Today's Transportation Pulse
Hormuz minesweeping could delay oil flow for weeks
A preliminary U.S.-Iran agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz includes a minesweeping phase that may take 40‑50 days, using conventional minesweepers and advanced underwater drones to locate up to 1,000 Iranian naval mines. The delay could hold tens of millions of barrels of oil, while daily vessel traffic remains at 12‑15 ships.
Also developing:
SSL Announces Opening of Monon Corridor Service; Noland Retires as President
South Shore Line (SSL) will launch passenger service on its new 8‑mile Monon Corridor extension at 11:45 a.m. on March 31, 2026, adding stations at 173rd Street in Hammond, Ridge Road in Munster, and the Munster/Dyer border. The rollout follows a multi‑year strategic plan that also includes double‑tracking the Gary‑Michigan City segment. Former President Michael Noland, who spent 43 years in the railroad industry and 12 years leading SSL, retired on March 15. Former Tri‑Rail CEO David Dech assumes the presidency on March 16, becoming the railroad’s third leader.
Asia’s EV Surge Ends Fossil Fuel Dependence
Emerging Asia is sprinting toward electric independence to crush fossil fuel fragility. Fossil fuel wars will only accelerate this trend ➡️Viet Nam: 38% EV sales share, ahead of EU ➡️Singapore: Leading the charge at 50%+ share ➡️Indonesia: 15% share, more than US ➡️Thailand: 21%...
Trump Admin Waives Jones Act for 60 Days
The White House has temporarily waived the Jones Act for 60 days, easing U.S. vessel restrictions amid heightened geopolitical tension. Simultaneously, the war in Iran and a Greek tanker attack in the Black Sea have driven up container rates and...
Pardoned Nikola Founder Trevor Milton Is Trying to Raise $1B for AI-Powered Planes
Trevor Milton, pardoned founder of the failed electric‑truck maker Nikola, is spearheading a bid to raise $1 billion to develop AI‑driven light jets. He and an investment group have acquired the struggling SyberJet Aircraft and are rebuilding it with dozens of...
ATL TSA Wait Times Far Exceed Official Website Reports
I’m beginning to think that Atlanta airport’s website can’t be trusted when it comes to TSA wait times. I’ve never seen them list over an hour of wait on their website at any checkpoint and yet news and personal stories...
Rolls-Royce Scraps Goal to Go All-Electric by 2030
Rolls‑Royce has abandoned its 2030 all‑electric target, opting to keep V12 internal‑combustion models in its lineup as client demand persists. The company’s Spectre EV, launched in 2022, has underperformed its projected sales share, and no current EV contribution to total...
Operators Launch Rail Baltica Regional Fleet Procurement
National passenger operators Elron (Estonia), Vivi (Latvia) and LTG Link (Lithuania) have launched a joint tender for up to 20 new 25 kV AC EMUs to serve the 1,435 mm‑gauge Rail Baltica corridor. The framework allows each carrier to order a baseline of...
PIE Taps Sprague As Director
Pinellas County appointed Mark Sprague as the new director of St. Pete‑Clearwater International Airport (PIE). Sprague previously served as deputy and interim director at PIE and brings extensive pilot experience from Comair and Spirit Airlines. He also held operational roles at...
Boeing Vs Lockheed: Who Has The Best-Selling Military Aircraft Of All Time?
Boeing’s B‑17 Flying Fortress remains the all‑time best‑selling combat aircraft with 12,731 units built, a record set during World War II’s massive production surge. Lockheed Martin, while never eclipsing the B‑17’s single‑model total, boasts several high‑volume platforms—including the C‑130 Hercules (2,700+), F‑16...
Tesla Says FSD Was Off Before Cybertruck Crash — but the Video Tells a Different Story
A Tesla Cybertruck equipped with Full Self‑Driving (FSD) crashed into a concrete barrier on Houston’s 69 Eastex Freeway on August 18, 2025, after the autonomous system failed to navigate a sharp curve. Driver Justine Saint Amour disengaged FSD four seconds before impact, but the...
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...
Wisk Aero Unveils Second Gen 6 Autonomous eVTOL Prototype
Wisk Aero, a Boeing subsidiary, has unveiled its second sixth‑generation autonomous eVTOL prototype, registered as N607WA. The full‑scale aircraft is slated for its inaugural flight within weeks, marking a critical milestone toward certification. Wisk maintains its roadmap to launch a...
Buick Launched This Luxury Electric Van in China for $70,000
General Motors’ Buick brand unveiled the GL8 Encasa, a seven‑seat all‑electric luxury van in China, priced at 489,900 yuan (≈$70,000). The flagship model features a 96 kWh LFP battery delivering up to 373 miles (CLTC) and a 646 hp dual‑motor AWD system that sprints...
Press Release: Honeywell, Boeing and Reading Advance Contrail Sensing
Honeywell, Boeing and the University of Reading have launched Project MIST, a joint effort funded by the UK Aerospace Technology Institute to develop an aircraft‑mounted humidity sensor. The prototype aims to close data gaps in high‑altitude moisture measurements, improving contrail...
