Transportation & Hauling Equipment Archives - Material Handling Wholesaler https://www.mhwmag.com/subcategory/transportation-hauling-equipment/ Material handling wholesale publication Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:38:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 Port of Long Beach Approves $58 Million for Clean Technology https://www.mhwmag.com/nuts-bolts/port-of-long-beach-approves-58-million-for-clean-technology/ WBM Staff]]> Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:38:40 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123489 New funding moves Long Beach closer to becoming world’s first zero emissions port A commitment by the Port of Long Beach to become the world’s first zero-emissions port advanced Monday with the authorization of $58.2 million to purchase and deploy additional zero-emissions, human-operated cargo handling equipment, cleaner harbor craft and a zero-emission locomotive. The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners approved the expenditure, part of a larger grant from California’s State Transportation Agency for System-Wide Investment in Freight Transport (SWIFT). This initiative is designed to lead the deployment of the cleanest technologies, support goods movement efficiency and reduce environmental impacts on neighboring communities. The investment will allow tenants and operators to: Acquire 61 units of zero-emission, human-operated cargo-handling equipment, along with 21 chargers to power them; Deploy six zero-emission and five cleaner harbor craft that displace older diesel engines; And advance one zero-emission locomotive. “Expanding our clean technology portfolio is critical to the future of goods movement and to the health of the communities around us,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba. “We are not waiting for the future to arrive, we are shaping it and leading the way by deploying the latest zero-emission equipment to make a difference today.” “The Port of Long Beach continues to invest in zero-emission infrastructure and deploy a suite of incentives for early adopters of these technologies,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “This latest round of funding builds on the Port’s broader SWIFT program, which is accelerating the transition to zero-emission operations while improving the reliability and efficiency of cargo movement.”

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]]> Is Amazon about to disrupt the 3PL sector? https://www.mhwmag.com/whitepapers/is-amazon-about-to-disrupt-the-3pl-sector/ WBM Staff]]> Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:30:39 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123486 Amazon wants to become the next major global 3PL, expanding beyond Fulfillment by Amazon. Amazon recently launched Amazon Supply Chain Services (ASCS), a new platform opening its freight, warehousing, fulfillment, and parcel delivery capabilities to external businesses, including companies operating entirely outside Amazon’s retail marketplace. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is now Amazon’s most profitable business segment, showing how internal infrastructure can evolve into a major external platform. Early customers already include large enterprise brands such as Procter & Gamble, 3M, Lands’ End, and American Eagle, and the ASCS strategy increasingly resembles the AWS playbook. AWS originally emerged from infrastructure developed to support Amazon’s own retail operations, before evolving into one of the world’s largest cloud computing businesses. Amazon now appears to be pursuing a similar approach in logistics by transforming internally developed fulfillment and transportation infrastructure into scalable external services. Although Amazon is already the world’s largest logistics provider by revenue, most of this activity supports its own retail ecosystem, and Amazon Supply Chain Services represents a strategic effort to increasingly monetize this infrastructure through fully outsourced logistics services for external customers. Amazon Supply Chain Services (ASCS) combines freight, fulfillment, warehousing, and parcel delivery into a unified logistics platform for external businesses. Source: Amazon However, Amazon’s logistics ambitions did not begin with ASCS. The company has already been gradually opening parts of its logistics network to external channels for several years through initiatives such as Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF), Buy with Prime, and Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD). MCF allows merchants to use Amazon fulfillment centers to process orders originating from platforms such as Shopify or eBay using the same inventory pool as Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), including optional unbranded packaging. Buy with Prime embeds Amazon’s checkout and fulfillment capabilities directly into merchant websites, allowing Prime customers to use Amazon credentials, fast shipping, and returns on external ecommerce sites. Meanwhile, AWD focuses on upstream bulk storage and automated replenishment into Amazon’s fulfillment network, later expanding into B2B store replenishment and distribution to physical retail stores and wholesale channels. Despite opening parts of Amazon’s logistics network to external channels, these services largely remain designed