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
Why Data Matters for Shipbuilding Industrial Policy
The OECD policy brief highlights shipbuilding as a cornerstone of national competitiveness, economic security, and energy efficiency. It warns that many industrial‑policy decisions in leading shipbuilding nations rely on fragmented or outdated evidence. Four core data shortcomings—misaligned statistical definitions, opaque value‑creation chains, lagging skill‑need forecasts, and non‑standardised technology and decarbonisation metrics—undermine effective policy. The brief proposes leveraging OECD databases such as STAN, ICIO, TiVA and the Ocean Economy Monitor to create consistent, granular indicators that improve targeting, monitoring and cross‑country benchmarking.
Stonehenge Tunnel DCO Officially Revoked as It ‘No Longer Aligns with Strategic Policy Objectives’
The UK transport secretary has formally revoked the Development Consent Order for the Stonehenge Tunnel, a 3.3km underground road project beneath the World Heritage site. The decision cites a lack of secured funding, a shift in national transport policy, and...
Bids Open for £18M London Gateway Port’s Second Rail Expansion
DP World has opened a tender for the £18 million Phase 2 expansion of the London Gateway rail terminal. The project will install an 850 m reinforced concrete crane rail beam, five new sidings and 21 switches to integrate the terminal with the...
View Exterior Photos of the 2026 Toyota Corolla FX Hatchback
The 2026 Toyota Corolla FX is a new special‑edition hatchback that adds sport‑focused exterior styling while keeping the standard Corolla underpinnings. It is offered in three paint options—Inferno, Ice Cap and Blue Crush Metallic—and features exclusive gloss‑white 18‑inch wheels and a larger rear...
UK Travel to Nashville Rises 11% Year-on-Year
Nashville International Airport reported 143,440 UK passengers in 2025, an 11% increase from the previous year. European travelers now represent 33% of the airport’s international traffic, with overall European arrivals up 19% year‑on‑year. BNA has risen to the second spot...
United CEO Scott Kirby Says Buying JetBlue Is Up To Them — As Government Travel Falls 50%
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby told investors that government travel is down roughly 50%, eroding about 4‑5% of the carrier’s revenue. United is responding by retiring 21 aircraft early, cutting redeye flights and shifting its yield‑management system to fill seats...
Korean Air Has Ended Airbus A380 Flights On 11 Routes: Full List
Korean Air has retired Airbus A380 service on 11 routes, leaving it with six super‑jumbos – the joint‑second‑smallest A380 fleet worldwide. The carrier previously operated ten A380s, scrapping four, and has already phased out the Boeing 747‑8i. The A380’s last regular European...
From Garage to Global: Chieh Huang on Building Boxed and Launching Pelgo
In this episode, Chieh Huang, founder of Boxed and now CEO of Pelgo, shares his journey from a garage‑based wholesale startup to a public company and his latest venture helping workers transition to AI‑augmented roles. He highlights the stark difference...
Porsche Penske 963s Will Race At Sebring With '90s Throwback 911 GT1 Livery
Porsche Penske Motorsport will field its 963 hypercar at the 12 Hours of Sebring dressed in a retro livery that mirrors the 1996 Porsche 911 GT1. The paint scheme celebrates Porsche’s 75th anniversary, Team Penske’s 60th, and a 30‑year Mobil 1...
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This Is the No. 1 Rental Car Mistake Travelers Make, According to Experts
Travelers often skip documenting rental cars, leading to costly disputes. Experts advise taking photos and videos of both exterior and interior at pickup and return, including roof shots in hail‑prone areas. Visual records create a timestamped baseline that counters false...
Footpath Boundary Refreshed Thanks to Composite Ballast Boards
Complete Composite Systems supplied glass‑fibre reinforced polyester (GRP) ballast boards to replace deteriorating concrete panels on a footpath boundary near Hastings railway station. The lightweight GRP boards were installed by AW Rail for Octavius Infrastructure, delivering a stronger, corrosion‑resistant fence...
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...
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,...
Quantum Transportation Advancing Toward Quantum Hardware Integration
Rail Vision’s subsidiary Quantum Transportation announced that its transformer‑based neural decoder has been deployed on the AWS cloud. The decoder, which previously outperformed classical quantum error‑correction algorithms in simulations, now runs in a high‑performance environment, providing scalable processing of quantum...