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...
2027 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2027 Volkswagen Tiguan arrives unchanged from its 2025 redesign, offering a base 201‑horsepower turbo‑four and an optional 268‑horsepower SEL R‑Line Turbo. Pricing spans roughly $33,000 for entry‑level models up to $45,000 for the performance‑focused trim. Fuel‑economy peaks at 34 mpg highway,...
War Over Ships and Tariffs, Not Hormuz Opening
Let's unpack this.. What if the White House has no intention of reopening the Strait of Hormuz? What if this war is really about ships & tariffs? I had a long discussion with senior DOE official yesterday on background. I can’t share...
Cornyn Bill Targets TSA Perks for Congress
Sen. John Cornyn introduced the “End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act,” which would require members of Congress to undergo the same TSA screening as the general public and ban federal funds for expedited airport access. Lawmakers could still...
FAA Clears Boeing 777-9 to Begin First Part of TIA Phase 4 Certification Trials
The FAA announced on March 17 that Boeing received clearance to start Phase 4A of the Type Inspection Authorization for its 777‑9, the first segment of the five‑phase certification program. Phase 4A will involve extensive air‑ and ground‑based system tests, mirroring the workload...
Mosdorfer Rail Highlights Advanced Solutions for Light Rail Electrification
Mosdorfer Rail unveiled a full‑system portfolio for light‑rail electrification, featuring its Tensorex tensioning device, bespoke cantilever assemblies, EN 62621‑compliant insulators, and insulated‑rope replacement components. The offerings promise consistent overhead line tension, reduced maintenance, and adaptability to varied urban track layouts. By...
2027 Nissan Leaf
Nissan revives the Leaf as a 2027 electric sub‑compact SUV, offering a 214‑hp front‑wheel‑drive motor and a sleek, upright design. The S+ trim delivers a best‑in‑class EPA‑estimated 303‑mile range, while pricing spans $32,000 to $41,000. Fast‑charging up to 150 kW enables...
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...
Turkish Airlines Launches Flights From Third London Airport
Turkish Airlines inaugurated a new service linking Istanbul Airport to London Stansted, marking its third London gateway. The launch was celebrated with a ceremony attended by airline and airport executives. The carrier now operates from Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Edinburgh and...
5 Ways In-House Warehouse Solutions Improve Efficiency & Reduce Costs
Storage Solutions highlights five ways its in‑house warehouse capabilities drive efficiency and cut costs. By keeping design, engineering, and project management internal, the firm can tightly control schedules, anticipate hurdles, and deliver customized layouts with integrated automation. Rapid response teams...
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...
A Station Wagon Is Entering One of the Hardest 24-Hour Races in the World
BMW has transformed its M3 Touring into a 24‑hour race car for the Nürburgring Langstrecken‑Serie, debuting in the SPX exhibition class at the upcoming Nürburgring 24H. The wagon, based on the M4 GT3 EVO platform, features a longer chassis and...
Lufthansa Introduces BABOR Skincare as Part of New Onboard Experience and Amenity Kits
Lufthansa is rolling out premium BAB B OR skincare kits in its First Class cabins this month, with Business Class upgrades slated for early May. The partnership is part of the airline’s Future Onboard Experience (FOX) program, which emphasizes comfort, personalization, and...
Hertz Will Rent You An Ineos Grenadier If You Felt Your Vacation Was Too Comfortable
Hertz announced that it will add the INEOS Grenadier to its rental fleet at select U.S. airports this spring. The rugged, boxy SUV targets travelers seeking a more adventurous, off‑road experience than a typical economy car provides. Hertz’s SVP of...
Labor Updates: LIRR, TTC
The Presidential Emergency Board’s second review of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) contract dispute sided with the five‑union coalition, recommending a 14% wage increase over four years and retroactive pay. The board deemed the union’s final offer more reasonable...
Bentley Continental GTC Azure Hybrid: The Art of Effortless Motoring
Bentley unveiled the Continental GTC Azure Hybrid, a limited‑edition luxury convertible that pairs a 4.0‑litre twin‑turbo V8 with electric assistance for a combined 680 PS and 930 Nm. The near‑2.7‑tonne car accelerates from 0‑62 mph in 3.9 seconds while delivering a serene, cabin‑quiet...
Scandlines Races To Fully Electrify Ferry Services As Fehmarn Tunnel Stalls
Scandlines launched Baltic Whale, an all‑electric freight ferry, on the Puttgarden–Rødby route, increasing freight capacity by 27% and featuring a 10 MWh battery that charges in under 15 seconds. The vessel joins a hybrid fleet, part of a €400 million program to...
300,000 New EV Chargers Planned For Latin America
ZapCharge, the international arm of China’s Shaanxi Fast Charger, announced a plan to install 300,000 public EV chargers across Latin America by 2030, with an intermediate target of 50,000 stations by 2027. Industry analysts estimate the region will need between...