to support Amazon-centric ecommerce workflows. ASCS represents a broader strategic shift by positioning Amazon as a standalone third-party logistics provider rather than primarily a marketplace support service. This could eventually allow Amazon to fulfill products sold through competing ecosystems such as Walmart Marketplace, Shopify, or TikTok Shop. This moves Amazon beyond ecommerce fulfillment into more traditional contract logistics and places the company in more direct competition with DHL, FedEx Supply Chain, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, DSV, Kuehne + Nagel, and GXO Logistics. Why Amazon could disrupt the global 3PL market There are almost 2,900 active Amazon facilities in the US alone From a structural perspective, Amazon already operates one of the world’s largest logistics infrastructures, supported by extensive investments in automation, software orchestration, and transportation infrastructure. Its network spans nearly 2,900 active facilities in the US alone, alongside major operations across Europe and Asia. This gives Amazon a scale advantage that would take many competitors decades to replicate. Therefore, unlike many traditional 3PL providers, Amazon also internally controls large parts of the logistics tech stack. This includes warehouse execution and orchestration software, inventory optimization platforms, AI-driven demand forecasting tools, automated sortation systems, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), robotic picking systems such as Sparrow, and robotic mobile storage platforms inherited from Kiva Systems. The company also operates one of the world’s largest parcel delivery networks, with Amazon Logistics now handling more parcel volume in the US than UPS, FedEx, or USPS during certain peak periods. This high level of vertical integration allows Amazon to tightly coordinate fulfillment, transportation, inventory positioning, and labor utilization across its network. Just as AWS transformed Amazon’s internal computing infrastructure into a global utility platform, ASCS signals Amazon’s attempt to turn fulfillment and transportation infrastructure into an external logistics utility. What does this mean for Amazon’s warehouse footprint? In the near term, we expect Amazon’s expansion into third-party logistics to focus on improving utilization across its existing infrastructure base, rather than triggering another major warehouse construction cycle. The company rapidly expanded its logistics footprint during the ecommerce boom, creating one of the world’s largest warehouse networks. However, while ecommerce demand remains relatively strong, there are now significantly higher operating costs across its logistics network, particularly from rising wage bills and energy prices. These pressures have increased the importance of improving asset utilization and generating additional revenue from infrastructure built during the pandemic-era ecommerce expansion. If Amazon successfully scales ASCS beyond simply cross-selling logistics services to existing Amazon marketplace and cloud customers, the strategy could eventually support a more targeted new phase of warehouse construction. Future growth is anticipated to focus on facilities optimized for high-throughput multi-client fulfillment, regional parcel sortation, cross-docking, and last-mile delivery operations, rather than the broad warehouse expansion seen during the pandemic ecommerce surge. Final thoughts: Scaling could prove complex Despite Amazon’s structural advantages, scale alone may not guarantee rapid disruption across the global 3PL market. Similar concerns emerged following Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods, which initially triggered major valuation declines across grocery retailers, before disruption ultimately proved more gradual than many investors anticipated. A similar dynamic could emerge here, particularly as Amazon attempts to balance its role as both a logistics provider and one of the world’s largest ecommerce companies. While Amazon possesses enormous scale advantages, operating a neutral third-party logistics platform alongside its retail, marketplace, advertising, and cloud businesses creates structural challenges that other logistics providers don’t face. Enterprise customers may remain cautious about giving Amazon deeper visibility into their supply chains, inventory levels, transportation flows, and customer demand patterns. For many retailers and manufacturers, Amazon remains both a potential logistics partner and a direct commercial competitor. Another major question is how Amazon would balance capacity allocation between its own retail operations and external logistics customers during peak demand periods. If ecommerce volumes surge during major seasonal events, some companies may question whether Amazon’s own sellers and retail operations ultimately