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...
Deal Roundup: KKR Buys Into Indian E-Bus Fleet in $310m Deal, Warburg Pincus Backs TheGuarantors
Private equity giant KKR is investing up to $310 million to acquire a majority stake in Allfleet, the electric‑bus platform of India’s PMI Electro Mobility Solutions, aiming to deploy more than 5,000 e‑buses. Warburg Pincus has taken a controlling interest in...
Hesai Brings LiDAR to E-Scooters as Per-Unit Costs Plummet
Hesai has slashed LiDAR prices to about $200 per unit, enabling its FTX blind‑spot sensor to be fitted on Niu Technologies' new NXT2 e‑scooter. The partnership marks a turning point for affordable perception technology, previously limited to high‑end EVs and...
Atlanta TSA Chaos Persists; DHS Fix Expected by Weekend
The TSA situation at the Atlanta airport seems really bad now, hope this DHS situation gets sorted out by the weekend.
JFK Near‑miss Highlights Critical Pilot Error
An EVA Air Boeing 777 & Air Canada Jazz Embraer E175 had a very close call at JFK airport, in what can only be described as a major pilot screw-up. https://t.co/bOAVUlfXyr
CTrack Brings AI-Enhanced Software Platform to the UK for Intelligent Fleet and Asset Management
Ctrack has launched its AI‑enhanced platform Crystal in the UK, extending a global rollout after acquiring Inseego’s telematics business. The modular solution combines telematics, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to deliver real‑time insights, driver‑behaviour monitoring and workflow automation for fleets...
Transportation Department Opens $650K Design Challenge for U.S. Infrastructure Projects
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy launched the "Beautifying Transportation Infrastructure Challenge," a nationwide design competition offering $650,000 in prize money. The contest spans three tiers—Professional, Public, and Student—targeting designers, artists, and K‑12 students with top awards of $250,000, $50,000,...
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...
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...
Future Oil Supply Shifting From Hormuz to Canada
The path away from Hormuz doesn’t run through Texas It runs through Canada. Not a quick fix, but a slow shift in expectations about where future supply comes from. LINK👇 https://t.co/2f6ouGWWtL #Oil #Energy #Geopolitics #SupplyChains https://t.co/s7N92RBiUl
AI Scheduling Tools Tackle Transit Driver Shortages
Transit agencies are turning to AI‑driven scheduling platforms to combat a global shortfall of roughly 2.4 million bus drivers. The tools let operators model alternative roster scenarios, communicate schedules in real time, and curb unscheduled overtime that fuels fatigue and turnover....
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...
Digital Competitiveness and Logistics Performance
Professor Haralambides investigates how digital competitiveness influences logistics performance across 50 economies, merging World Digital Competitiveness Rankings with the Logistics Performance Index. By applying CRITIC weighting, DEA efficiency analysis, and MCA pattern detection, the study shows that stronger logistics outcomes...
‘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...
Considering a Used EV as First Car In
Indeed; not hating this. Might pick one up used as my first EV in 3-4 years.
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...
A New Model of Lime Bike Is Launching in London This Month – with Several Big Changes
Lime is rolling out a refreshed e‑bike, now branded LimeBike, across London and several other UK cities this month. The new model swaps the traditional 26‑inch wheels for 20‑inch ones, adds a lower frame, rear‑mounted battery, portrait phone holder and...
New Commuter Operator for Montreal
Montreal’s EXO commuter rail network, covering 225 km with five lines and 52 stations, carried over seven million passengers in 2024. The agency awarded a ten‑year operations and maintenance contract to Transdev, with an optional four‑year extension, after a single‑envelope weighted...
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...
VinFast Pushes Ahead With U.S. EV Plant Despite Industry Slowdown
VinFast announced it will restart construction of its North Carolina electric‑vehicle plant, but at a dramatically smaller scale than originally promised. The revised plan targets roughly 1,400 jobs, a steep drop from the 7,500 positions pledged, and ties the company...
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,...
