Supply Chain News and Headlines

OOCL Sunflower Reaches Long Beach After Losing Containers in Pacific Storm
NewsMar 18, 2026

OOCL Sunflower Reaches Long Beach After Losing Containers in Pacific Storm

The ultra‑large container ship OOCL Sunflower arrived at the Port of Long Beach after a North Pacific storm caused it to lose 32 containers overboard and damage 57 more on deck. The incident, which occurred on March 3 south of the...

By gCaptain
UNFI Ramps up AI, Digital Push Across Supply Chain
NewsMar 18, 2026

UNFI Ramps up AI, Digital Push Across Supply Chain

United Natural Foods (UNFI) is accelerating its AI and digital transformation by expanding the RELEX supply‑chain planning platform across its distribution network, with a dozen centers slated to go live next week and a full rollout expected by the end...

By Digital Commerce 360
Baltic Towers to Supply Baltica 2 Towers
NewsMar 18, 2026

Baltic Towers to Supply Baltica 2 Towers

Baltic Towers has signed a supply agreement with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy to provide the largest batch of offshore wind turbine towers for the Baltica 2 project. The 2027‑commissioned farm, co‑developed by Grupa PGE and Ørsted, will deliver power to roughly 2.5 million customers...

By reNEWS
Lufthansa Cargo Integrates Add-On Services Into Booking Process
NewsMar 18, 2026

Lufthansa Cargo Integrates Add-On Services Into Booking Process

German carrier Lufthansa Cargo has embedded optional add‑on services directly into its online booking flow, allowing shippers to select and price extras with a few clicks. The initial rollout offers Sustainable Choice, Personal Supervision and smartULD, with toDoor delivery and...

By Air Cargo News
AMD Keeping Samsung Close Amid Memory Shortage
NewsMar 18, 2026

AMD Keeping Samsung Close Amid Memory Shortage

AMD has entered a strategic agreement with Samsung to secure next‑generation HBM4 memory amid a broader industry shortage. The partnership aims to lock in supply for AMD's upcoming AI‑focused GPUs, addressing concerns raised after the company warned of potential shortages...

By The Stack (TheStack.technology)
ENCY Partners with Factory of the Future to Expand Connected Manufacturing
NewsMar 18, 2026

ENCY Partners with Factory of the Future to Expand Connected Manufacturing

ENCY Software has become a partner in the Dutch Factory of the Future initiative, joining 21 other technology firms to showcase a connected manufacturing ecosystem. The collaboration emphasizes linking engineering data, CAM post‑processing, and CNC automation into a continuous digital...

By Manufacturing Tomorrow
MANUFACTURING & AUTOMATION eXCHANGE (MAX) DEBUTS NEXT WEEK IN NASHVILLE, SPOTLIGHTING THE FUTURE OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING IN THE SOUTHEAST
NewsMar 18, 2026

MANUFACTURING & AUTOMATION eXCHANGE (MAX) DEBUTS NEXT WEEK IN NASHVILLE, SPOTLIGHTING THE FUTURE OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING IN THE SOUTHEAST

The Manufacturing & Automation eXchange (MAX) launches March 24‑26 in Nashville, bringing together the full manufacturing ecosystem to spotlight AI, robotics, and digital transformation in the fast‑growing Southeast. Produced by BNP Media, the event features six pre‑conference workshops, a two‑day...

By Manufacturing Tomorrow
FedEx to Shutter 9 New York Parcel Centers
NewsMar 18, 2026

FedEx to Shutter 9 New York Parcel Centers

FedEx announced the closure of nine parcel centers in New York and one in Pennsylvania as the final phase of its Network 2.0 integration. The program consolidates legacy express and ground operations into a single surface network, aiming to cut excess...

By FreightWaves
HarborLab, Danaos Collaborate on Fully Integrated Port Cost Management Solution
NewsMar 18, 2026

HarborLab, Danaos Collaborate on Fully Integrated Port Cost Management Solution

HarborLab has partnered with Danaos Management Consultants to launch the first fully automated port cost management solution, linking HarborLab’s platform directly with Danaos’ Port Expenses, Voyage Estimation and Protocol modules. The integration replaces manual XML file exchanges with real‑time bi‑directional...

By MarineLink
Threat Actors Target the Entire Retail Supply Chain
NewsMar 18, 2026

Threat Actors Target the Entire Retail Supply Chain

Black Kite’s 2026 report warns that threat actors now view wholesalers and retailers as a single, highly interconnected organization, exposing the entire retail supply chain to systemic cyber risk. Over 70% of major retailers, nearly 60% of wholesalers, and more...

