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:
Third Purus Daughter Craft Undergoes Final Outfitting, Sea Trials to Come
Daughter Craft No. 3, commissioned by Purus, is in final outfitting ahead of sea trials, with Volvo Penta IPS drives now installed. The vessel features IMO Tier 3 exhaust after‑treatment to curb emissions and has undergone extensive CFD and tank testing for optimal hull efficiency. Designed for both near‑shore CTV duties and offshore operations from an SOV/CSOV mothership, the craft incorporates motion‑softening features and a low‑noise propulsion system for passenger comfort. Interior work follows Diverse Marine’s lightweight, low‑maintenance standards, completing the high‑quality build.
Driver Recruiters Turn to Agentic AI to Streamline Hiring
Driver recruiters are adopting agentic AI to streamline candidate engagement. Tyson Foods recently deployed AI agents that handle initial outreach, pre‑qualify drivers, and schedule calls, allowing its six recruiters to efficiently support a 2,800‑truck fleet. Industry leaders at the 2026...
TMC 2026 Meeting to Spotlight New Era of Truck Technology
The Technology & Maintenance Council’s 70th annual meeting convenes in Nashville March 16‑19, featuring nearly 400 exhibitors across 350,000 sq ft. The event is split into education, exhibition, and voluntary standards tracks, with over 100 task forces shaping new recommended practices. Sessions...
This Viral ‘Cheek Splitter 9000’ Airline Seat Looks Like A Torture Device—Is It The Future Of Passenger Misery?
Japan Airlines has permanently deactivated the aisle seat in row 15 of its domestic Boeing 737‑800s by installing a custom cushion, effectively turning the seat into a fixed bulkhead. The row, normally three‑seater, now seats only two passengers, prompting viral online attention...
This Week in Travel: Top Stories You Can’t Miss
Travel industry updates this week include Marival Group’s COO detailing how the hotel chain protected guests during the Jalisco cartel‑related unrest and confirmed that flights to western Mexico have fully resumed. TSA PreCheck will remain operational despite a partial federal...
2027 Kia Carnival
The 2027 Kia Carnival arrives unchanged from its 2025 refresh, priced between $39,000 and $54,000 across five trims. It is powered by a 287‑hp 3.5‑liter V6 paired with an eight‑speed automatic and front‑wheel drive, achieving a 0‑60 mph time of 7.0...
Canada Partners Germany to Reshape Auto Sector
Canada's EV Deal with Germany - Auto Strategy in Transition Joanna Kyriazis of Clean Energycan discusses Canada's plan to re-engineer the country's auto sector. #cdnpoli https://youtu.be/BZislnkiDSI
Lawsuit Seeks to Halt FMCSA's Non-Domiciled CDL Final Rule
Owner‑operator Jorge Rivera Lujan and other petitioners have filed an emergency petition asking a federal court to halt the FMCSA’s final rule that restricts non‑domiciled commercial driver’s license (CDL) eligibility, effective March 16. They argue the rule is arbitrary and...
FMCSA Chief Emphasizes Aggressive Approach to CDL Qualifications
FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs announced that the agency is collaborating with Congress on the “Dalilah Law,” a bill that would codify the agency’s final rule barring most non‑U.S. citizens from obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The legislation mandates English‑only...
Guest: Per Hong of Kearney on Tariffs, Iran, and More; The "Pandemic Echo” Affecting Parcel Fleets; How Agentic AI Impacts...
In this episode, Per Hong of Kearney Foresight explains how the recent Supreme Court ruling on emergency tariffs and the introduction of new 10% worldwide tariffs create a layered, multi‑instrument trade environment that complicates supply‑chain planning. He advises companies to...
Uncrewed Vehicle Orders Will Help Keep Rosyth Shipyard Afloat
UK orders for uncrewed maritime vehicles (UMVs) are expected to sustain work at Babcock’s Rosyth shipyard as the Type 31 frigate programme winds down in the early 2030s. The Ministry of Defence’s Strategic Defence Review calls for a hybrid fleet of...
First Brands to Sell Units That Produce Parts for Ford
First Brands Group, currently in a multi‑billion‑dollar bankruptcy, has identified four prospective buyers for its auto‑parts factories, three of which supply components to Ford Motor Co. Ford is prepaying for parts and administrative expenses, a move described by its counsel...