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]]> Hellmann celebrates 20 years of operations in Japan and expands focus on APAC growth https://www.mhwmag.com/shifting-gears/hellmann-celebrates-20-years-of-operations-in-japan-and-expands-focus-on-apac-growth/ WBM Staff]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2026 17:11:59 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123479 Hellmann Worldwide Logistics marks the 20th anniversary of its operations in Japan, highlighting its continued presence in a strategically important global logistics market. Since opening the first office in Japan in 2006, Hellmann has established a focused local presence and gradually developed its service offering to support customers across selected industries, including automotive, fashion, healthcare, and technology. Today, the company provides core logistics services such as airfreight, seafreight, customs brokerage, and selected specialized solutions. With offices in Tokyo and Osaka, Hellmann Japan supports domestic and international customers through tailored logistics services and integration into its global network. Within its global strategy “Forward2030”, Asia-Pacific (APAC) has been identified as a key growth region, with Japan representing a stable and important market environment. Against this backdrop, Hellmann will continue to develop its activities in Japan in line with customer needs and market opportunities. “APAC is an important region within our global strategy “Forward2030” and Japan contributes to this as a mature and innovative market with strong connections to global supply chains. Going forward, we will continue to invest in the region and expand our capabilities to support our customers’ growth with integrated, sustainable logistics solutions,” said Jens Drewes, CEO, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics. “Over the past years, we have grown our APAC presence by broadening our footprint, strengthening local teams, and building more connected solutions for customers across the region. Japan is part of this development: with our teams in Tokyo and Osaka, we have established a strong local foundation that combines market expertise with the reach of our regional and global network. We will build on this momentum and continue to strengthen Japan’s role within our broader APAC growth journey,” said Sven Raudszus, Regional CEO APAC, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.

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]]> More than $1 Billion Approved to Power Port of the Future https://www.mhwmag.com/nuts-bolts/more-than-1-billion-approved-to-power-port-of-the-future/ WBM Staff]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2026 17:08:35 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123477 Pier B project anchors Port of Long Beach capital expenditures The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved a $1.05 billion annual budget for the Port of Long Beach, which is at the center of one of the busiest logistics hubs in the world. Approximately 55% of the Port’s spending is tied to capital investments in rail, zero emissions, technology and other improvements designed to efficiently handle growing cargo volumes while minimizing environmental impacts. Budgeted spending for the 2027 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, is 28.6% more than estimated spending in the 2026 fiscal year. The variance reflects a 53.7% increase in capital expenditures compared to the prior year, to $571.8 million, as work accelerates on delivering the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, the Port’s largest project. The boost in spending is also aligned with delivering the infrastructure necessary to realize Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba’s 2050 vision to double cargo to 20 million containers annually by midcentury while becoming the first zero-emissions port in the world. The 10-year, $3.3 billion capital improvement program is the largest of any port in the nation. Next year’s budget also includes $54 million in Clean Trucks Program subsidies to support truck drivers and trucking companies as they transition to zero-emissions, heavy-duty drayage trucks. “This budget sends a strong signal to our supply chain partners that we are bullish on the future and committed to doubling our cargo capacity by 2050,” Hacegaba said. “Our industry-leading $3.3 billion capital improvement plan will help us get there as we transform our operations and build the Port of the Future.” “Our success has always depended on staying ahead of the demands of a rapidly changing global supply chain and investing for the future,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “This budget strengthens our competitive position to move more goods, faster and more sustainably.” Pier B broke ground in July 2024. The project will triple the Port’s on-dock rail capacity and trim the time it takes to move cargo from ship to rail from four days to 24 hours, enhancing the efficiency of moving goods in Southern California and the entire U.S. supply chain. Individual construction projects are underway, adding benefits upon completion, with the facility expected to be finished in 2032. In late summer, the Long Beach City Council will consider approval of the budget. It includes a $28.7 million estimated transfer to the City’s Tidelands Operating Fund, supporting quality-of-life projects along Long Beach’s 7-mile coastline that have improved shoreline safety, cleanliness, water quality, facilities and other amenities. Operating revenue is estimated to be relatively flat at $577.9 million, 0.6% higher than last year. Recognized for its strong market position and financial resiliency, the Port of Long Beach holds exceptional credit ratings of AA+ from S&P Global Ratings and AA from Fitch and Moody’s Ratings.