By Security Magazine (Cybersecurity)
Congo Export Curbs to Keep Cobalt Scarce Till 2030
NewsMar 18, 2026

Congo Export Curbs to Keep Cobalt Scarce Till 2030

The Democratic Republic of Congo, responsible for over 70% of global cobalt, imposed an export ban in February 2025 and later introduced strict quotas, slashing refined output by roughly 20%. The curbs created an 82,000‑ton deficit in 2025 and drove...

By Miningmx
Mars Canada Invests $180M in Ontario Manufacturing
NewsMar 18, 2026

Mars Canada Invests $180M in Ontario Manufacturing

Mars Canada completed a $180 million multi‑year investment across its Ontario manufacturing network, spanning 2022‑2026. The funding upgrades packaging lines and expands capacity at four sites—Bolton, Newmarket, Guelph—boosting production for snacking, pet nutrition and food brands. Sustainability measures cut water, electricity...

By Retail Insider Canada
IMO Secretary-General Urges De-Escalation, Seafarer Protection
NewsMar 18, 2026

IMO Secretary-General Urges De-Escalation, Seafarer Protection

IMO Secretary‑General Arsenio Domínguez condemned recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which have killed at least seven seafarers and injured many more. He warned that roughly 20,000 crew members remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, facing...

By MarineLink
Why Warehouse Consultations Matter for Efficient Operations
NewsMar 18, 2026

Why Warehouse Consultations Matter for Efficient Operations

Warehouse consultations are emerging as a strategic tool for companies seeking to future‑proof their distribution centers. By conducting thorough facility walkthroughs, workflow analyses, and data‑driven assessments, consultants pinpoint inefficiencies and recommend scalable storage and automation solutions. The process not only...

By Supply Chain 24/7
Lloyd's Register, OneOcean Report Warns Shipping Must Master Data to Remain Competitive
NewsMar 18, 2026

Lloyd's Register, OneOcean Report Warns Shipping Must Master Data to Remain Competitive

Lloyd’s Register and OneOcean released a report warning that the maritime sector’s surge in operational data is hampered by fragmentation and low standardisation, jeopardising compliance and commercial advantage. Their Digital Maturity Index shows data standardisation at 2.45 / 4 while overall digital...

By MarineLink
J.B. Hunt Says Fuel Spike Not yet Driving Intermodal Conversion
NewsMar 18, 2026

J.B. Hunt Says Fuel Spike Not yet Driving Intermodal Conversion

J.B. Hunt’s intermodal division reported strong margin improvement despite a 30% surge in diesel prices since the Iran conflict, yet shippers have not begun shifting freight from truckload to rail. Intermodal still delivers roughly 22.8% cost savings versus truckload, well...

By FreightWaves
Why Delivery Reliability Now Matters More Than Speed
NewsMar 18, 2026

Why Delivery Reliability Now Matters More Than Speed

Retailers have spent a decade chasing Amazon‑style speed, but a Locus survey shows only 9% of shoppers believe promises are consistently met. Missed windows and silent delays erode trust, with 92% of customers abandoning a brand after just a few...

By Total Retail
Piraeus Declines 6% for Second Year, Cosco Ports Results Show
NewsMar 18, 2026

Piraeus Declines 6% for Second Year, Cosco Ports Results Show

Cosco‑controlled Piraeus port reported a 6% drop in 2025 throughput, handling 3.97 million TEU, marking the second consecutive year of decline. Analysts attribute the loss to Red Sea disruptions that rerouted cargo to Spain and northern Europe rather than pure demand...

By The Loadstar
Interpack 26: COPA-DATA Presents Automation Software for Transformation
NewsMar 18, 2026

Interpack 26: COPA-DATA Presents Automation Software for Transformation

COPA‑DATA will showcase its zenon automation platform at interpack 26 in Düsseldorf from May 7‑13, 2026, highlighting smart manufacturing solutions for the packaging sector. The no‑code/low‑code system supports standards such as MTP, PackML and OMAC, enabling flexible, data‑driven production. Live...

By Manufacturing Tomorrow
Supply Chain Scenarios to Consider Due to War in Iran
NewsMar 18, 2026

Supply Chain Scenarios to Consider Due to War in Iran

The war in Iran has triggered a cascade of interlocking supply‑chain shocks, from maritime rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope to soaring war‑risk insurance premiums and heightened cyber‑attack risk. BSI Consulting outlines two recovery paths: a swift cease‑fire that...

