Today's Transportation Pulse
Logistics costs dip to $2.4 trillion as volatility becomes the new normal
The 2026 State of Logistics Report finds U.S. logistics expenses fell to $2.4 trillion, or 7.8% of GDP, down from $2.6 trillion in 2025. The study declares supply‑chain volatility a permanent condition driven by uneven global growth, tighter finance, geoeconomic shifts, labor constraints and energy price swings.
Also developing:
By the numbers: US IDFC partners with Chubb on $20B maritime reinsurance plan
Alaska Airlines Selects Kales in the UK, Ireland and Italy
Alaska Airlines and its sister carrier Hawaiian Airlines have appointed Kales Airline Services to provide ground‑side sales agency (GSSA) services in the UK, Ireland and Italy. Kales will deliver online agency support in the UK and Italy and offline assistance in Turkey, Ireland and India. Alaska will launch daily Seattle‑Rome cargo flights on 29 April and Seattle‑London flights on 21 May, both operated with Boeing 787 freighters. The deal expands Kales’ European presence and underpins Alaska’s transatlantic growth strategy.
Mapped: 239 Private Jets Left Augusta's Normally Sleepy Airport on the Final Day of the Masters
On Sunday, the final day of the Masters, 239 private jets departed Augusta Regional Airport, marking one of the busiest weekends for business‑aviation operators. Major corporate owners—including Nike, Bank of America, and Goldman Sachs—plus billionaires such as Rob Walton and David Duffield,...
Singapore's Straight Talking on Strait Blockade
Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan told parliament that Singapore backs the long‑standing international rule that bordering states may not impede or charge for transit passage through straits. He highlighted that the Strait of Malacca moves more oil and containers...
$657M for Ferries Available From 3 FTA Grant Programs
The Federal Transit Administration announced $657 million in grants to upgrade ferry terminals, launch new routes, and purchase vessels, split across three programs: $105 million for passenger ferries, $98 million for electric or low‑emitting ferries, and $454 million for rural ferry services. The funding,...
Rail Break Identified Before Fatal Spanish Accident
Preliminary findings by Spain’s Civil Guard reveal that the rail fracture that caused the Iryo train 6289 derailment on Jan 18 was logged 22 hours earlier, but the voltage drop of 0.5 V remained above the 0.78 V alarm threshold, so no alert was issued....
Infineon Holds Top Spot in Automotive Semiconductors for Sixth Consecutive Year as Microcontroller Share Rises to 36%
Infineon Technologies retained its position as the world’s largest automotive semiconductor supplier for the sixth year running, according to TechInsights’ 2025 market‑share report. The overall automotive semiconductor market expanded to $74.4 billion in 2025, up from $69.9 billion in 2024, while Infineon’s...
Right Turn Lane Study Highlights Continued Pedestrian Risk
A University of Minnesota Human Factors Safety Lab study examined dedicated right‑turn lanes versus right‑turn‑through lanes at Saint Paul intersections. Using field observations, video analysis, and a driving simulator, researchers found that dedicated lanes reduce high‑speed turns but increase pedestrian risk...
What Is Carrier Costing and Why It Now Powers Pricing, Sustainability, and Logistics Strategy
Carrier costing has moved from a back‑office accounting task to a strategic engine that drives pricing, operational decisions, and sustainability reporting. Shippers and regulators now demand granular, transparent cost data, prompting carriers to embed costing into bid management, yield optimization,...
Airhart Takes Off
Airhart Aeronautics, founded by former SpaceX avionics engineer Nikita Ermoshkin, unveiled a four‑seat prototype that consumes just 7.4 gallons of fuel per hour and features a dual‑touch “electronized” cockpit that automates routine tasks. The company raised $4.56 million in venture capital...
Isle of Wight to Deploy 1,500 EV Chargers
The Isle of Wight Council has awarded char.gy, with installer Joju, a contract to deploy more than 1,500 public curbside electric‑vehicle chargers across the island. The project is backed by roughly $2 million in funding from the UK’s Local Electric Vehicle...