UK Confirms New Chinooks to Get Aerial Refuelling Equipment
The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that the incoming Chinook H‑47(ER) helicopters will be delivered with a built‑in air‑to‑air refuelling receiver. Despite this capability, the current plan is to rely on United States KC‑130 aircraft for in‑flight refuelling rather than...
Tesla Drops Latest Hint that New Cybertruck Trim Is Selling Like Hotcakes
Tesla has pushed the delivery date for its new dual‑motor AWD Cybertruck trim to April 2027, after a prior slip to early fall 2026. The $59,990 model remains available at the current price only until March 1, when a price increase...
America’s 250th To Shape AirVenture 2026 Programming
The Experimental Aircraft Association will weave the United States’ 250th anniversary into AirVenture Oshkosh 2026. The event, July 20‑26 at Wittman Regional Airport, adopts the theme “Celebrating the Freedom of Flight,” tracing aviation’s evolution from the Wright brothers to modern...
Industry Excellence Honored At AX Awards Gala
The Airport Experience (AX) Awards Gala celebrated top performers in airport concessions, hospitality, and property management, drawing more than 450 North American executives. The ceremony recognized excellence across nearly 40 categories, including best passenger service, sustainability initiatives, and DE&I leadership....
Hellgeth Mercedes Unimog 4030 4×4: When the G-Class Is No Longer Enough
Daimler Truck and specialist Hellgeth unveiled a one‑off Unimog 4030 4×4, celebrating the model’s 80th anniversary with a luxury conversion. The vehicle retains the Unimog’s legendary off‑road engineering, featuring a 7.7‑litre inline‑six delivering 300 PS and permanent all‑wheel drive. Inside, the double...
ORF Appoints Humphrey As Senior Manager Of Airside Operations
Norfolk International Airport (ORF) has named Jerald Humphrey senior manager of airside operations. Humphrey brings more than two decades of United States Navy experience, most recently as air operations officer at Naval Air Station Oceana. He highlighted the airport’s growth,...
MIA Extends Hudson, HMSHost Contracts
Miami International Airport has secured 12‑year extensions with concessionaires Hudson and HMSHost, allowing them to continue operating existing venues and launch new concepts across the North, Central and South terminals. The extensions are part of the airport’s $9 billion Modernization in...
New Report Examines Women’s Advancement In Aviation
Oliver Wyman and IAWA released the second edition of Lift Off To Leadership, analyzing how women progress into leadership across aviation and aerospace. The study surveyed roughly 250 global leaders in 2025 and included executives from airlines, manufacturers, MROs, leasing...
SAF Insights: Introducing Argus' SAF & HVO Fob Straits Assessments
In this episode, Argus’s Sarah and VP of Business Development Alfonso introduce the new FOB Strait of Malacca price assessments for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in the Asia‑Pacific region. They explain why the assessments are...
NatPower Raises Alarm on UK Shore Power Policy
NatPower Marine warns that the UK’s flagship shore‑power projects in Aberdeen and Portsmouth are faltering because soaring industrial electricity prices and a punitive pricing framework make diesel generators cheaper than grid‑connected power. The company attributes the delays to structural policy...
Frontier Passenger Claimed She Was Denied Boarding Because She’s Indian—Used Fake ChatGPT Citations In Her Lawsuit
Frontier Airlines denied boarding to a passenger of Indian descent during a June 13, 2023 overbooked flight, offering vouchers but no seat. The passenger, an attorney representing herself, sued for $15 million alleging racial discrimination and breach of contract. The 10th Circuit dismissed the...
The Rhenus Group Urges Exporters to Prepare for July’s EU Low-Value Parcel Customs Changes
The Rhenus Group warns UK exporters that, from 1 July 2026, the EU will replace its €150 de‑minimis threshold with a flat €3 customs duty per commodity code for parcels valued at €150 or less. The new model shifts from a value‑based...
Port of Lázaro Cárdenas Opens 2026 with Cargo Growth
The Port of Lázaro Cárdenas opened 2026 with a strong start, handling 2,383,826 tonnes in January – a 6% increase over the same month last year. Containerised cargo dominated, representing 56% of throughput, while TEU volumes jumped 22% to 234,962....