By Material Handling & Logistics
Prozo Expands Hyderabad Footprint with New Fulfilment Centre Amid South India Growth Push
NewsMar 18, 2026

Prozo Expands Hyderabad Footprint with New Fulfilment Centre Amid South India Growth Push

Prozo has opened a 1,04,524 sq ft multi‑client fulfilment centre in Medchal, Hyderabad, expanding its local footprint to nine warehouses covering roughly 6.5 lakh sq ft. The new site, positioned on NH‑44 with direct Outer Ring Road access, taps a logistics hub that accounted for...

By Apparel Resources – Business News
AI Could Handle 60% of Supply Chain Disruptions by 2031
NewsMar 18, 2026

AI Could Handle 60% of Supply Chain Disruptions by 2031

Gartner predicts that by 2031, AI will autonomously resolve 60% of supply‑chain disruptions, reducing the need for human intervention. The forecast responds to mounting trade, geopolitical, and climate‑driven interruptions that strain traditional response methods. Companies are urged to begin with...

By Supply Chain 24/7
Future-Proof Your AP with Precoro | E-Invoicing Made Effortless
NewsMar 18, 2026

Future-Proof Your AP with Precoro | E-Invoicing Made Effortless

Governments worldwide are mandating e‑invoicing, forcing companies to replace PDF‑based invoice workflows. Precoro responded by embedding native e‑invoicing into its AP platform, automatically ingesting XML, UBL, CFDI and other formats. The system extracts data with near‑perfect accuracy, matches invoices to...

By Precoro Blog
From the Lakes, on the Lakes & for the Lakes: Captain Paul C. LaMarre III
NewsMar 18, 2026

From the Lakes, on the Lakes & for the Lakes: Captain Paul C. LaMarre III

Captain Paul C. LaMarre III, a third‑generation Great Lakes mariner, has turned the dormant Port of Monroe into a regional economic engine, now delivering roughly $85 million in impact and 520 direct jobs. He leads the American Great Lakes Ports Association...

By MarineLink
Mitsubishi and Renfe Transform Villaverde Maintenance Facility
NewsMar 18, 2026

Mitsubishi and Renfe Transform Villaverde Maintenance Facility

Renfe Ingeniería y Mantenimiento and Mitsubishi Electric Europe have signed a two‑year strategic collaboration to turn the Villaverde maintenance depot in Madrid into a European reference centre for train traction‑motor maintenance. The partnership will offer repair, overhaul and training services...

By Railway Pro
Salicru Strengthens Indonesia’s Railway Infrastructure
NewsMar 18, 2026

Salicru Strengthens Indonesia’s Railway Infrastructure

Salicru has expanded its footprint in Indonesia’s railway sector by deploying uninterruptible power‑supply (UPS) solutions for PT Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI) across key hubs in Java and Sumatra. Working with local partner PT BINA SERVICES, the company installed new...

By Railway-News
45 Turnout Transport Wagons in Operation
NewsMar 18, 2026

45 Turnout Transport Wagons in Operation

voestalpine Railway Systems now operates 45 turnout transport wagons, the largest dedicated fleet in Europe. The wagons enable delivery of fully pre‑assembled turnouts directly to construction sites, cutting installation time and track‑closure periods. By combining manufacturing expertise with integrated logistics,...

By Railway-News
TCE Reports Ongoing Demand for TCM Services From Leisure Airlines
NewsMar 18, 2026

TCE Reports Ongoing Demand for TCM Services From Leisure Airlines

Air cargo supervisor TCE reports that leisure airlines continue to demand Total Cargo Management (TCM) services, a trend that accelerated during the Covid pandemic. Previously, cargo was a peripheral revenue stream, but airlines now view it as a core profit...

By Air Cargo News
No ‘Last Hurrah’ Expected for US De Minimis as Legal Challenge Advances
NewsMar 18, 2026

No ‘Last Hurrah’ Expected for US De Minimis as Legal Challenge Advances

The U.S. administration’s suspension of the de minimis exemption is now being challenged in the Court of International Trade after a lawsuit by auto‑parts retailer Detroit Axle alleges the move exceeds legal authority. The challenge follows a Supreme Court ruling that limited...