Ekoenergetyka Introduces New Product Brand: Axon Charger
Polish EV‑charging specialist Ekoenergetyka has launched Axon Charger, a new product brand that will serve as the public face of its charging solutions. The brand rollout includes a refreshed visual identity, the AxonConnect knowledge platform, and a dedicated training centre...
3 Truck Stocks Holding Ground Despite Industry Challenges
The Zacks Transportation‑Truck sector is navigating a prolonged freight recession, tariff uncertainty, and high inflation, yet three carriers—Old Dominion (ODFL), J.B. Hunt (JBHT) and Knight‑Swift (KNX)—have held their ground. Despite a 19.6% drop in 2026 earnings estimates, the industry outperformed...
Vietnam’s VNeID App Powers Smartphone-Only Airport Lane at Da Nang
Da Nang International Airport launched a dedicated priority lane on April 10, 2026 that lets Level 2 VNeID users complete check‑in, security and boarding using only their smartphone. The lane relies on facial‑recognition matching against a national biometric database managed by...
FMCSA Okays Third Paper Med Cert Waiver
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a third, likely final, waiver allowing commercial drivers to use paper medical certificates for up to 60 days after issuance. The exemption runs from April 11, 2026 through October 11, 2026 and covers all interstate CDL...
Authsignal Brings Passkey Orchestration to IATA’s Travel Identity Program
Authsignal has entered IATA’s Strategic Partnership Program, adding its mobile‑first passkey orchestration layer to the One ID initiative for document‑free travel. The platform sits above existing airline identity systems, enabling passkeys, adaptive MFA, biometric step‑up and risk‑based checks without replacing...
Tesla FSD Demands Driver Vigilance at Tricky Intersections
Crossing a busy intersection with limited options for safe passage, Tesla's FSD sometimes requires quite a bit of courage. Looking left, it's relatively clear and predictable. But with cars backed up from the light on the right, it's less clear. Make...
Ed Responds to United’s New Long‑Haul Strategy
A few episodes ago on The Air Show podcast when we were driving into United’s new long haul offerings, I closed with “Your move, Ed.” Ed’s move:
Amtech Issues RFP for Microcontainer Feeder Vessels
Alternative Marine Technologies (Amtech) has issued a request for proposals to three major U.S. shipbuilders for a 2+2 series of 230‑TEU microcontainer feeder vessels. The ships will be built to the Conoship CIP230TEU design, which is already in service in...
Unlock Cheap EV Charging with Easter Promo Codes
Electra € 0,19/kWh charging? (Country dependent) EASTERPLUS (2 months free sub) FELIX-5C09A6 (50% off your first session) Two more sessions can be unlocked with 50% discount afterward with EASTER26 #evtravelhacking #alwaysbecharging ⚡️⚡️⚡️ https://t.co/B3jZvvTrS2
Rosneft Reroutes Oil to Tuapse After Novorossiysk Drone Strike
April 13 (Reuters) - Rosneft is diverting oil supplies to the Tuapse refinery from the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk after the terminal, which handles roughly 14% of Russia's crude exports, was heavily damaged in a drone attack, three sources...
Sen. Tim Sheehy Makes Emergency Landing In Montana
Senator Tim Sheehy, a commercial pilot and founder of Bridger Aerospace, was forced to make an emergency landing in a private field near Ennis, Montana, after his aircraft suffered an engine failure during a routine flight‑training exercise. Both occupants exited...
Real Loading Dock Capacity Exceeds “Full” Claims
As someone that used to run an LTL loading dock, I find this impressive. All too often, the guys would say we were "full" when it was far from high and tight.
Experts Deem Blockades Unsafe Despite War History
But all the “xperts” told us a blockade would be too dangerous despite the fact Sal I have explained how distance blockades worked in both world wars.
Zwitterions Are The Key To New Solid-State Batteries
Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists have engineered a polymer electrolyte infused with zwitterions that enables ion transport up to 10 billion times faster than conventional solid matrices. By fine‑tuning the zwitterion content to an optimal 80 % blend, the material forms self‑assembled...