Toyota's Raptor-Rivaling Tundra Is Reportedly Real and Has a Name
Toyota has filed a trademark for the name “TRD Hammer,” signaling a forthcoming high‑performance version of its Tundra pickup. The trademark, submitted on March 10, follows a owner survey that described a truck with 37‑inch tires, long‑travel suspension, and a powerful engine....
Tesla FSD Delivers Stress‑free, Hands‑free City Travel
Tesla FSD is nothing short of magic. Just rented a Cybertruck, picked it up at the airport and it drove us directly to the Airbnb. None of the stress of a new city, new roads, new car. Had it for...
US Indifference Threatens Europe’s Strait Reopening
What if the United States doesn’t care about reopening the strait for Europe? My latest gCaptain Op-Ed 👇
Former Uber CEO Says Waymo ‘Obviously’ Ahead of Tesla in Robotaxi Race
Former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick said Waymo is clearly ahead of Tesla in the robotaxi race, citing Waymo’s proven sensor suite, lower hardware costs and 400,000 weekly rides across ten U.S. cities. He contrasted this with Tesla’s vision‑only approach, which...
Google and Apple Maps Worsen Parking Experience
Google Maps and Apple Maps are making parking harder than it has to be. https://t.co/SfPFxqxRaA #googlemaps #applemaps #technews #parking #satnav
Modular 3-in-1 Scooter Boosts Elderly Mobility
Tri-Mode Freedom: A Modular 3-in-1 Electric Scooter, Walker and Smart Cargo #Robot for Elderly Mobility by @tweetciiiim #EmergingTech #Automation #Automotive #Transport https://t.co/9IuOsxZsih
CCT to Debut MedAssure Platform at LogiPharma 2026 Amid Growing Global Logistics Challenges
Cold Chain Technologies (CCT) will unveil MedAssure, a cold‑chain orchestration platform, at LogiPharma 2026. Targeted at life‑science manufacturers, the solution promises data‑driven intelligence to anticipate risks, lower total logistics costs, and shrink environmental footprints. The launch comes as the pharmaceutical cold‑chain...
Lufthansa Unveils New First‑class Amenity Kits with Exclusive Menu
Lufthansa is rolling out all-new amenity kits in first & business class, with the first class kit coming with a unique amenity menu. https://t.co/Kplz8xYg28
Lufthansa's Project FOX: Ambitious Claim to Premium Dominance?
In the coming days and weeks, Lufthansa will be unveiling Project FOX, which the airline claims will help it become Europe's most premium airline. Is that goal at all realistic? https://t.co/RnqAyLeXUA
Iran War: Saudi Arabia’s Airline “Saudia” Gets Ranked 2nd Most Punctual in the World; Here’s Top 5
Amid the escalating Iran‑U.S. conflict, widespread airspace closures have forced carriers to cancel or reroute flights across the Middle East and Europe‑Asia corridors. Despite these disruptions, Cirium’s On‑Time Performance Review 2025 ranks Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier Saudia as the world’s...
Airplane‑style Wings Slash Cargo Ship Fuel Use 80%
Airplane-Style Wings Are Powering Cargo Ships While Cutting Fuel by 80% by @BrianRoemmele #Technology #Innovation #EmergingTech #TechForGood https://t.co/5gzM052vij
Trump's Jones Act Waiver Aims to Lower Fuel Costs
This is a reasonable policy move by Trump, but it would be an *AWESOME* policy move if the Jones Act is waived/eliminated permanently.
Strait of Hormuz LNG Disruption Exposes Risks to Global LNG Supply and Asian Gas Markets
Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has constrained tanker flows, cutting roughly 20% of global LNG supply. The shutdown of Qatar’s Ras Laffan plant and reduced transit capacity have driven sharp price spikes across Asian and European markets. Approximately 90%...
Foreign‑flag Tankers Raise Domestic Fuel Costs, Study Finds
"A careful look at the current state of international market freight rates shows that, in fact, substituting a foreign flag tanker on a domestic route currently served by a Jones Act tanker would more than likely result in an increase...
Minister Contradicts Himself on Diesel Carbon Tax Exemption
The FP talks here (11:20) about exemptions for diesel from the industrial carbon tax, and yet he published a piece in the Toronto Sun and elsewhere this week on trucking cost implications that assumed the industrial carbon tax applies to...
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...
Soaring Gas Prices Could Send Buyers Crawling Back To EVs And Hybrids
Rising gasoline prices, now hovering around $100 a barrel, are prompting some consumers to reconsider electric and hybrid vehicles, echoing past oil‑price shocks. In the U.S., analysts say prices would need to reach roughly $6 per gallon before a sizable...
Trenitalia Builds French High-Speed Depot
Trenitalia France, a subsidiary of Italy’s FS, signed a 35‑year lease with SNCF Network to build a new high‑speed train depot in Maisons Alfort‑Pompadour, south of Paris. The €80 million facility will accommodate up to 25 Frecciarossa trains, featuring three maintenance...