mission, slated for launch no earlier than February 2026. The company will supply specialized filtration sieves for the Orion spacecraft’s propellant‑management devices, critical for separating liquid and gas phases in micro‑gravity. This...
GTR Africa 2026 Is Back in Cape Town for Its 20th Year – Get Your Tickets Soon
GTR Africa, the premier trade, supply chain, infrastructure and commodity finance conference, returns to Cape Town for its 20th edition on 12‑13 March 2026. The event, hosted at CTICC 2, follows a record 2025 attendance of over 700 delegates and will...
ABB Automation Extended
ABB announced its Automation Extended program, a strategic evolution of its distributed control systems that lets customers modernize without interrupting operations. The initiative builds on the long‑standing ABB Ability System 800xA platform, now released as version 7.0 with a separation‑of‑concerns...
India Takes on the Shadow Fleet (Bonus Video)
India's navy has begun seizing shadow‑fleet oil tankers within its exclusive economic zone, capturing three vessels since early February. The shadow fleet, a network of roughly 1,000 de‑commissioned tankers, moves 3‑4 million barrels of sanctioned crude daily from Russia, Iran...
UP Rail Gang 9001 Completes Rail Replacement Project in Arizona
Union Pacific’s Engineering Rail Gang 9001 finished an eight‑mile rail‑replacement project in Arizona in just 16 days, showcasing the speed of the Class I’s $3.3 billion 2026 infrastructure program. The crew deployed 24 pieces of heavy equipment and employed a rail‑heating technique to...
Wedimuller Striping & Crimping Tools From AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has expanded its catalog with Weidmuller stripping, cutting and crimping tools, including the all‑in‑one STRIPAX PLUS 2.5 that merges cutting, stripping and ferrule crimping. The tools feature automatic ferrule feeding, adjustable stops, replaceable blades and specialty screwdrivers for tight‑space...
Digitalising the Supply Chain Starts Earlier Than You Think
Logistics leaders argue that digitalising supply chains must begin with clear business questions, not a rush to buy sensors or trackers. The article stresses building a digital overlay that standardises labels, IDs and data formats before any hardware is deployed....
Chicago Freight Bottleneck Named Worst in Nation, ATRI Reports
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has named the I‑294/I‑290/I‑88 interchange in Chicago the most congested truck bottleneck in the United States, overtaking Fort Lee, New Jersey. The 15th annual Top Truck Bottleneck List, based on 2025 GPS‑based truck data, shows...