Bluerock TMS Targets Last Mile’s Costliest Blind Spots
Bluerock TMS unveiled a cloud‑native Last Mile Distribution solution at Modex 2026, delivering end‑to‑end visibility from order intake to proof of delivery in a single system. The platform replaces fragmented routing tools with an AI‑assisted, execution‑centric control layer that plugs...
U.S. Blockade Hits Hormuz; China, Russia May Intervene
All Eyes on Hormuz as U.S. Maritime Blockade on Iran Enters Enforcement Phase. What happens when Chinese and Russian ships show up? https://t.co/orWD3pBD3c
Qantas Nonstop London-Sydney Flights Move One Step Closer
Qantas has placed an order for 12 Airbus A350‑900ULR aircraft equipped with Rolls‑Royce engines to power its Project Sunrise nonstop service between London and Sydney. The first jet, now in Toulouse, includes a 20,000‑litre rear fuel tank that will support...
34 Ships & $65.8 Billion Is Nothing to Sneeze At
The Office of Management and Budget has proposed a $65.8 billion shipbuilding package for FY 2027, the largest U.S. government ship order since World War II. The plan calls for 34 new vessels – 18 combat ships and 16 support ships such as...
Watch: SEPTA Cuts Ribbon at New Ardmore Station
SEPTA officially opened the rebuilt Ardmore Station on April 10, 2026, after service began March 23. The $60.6 million project, part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, adds ADA‑compliant platforms, elevators, ramps, and a new inbound building along with upgraded lighting, signage and storm‑water...
Fewer Direct Container Routes, Hubs Boost Carriers, Frustrate Shippers
Container shipping. There became fewer container lines. While they shifted to transshipment hubs--borrowing from airlines on reducing direct flights. Carrier benefits vs customer frustration.
Uber Has Launched an All-Out Pressure Campaign to Oppose Philadelphia Mayor’s $1-Per-Ride Tax
Uber has launched a city‑wide pressure campaign to block Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker's proposed $1‑per‑ride tax. The tax, projected to raise about $48 million annually for the school district, would sit atop the existing 1.4% rideshare levy. Uber is mobilizing riders...
How Tanker Insurance Became the Real Blockade of Hormuz
A two‑week ceasefire announced by President Trump has not reopened the Strait of Hormuz for commercial traffic. In the first 48 hours only five to nine bulk carriers were recorded, a fraction of the pre‑war average of over 100 vessels...
TTK Reports Wi-Fi Traffic up 78% at Train Stations in Q1
Russian telecom operator TTK reported that public Wi‑Fi traffic in railway stations surged 78% year‑on‑year in Q1, reaching 1,717 TB of data. The networks, operated in partnership with Russian Railways since 2015, are seeing unprecedented usage as travelers increasingly rely on...
Best Time to Apply for Atmos Rewards Cards Based on Offer History
The Points Guy outlines the optimal windows to apply for Alaska‑Hawaiian’s Atmos Rewards credit cards by tracking historic welcome bonuses. The Ascent card currently offers 80,000 points, a $99 companion fare and a 50% flight discount after $4,000 spend, while...
El Paso to Build $16M Bus Maintenance Facility
El Paso is allocating $16 million to construct a new bus maintenance facility, replacing the Sun Metro shop damaged by a February 2025 blast. The project, financed through state and federal transit grants, aims to modernize the fleet’s upkeep, improve reliability, and support...
Europe’s ICE Reliance Amid Fuel Crisis Is Reckless
Jaap Burger: "To keep Europe in the stranglehold of the internal combustion engine for any longer, in the midst of yet another fossil fuel price crisis, is nothing short of sheer stupidity and malice." 🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪 #alwaysbecharging ⚡️⚡️⚡️ https://t.co/H2gSnsaTM4
Tesla Launches New Model Y Interior Option
Tesla has introduced a new Zen Grey interior for the Model Y produced at its Shanghai Gigafactory, replacing the long‑standing white cabin across all five‑seat Premium configurations. The soft light‑grey vegan‑leather trim extends to seats, door panels and the center...