By The Loadstar
The Wrong Question: Why the TMS Debate Is Distracting Forwarders From What Comes Next
NewsMar 18, 2026

The Wrong Question: Why the TMS Debate Is Distracting Forwarders From What Comes Next

Freight forwarders are fixated on the "which TMS?" debate, especially around CargoWise pricing, but industry veteran Brian Glick argues the real issue is integration and what comes after traditional TMS. He positions Chain.io as a neutral integration layer that separates...

By The Loadstar
Bull of the Day: Sanmina (SANM)
NewsMar 18, 2026

Bull of the Day: Sanmina (SANM)

Sanmina (SANM) was spotlighted as the Bull of the Day, earning a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) after analysts upgraded earnings estimates for 2023 and 2024. The consensus forecast rose from $9.64 to $10.06 for the current year and from...

By Nasdaq — Investing
Rail Outlook up on Firmer Economic Factors: AAR
NewsMar 18, 2026

Rail Outlook up on Firmer Economic Factors: AAR

The Association of American Railroads reported February freight volumes rising, with carloads up 6.5% year‑over‑year and intermodal shipments reaching a record weekly average. Coal remained the largest non‑intermodal commodity, accounting for 26.6% of volume, while grain, chemicals and petroleum also...

By FreightWaves
‘DAC Installation Might Cost Less than 4 Euros per Day’
NewsMar 18, 2026

‘DAC Installation Might Cost Less than 4 Euros per Day’

The European rail industry is exploring a hire‑purchase model for Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) that would cost €3.49 per wagon per day over a 20‑year term, according to EUROFIMA CEO Christoph Pasternak. The scheme relies on a non‑profit rental company...

By RailFreight.com
DA Seeks Fertilizer Supply Deals with China, Russia Amid Mideast Tensions
NewsMar 18, 2026

DA Seeks Fertilizer Supply Deals with China, Russia Amid Mideast Tensions

The Philippine Department of Agriculture is negotiating fertilizer supply agreements with China, Russia, India and Belarus as Middle‑East tensions threaten the flow of nitrogen‑based inputs. While the agency has already secured more than 80% of its annual fertilizer requirement, rising...

By Manila Bulletin – Business
Lithium-Ion Battery Incidents in Air Cargo on the Rise
NewsMar 18, 2026

Lithium-Ion Battery Incidents in Air Cargo on the Rise

A UL Standards & Engagement report shows lithium‑ion battery incidents in air cargo have surged 40% since 2021, climbing from 10 to 15 reported thermal‑runaway events by 2025. The rise mirrors booming e‑commerce demand for low‑cost, battery‑powered products and highlights...

By Air Cargo News
Poland Throws Flagship €1.2bn Rail Baltica Tender Back Into Play After Budimex-PORR Award Struck Down
NewsMar 18, 2026

Poland Throws Flagship €1.2bn Rail Baltica Tender Back Into Play After Budimex-PORR Award Struck Down

Poland’s National Appeal Chamber has annulled the award of the €1.2 billion Białystok‑Ełk Rail Baltica contract to the Budimex‑PORR consortium. The decision forces PKP PLK to restart the tender evaluation for the 96‑km stretch, marking the second reversal after a prior award to...

By RailTech.com
SJ Continues Operating Regional Services in Western Sweden
NewsMar 18, 2026

SJ Continues Operating Regional Services in Western Sweden

Swedish state rail operator SJ, via its subsidiary SJ Götalandståg, has secured the “Tåg 2027” contract to operate the Västtågen regional network in western Sweden for an additional 11 years, extending service through December 2037. The agreement maintains Alstom as the rolling‑stock maintenance partner,...

By Railway Pro
New York City’s Next Transportation Revolution Might Be on the Water
NewsMar 18, 2026

New York City’s Next Transportation Revolution Might Be on the Water

DutchX, a NYC‑based zero‑emission shipper, has cut delivery time from Brooklyn to Midtown West by two‑thirds by moving packages via ferry and cargo bikes instead of vans. The pilot uses Pier 70 as a water hub, eliminating bridge tolls, congestion pricing...

By Fast Company
AfA Issues Warning over DHS Security Shutdown
NewsMar 18, 2026

AfA Issues Warning over DHS Security Shutdown

The Department of Homeland Security shutdown has entered its fifth week, leaving the Transportation Security Administration shorthanded after more than 300 officers resigned. While passenger checkpoints feel the immediate impact, the staffing shortfall threatens the broader aviation security framework, including...