TEL Places 400‑Truck Order, Boosting Volvo’s VNL Rollout in North America
TEL, a leading U.S. fleet leasing firm, ordered 400 Volvo VNL 860 sleeper tractors, one of the biggest single‑model orders in North America. The deal highlights renewed demand for fuel‑efficient, safety‑focused Class 8 trucks as Volvo ramps up production after a...
Dubai, Doha Cruise Delays Force Celestyal to Pull Mediterranean Sailings Amid Middle East Conflict: Everything You Need to Know
Celestyal Cruises has cancelled four Greek‑Island sailings for March 2026 after its two ships, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, became stranded in Dubai and Doha amid the escalating Middle East conflict. Both vessels are operational but cannot reposition to the...
UK Joins Switzerland, France, Denmark, Netherlands, Ireland, Spain, And More Countries In Confronting Major Travel Roadblock As Thousands Of Tourists...
On March 18, 2026, the Verdi service workers’ union staged a full‑day strike at Berlin‑Brandenburg Airport, forcing a complete shutdown of Germany’s primary eastern hub. The disruption stranded thousands of travelers from the UK, Switzerland, France, Denmark, the Netherlands, Ireland,...
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...
AerCap: Right Time for New Airbus Order – Frontier Order Restructured
AerCap announced its first direct Airbus order since 2017, committing to 100 A320neo family jets—23 A320neos and 77 A321neos. Forty‑five of the aircraft are converted options from last year’s Spirit Airlines deal, while the remaining 55 are brand‑new. Airbus will...
Strait of Hormuz Is Chokepoint for Sulphuric Acid and Critical Metal Processing
The Strait of Hormuz channels about 50% of the world’s sulphur, a key feedstock for sulphuric acid used in nickel, copper and cobalt processing. Indonesia, which produces over half of global nickel, imports roughly 75% of its sulphur from the...
First Ride: £200k R5 Turbo 3E Is a 533bhp Electric Drift Monster
Renault unveiled the R5 Turbo 3E, a £140,000‑£220,000 electric halo car that delivers 533 bhp and a 0‑62 mph time of roughly 3.5 seconds. Built on the Alpine Performance Platform and sharing only superficial cues with the classic R5, the limited‑edition model will...
No, Ford's 'Fox Platform' Wasn't Named After The Audi Fox, Stop It
Ford’s Fox platform and Audi’s Fox‑named 80 both emerged in 1973, but the shared name is almost certainly coincidental. Ford first used the "Fox" moniker in a February budget pitch, while Audi’s compact 80 entered the U.S. market as the...
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...
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,...
Stadler Reports 13% Sales Rise Across 2025
Stadler Rail posted a 13% sales increase in 2025, reaching 3.7 billion CHF and boosting its EBIT margin to 4.4%. Net profit more than doubled to 100.7 million CHF, while the order backlog expanded to 32 billion CHF despite a slight dip in new orders. The...
Stellar Aviation’s Nevada FBOs Join AEG Connect Network
Stellar Aviation’s two Nevada fixed‑base operators—Reno‑Tahoe International Airport and Carson City Airport—have joined AEG Fuels’ Connect network. The Reno facility features a new 36,000 sq ft hangar, a 6,000 sq ft executive terminal, EV charging stations and 5 acres of tarmac capable of handling Boeing 777...
Transit Flights Culprit Behind High ‘Mudik’ Fares, Govt Says
Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry says transit flights, especially those with multiple stops or overseas layovers, are inflating domestic airfares during the mudik season despite a government fare‑discount stimulus. Direct economy seats sold out early, forcing travelers onto costly itineraries such as...
OPINION: How the Software-Defined Vehicle Is Redefining Development
Automakers are shifting from hardware‑centric cars to software‑defined vehicles (SDVs), where code determines functionality, performance, and user experience. Centralized computing architectures replace fragmented ECUs, enabling over‑the‑air updates, feature‑on‑demand, and continuous improvement. This transition forces OEMs to adopt agile, data‑driven development...
Omoda 5 Review
The Omoda 5, Chery’s UK‑market crossover, now offers a full‑hybrid version priced around £29,240, positioning it against the VW T‑Roc and Nissan Qashqai. The hybrid pairs a 1.5 L turbo engine with a 1.8 kWh battery, delivering 221 bhp and 53 mpg combined, while the...