Las Vegas to Host New MODEX West Trade Show in October 2028
MHI announced the launch of MODEX West, a three‑day supply‑chain trade show slated for October 18‑20, 2028 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The new event adds a West Coast foothold to MHI’s portfolio, which already includes MODEX in Atlanta and ProMat in...
Next Mobility Exhibition 2026: BYD, Iveco Bus, Irizar, Solaris, MAN and Yutong Among Exhibitors
The Next Mobility Exhibition will run in Milan from May 13‑16, 2026, gathering leading bus and coach manufacturers such as BYD, Iveco Bus, Irizar, Solaris, MAN, Yutong and others. The show coincides with Transpotec Logitec, creating a joint platform for...
Railways, Bharat Petroleum Ink Pact to Develop Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal in Jammu
Indian Railways and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited have signed an agreement to build a Gati Shakti multi‑modal cargo terminal near Jammu. The facility at Bajalta will feature 109,225 kilolitres of storage and handle two rail rakes per day, delivering roughly 162,000 metric tonnes...
Shipbuilding: Changing Shipyard Dynamics in Japan
Japan’s shipbuilding sector has seen its global market share plunge from roughly 40% in the 1990s to about 10% today, as China and South Korea dominate new‑build orders. A new government‑backed Shipbuilding Industry Revitalization Roadmap aims to double annual construction...
Japan Post Lifts Suspension of US-Bound Merchandise
Japan Post announced it will resume accepting merchandise destined for the United States starting April 14, 2026, ending an eight‑month suspension triggered by the U.S. de minimis rule change. Under the new protocol, senders must prepay customs duties and related charges through a...
What To Know If You’re Flying This Week After Sunday’s Mass Delays and Cancellations
U.S. air travel faced a major disruption on Sunday, April 12, when more than 1,900 flights were delayed and at least 135 were canceled across key hubs such as Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Boston. Major carriers—including...
HAPS Specialist Claims Record for Stratospheric Flight
US aerospace firm Sceye completed a 12‑day, 6,400‑mile stratospheric flight from New Mexico to Brazil, setting a record with 88 hours over the target area. The SE2 HAPS platform maintained power, position and pressure loops using solar energy and batteries,...
Gulf Blockade Piles Pressure on Textile Chemicals
The ongoing Gulf blockade is tightening the supply chain for textile chemicals, as the Strait of Hormuz—responsible for about 20% of global oil—faces operational disruptions. Senior executives from major suppliers, including Transfar and Tanatex, say the crisis has moved from...
Daily Memo: Developments in the Middle East
President Donald Trump announced that the United States will commence a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on April 13. The operation will prohibit all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports while allowing traffic to non‑Iranian ports to pass unimpeded....
Inside the 747-8i Conversion to Doomsday Plane
Exclusive: I recently had the chance to get on a 747-8i that SNC is converting into an E-4C Doomsday plane, for an up-close look at how the work is beginning and the outlook for the program In the latest issue of...
Toyota bZ Sales Surge To Over 10,000 In First Part Of Year
Toyota reported selling 10,029 units of its bZ crossover in the first quarter, a 79% increase over the same period last year. The surge follows a rebranding from bZ4X to bZ, along with higher range, power output and faster charging....
VW Group BEV Share Stays Below 10% in Q1
Less than one in ten VW Group vehicles is a BEV in Q1 2026 I guess they’re betting on refreshes and new models to get to better numbers and imagine this includes a booming Škoda brand 😅🌶️⚡️⚡️⚡️ #alwaysbecharging https://t.co/AgPhLS2atq
Meyer Turku: Cruise Vessel Demand Drives Strong Orderbook
Meyer Turku posted a 17% revenue jump to €2.14 bn (about $2.3 bn) and adjusted EBIT of €105.1 m ($115 m) in 2025, signaling a solid post‑pandemic rebound. The yard delivered *Star of the Seas*, the second Icon‑class cruise ship for Royal Caribbean, and...