UK Aviation Minister Visits London City Airport and New CEO Andy Cliffe
London City Airport outlined a plan to lift annual traffic to 9 million passengers, following 2024 government approval to increase capacity without adding flight movements. Aviation Minister Keir Mather visited the airport, meeting new CEO Andy Cliffe and frontline staff. The growth...
Siemens and Newag Sign Cooperation Agreement
Siemens Mobility and Polish rolling‑stock maker Newag have signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen cooperation in Poland’s emerging high‑speed rail market. The MoU will pool engineering and manufacturing capabilities to develop 300 km/h trains for the Warsaw‑Łódź corridor and advanced...
Latinos in Transit Takes First Place in APTA AdWheel Award for Workforce Development Marketing Campaign
Latinos in Transit (LIT) secured first place in the 2026 APTA AdWheel Awards for Best Marketing and Communications Workforce Development Initiative. The winning campaign, titled “Ignite. Empower. Evolve,” rebranded LIT as a national incubator for transit workforce development, targeting emerging...
Wales Publishes £14bn Rail Plan
Transport for Wales unveiled a £14 billion long‑term rail strategy that aims to generate 13.3 million new rail journeys, cut 3.8 million car trips and avoid 55,000 tonnes of CO₂. The plan promises £6.3 billion of direct and wider economic benefits and is backed by...
U.S. Moves to Permanently Seize Sanctioned Tanker ‘Skipper’ and $150M Oil Cargo
The U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil forfeiture complaint to permanently seize the motor tanker Skipper and its 1.8‑million‑barrel Venezuelan crude cargo. Authorities seized the vessel off Venezuela in December 2025 after it operated without nationality and falsely claimed...
Robotaxi Ballet: Clumsy Navigation By Several Waymos
Waymo's autonomous robotaxis were captured in a surveillance video attempting to navigate a narrow street in opposite directions, resulting in a minor traffic jam dubbed a "robot‑taxi ballet." Two, then three Waymo units struggled to coordinate, briefly blocking the crosswalk...
The Future of ADAS: Could Antennas Be the Key?
HUBER+SUHNER is developing a 3D waveguide radar antenna for ADAS and autonomous driving. The antenna reduces signal loss, improves resolution and works in adverse weather. Operating at 77 GHz, the technology offers larger apertures, higher channel counts and better EMC integration...
Maritime Alumni Showcase Jacksonville Port Operations
Great couple of days in Jacksonville, Florida. Yesterday I spoke at the @JAXPORT State of the port. That afternoon, classmate of mine from @MaritimeCollege, Captain John Redman took me out for a berth shift on board @McAllisterTugs Janet McAllister under another...
LNG‑Powered Isla Bella Boosts Puerto Rico’s Dedicated Service
The @TOTE_Maritime Isla Bella inbound to the Blount Island terminal @JAXPORT in Jacksonville, Florida. Fast, small, LNG-fueled containerships on a regular service provides Puerto Rico with a dedicated service; backed by @CrowleyMaritime and @TrailerBridge. https://t.co/LSImzznkcf
Supreme Court to Consider Whether Freight Brokers Can Be Held Liable for Negligent Hiring
The Supreme Court will hear Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, examining whether the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994 (FAAAA) preempts state negligence claims against freight brokers for negligent hiring. The case stems from a 2017 Illinois crash where...
Maersk Reroutes Around Cape, Pushing Rates Higher
Red Sea Comeback Falters as Maersk Diverts Ships Back Around Cape. Throw in the chance of a US war with Iran. Their Houthi friends. And staying with the longer transit and what that means to container line rates and excess...
UK Public EV Chargers Outnumber Fuel Pumps Nearly Twofold
FUN FACT: The UK has nearly twice as many public EV chargers as fuel pumps https://t.co/eTmP6dF5Mi https://t.co/iplVZrJGcf
Norway Landslide that Killed Railway Worker Was Triggered by Ground Stabilisation Works
An engineering investigation found that lime‑cement pile installation triggered the quick‑clay landslide at Nesvatnet, Norway, on 30 August 2025, killing one railway worker. The work had just placed the 29th pile when high‑pressure air entered a permeable sand layer, raising pore pressure...