By Air Cargo Week
Increase in DIY and Hardware Retailers Offering Same Day Delivery
NewsMar 18, 2026

Increase in DIY and Hardware Retailers Offering Same Day Delivery

New Gophr research shows UK hardware and DIY retailers increased same‑day delivery adoption from 22 % to 32 % year‑on‑year. Yet speed remains uneven: only 26 % can fulfil orders within an hour and 46 % impose conditions such as cut‑off times or location...

By ChannelX (formerly Tamebay)
Open Modal Launches New Domestic ‘Combi’ Route
NewsMar 18, 2026

Open Modal Launches New Domestic ‘Combi’ Route

Open Modal has launched a new domestic combined‑rail route linking Lille and Miramas via Bonneuil, effective March 10. The service begins with three weekly round‑trips, slated to increase to five, and joins its existing Mediterranean corridor routes. Trains are 750 metres long,...

By RailFreight.com
Supplier Management as a Continuous Signal
NewsMar 18, 2026

Supplier Management as a Continuous Signal

The article argues that traditional supplier management—treating suppliers as static records after onboarding—fails in modern procure-to-pay (P2P) environments with thousands of suppliers and dynamic risk profiles. It advocates a continuous‑signal approach where supplier data is constantly enriched by transactional evidence...

By Spend Matters
Can Diesel Go Further? GB Railfreight Launches Large-Scale Fuel Additive Trial
NewsMar 18, 2026

Can Diesel Go Further? GB Railfreight Launches Large-Scale Fuel Additive Trial

GB Railfreight has launched a two‑week fuel additive trial in partnership with Fuelcare and Treyarnon Consulting to test chemical enhancements for diesel locomotives. The program, one of the largest UK freight fuel trials, will evaluate engine efficiency, reliability, and emissions...

By RailTech.com
EU Approves Support Measure: Combined Transport on Frejus Line Can Make a Comeback
NewsMar 18, 2026

EU Approves Support Measure: Combined Transport on Frejus Line Can Make a Comeback

The European Commission approved a €5 million support measure, split equally between France and Italy, to revive combined‑transport operations on the 175‑kilometre Fréjus railway linking Aiton and Orbassano. The line, closed since a landslide in August 2023, is expected to restart...

By RailFreight.com
Dalian Shipping Launched with Local Government Backing and Hengli Support
NewsMar 18, 2026

Dalian Shipping Launched with Local Government Backing and Hengli Support

Dalian Shipping Co was launched this week as a government‑backed shipping venture supported by Hengli, the world’s fastest‑growing shipbuilder. The partnership blends municipal and provincial financing with Hengli’s massive order book, allowing newly built vessels to be quickly absorbed into...

By Splash 247
VTG & Breedon Renew 15yr Cement Wagon Deal
NewsMar 18, 2026

VTG & Breedon Renew 15yr Cement Wagon Deal

VTG Rail UK has renewed a 15‑year lease with Breedon Group for 72 JPA cement wagons, extending a long‑standing bulk‑cement logistics partnership. The wagons, each capable of carrying 81 tonnes, move more than 1.5 million tonnes of cement annually from Hope Cement...

By RailFreight.com
Luxembourg Maritime Administration: The Boutique Flag
NewsMar 18, 2026

Luxembourg Maritime Administration: The Boutique Flag

Luxembourg’s maritime registry has added a second Greek‑operated tanker, the 183‑metre Theanoula, to its flag, underscoring a growing pipeline of Greek tonnage. The registry, launched in 1990, leverages the country’s political stability, sophisticated financial‑services framework and EU legal regime to...

By Splash 247
Qatar Can Keep Goods Flowing Amid Tensions, Customs Chief Says
NewsMar 18, 2026

Qatar Can Keep Goods Flowing Amid Tensions, Customs Chief Says

Qatar’s customs chief assures that supply chains remain secure despite regional tensions, citing strategic reserves, digital customs systems, and multiple transport routes. The Al Nadeeb electronic platform and recent upgrades have accelerated clearance and increased transparency. Coordination with the GCC Customs...

By Al Jazeera
Robotic CT Pushes Boundaries for Inspecting Complex Composite Structures
NewsMar 18, 2026

Robotic CT Pushes Boundaries for Inspecting Complex Composite Structures

Omni NDE has upgraded its Robot CT system at the AIMM Center, adding a UR20 cobot, a 130 kV X‑ray source and a 43 × 43 cm detector. The enhancements boost payload to 25 kg and enable two‑micron resolution scans of three‑metre composite parts. Integrated Iris software...

By Metrology News