Advancing the Enterprise in Volatile Times: Supply Chain as a Source of Reason
Enterprises facing tariff spikes, freight cost surges, and geopolitical fragmentation must separate measurable (quantitative) shocks from structural (qualitative) risks. Leaders gain advantage by tightening controllable levers—pricing discipline, bonded inventory, freight timing, and proactive supplier negotiations—rather than blaming external volatility. A...
L.A. Metro to Begin Service on Phase 1 of D Line Subway Extension May 8
Los Angeles Metro will launch Phase 1 of the D Line subway extension on May 8, adding a 3.92‑mile underground stretch from downtown to Beverly Hills. The project introduces three new stations—Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax, and Wilshire/La Cienega—delivering a single‑seat, 20‑minute ride without transfers. Funded...
Micromobility Commission Issues Recommendations to Better Regulate and Expand Use to Massachusetts Legislature
MassDOT submitted the Special Commission on Micromobility final report to the Massachusetts Legislature, outlining a comprehensive set of recommendations to modernize state law and improve safety for e‑bikes, scooters, and other low‑speed devices. The plan introduces a speed‑based classification system,...
People on the Move: Coast Transit Authority, VVTA, San Joaquin RTD, Nashville Department of Transportation
The Coast Transit Authority, Victor Valley Transit Authority, San Joaquin Regional Transit District, and Nashville Department of Transportation announced new leadership appointments. Mike Reso becomes CTA’s executive director, while Rod Goldman will assume the VVTA CEO role in July 2026....
Norfolk Southern, CMA CGM Partner on Intermodal Service
Norfolk Southern and global carrier CMA CGM have launched a new intermodal service linking the Midwest to the West Coast, using 40‑foot high‑cube containers and a door‑to‑door model. Managed by Norfolk Southern’s Triple Crown Services, the offering moves freight from Cleveland,...
Elektrobit’s Safety-Certified Linux OS Integrated Into Mobileye Drive
Elektrobit’s safety‑certified EB corbos Linux for Safety Applications has been integrated into Mobileye Drive, the company’s Level 4 autonomous‑driving platform. The Linux OS received TÜV Nord’s technical assessment for ASIL B and SIL2 compliance, meeting ISO 26262 and IEC 61508 safety standards. Mobileye plans to use...
IAG Cargo Reports Steady 2025 Performance
IAG Cargo posted a stable financial result for the year ended 31 December 2025, with commercial revenues edging higher and cargo volumes roughly matching 2024 levels. Cargo tonne‑kilometres (CTKs) showed modest growth while overall yield remained flat, underscoring resilience amid shifting trade...
Damen Delivers Multi Cat 3113 Vessel to Leask Marine
Damen Shipyards delivered the Multi Cat 3113 vessel, named C‑Trojan, to Leask Marine after a six‑week build using a proven stock hull. The vessel features a DP1 dynamic positioning system, a four‑point mooring arrangement, and a re‑engineered layout that separates work...
Soft Bicycle 360 Approved by Euro NCAP for Realistic and Durable ADAS Testing
AB Dynamics’ Soft Bicycle 360 has received Euro NCAP approval as a certified test target for advanced driver‑assistance system (ADAS) evaluations. The lightweight, single‑piece design replicates cyclist radar signatures while minimizing vehicle damage during impact. Weighing 30% less than competing targets, it features...
War Historically Fuels U.S. Trucking Demand
I was asked if a war with Iran would be bad for the trucking market. We looked at the data and have yet to find a single American military engagement in the past 50 years that didn’t stimulate goods movement across...
Weight of Freight: Talking Tankers with Asyad’s CEO
In this episode, Argus's Way to Freight talks with Dr. Ibrahim Alnathiri, CEO of Asyad Shipping, about the company’s aggressive fleet renewal and expansion, including the recent purchase of three VLCCs and four other newbuilds. Alnathiri explains how a younger,...
Singapore to Acquire Three Gulfstream Maritime Surveillance Aircraft
Singapore’s Ministry of Defence announced the purchase of three Gulfstream G550‑MSA maritime surveillance aircraft. The G550‑MSA, fitted with an AESA radar, electro‑optical/infra‑red sensor suite and self‑protection systems, will complement the recently selected Boeing P‑8A Poseidon and replace aging Fokker 50...