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]]> Port of Long Beach Cargo Shows Double-Digit Growth  https://www.mhwmag.com/nuts-bolts/port-of-long-beach-cargo-shows-double-digit-growth/ WBM Staff]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:48:29 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123474 May imports and exports reflect supply chain resiliency The Port of Long Beach handled the most cargo in North America with double-digit growth in May, demonstrating resiliency in the face of tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty, Port CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba announced Tuesday during his monthly Supply Chain Insight media briefing. Last month, dockworkers and terminal operators handled 842,030 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 31.7% from May 2025, making it the Port’s third-busiest May on record. Imports soared 40% to 418,851 TEUs, exports rose 32.9% to 109,168 TEUs and empty containers were up 21.8% to 314,012 TEUs. The Port of Long Beach has processed 4,050,247 TEUs through the first five months of 2026, up 0.2% compared to the same period last year, putting the Port on pace with its record year in 2025. “These numbers reflect the strength and adaptability of the supply chain,” Hacegaba said. “Shippers are responding to the higher cost of doing business by moving cargo earlier and shippers continue to choose the Port of Long Beach for our reliability, efficiency and ability to move their cargo during complex times.” According to Hacegaba, rising fuel costs, tariff uncertainty and geopolitical concerns are all contributing to expectations for an earlier peak shipping season – a busy summer with higher-than-normal cargo volumes anticipated in July and August. Companies are trying to stay ahead of potential cost increases and avoid delays later in the year. “The Port of Long Beach continues to be the Port of Choice for our customers,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “Our vision for the future and the proactive investments we have made in infrastructure, technology and workforce have allowed us to perform in a very competitive market.” The media briefing also included an in-depth conversation between Hacegaba and Harbor Trucking Association CEO Robert Loya about the effects of rising fuel prices on local truck drivers, workforce challenges and the ongoing transition to zero-emissions trucks. Nearly 73% of U.S. freight by weight is moved by truck.  Hacegaba also opined on the potential long-term effects of tariffs, energy availability and a peace agreement that led to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. “While these issues may seem very different – security, energy markets and trade policy – they all point to the same challenge: uncertainty,” Hacegaba said. “Supply chains perform best when businesses can plan with confidence. Whether we’re talking about fuel costs, geopolitical risks, or tariff policy, predictability remains one of the most important drivers of supply chain efficiency and economic growth. As we look ahead, we’ll continue doing what the Port of Long Beach has always done – adapting to change, strengthening our resilience and keeping commerce moving for the nation we serve.”

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]]> AAR reports Rail Traffic for the week ending June 20, 2026 https://www.mhwmag.com/nuts-bolts/aar-reports-rail-traffic-for-the-week-ending-june-20-2026/ MHW Staff]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:13:50 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123471 The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending June 20, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 521,998 carloads and intermodal units, up 7.1 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending June 20 were 233,259 carloads, up 1.6 percent compared with the same week in 2025, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 288,739 containers and trailers, up 12.1 percent compared to 2025. Seven of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2025. They included metallic ores and metals, up 2,294 carloads to 24,579; grain, up 1,752 carloads to 22,993; and nonmetallic minerals, up 1,333 carloads to 32,793. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2025 were coal, down 3,541 carloads to 55,786; miscellaneous carloads, down 1,346 carloads to 9,376; and motor vehicles and parts, down 195 carloads to 16,074. For the first 24 weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 5,449,203 carloads, up 3.2 percent from the same point last year, and 6,691,916 intermodal units, up 3.0 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 24 weeks of 2026 was 12,141,119 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 3.1 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending June 20, 2026, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 337,841 carloads, up 0.9 percent compared with the same week last year, and 376,727 intermodal units, up 9.2 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 714,568 carloads and intermodal units, up 5.1 percent. North American rail volume for the first 24 weeks of 2026 was 16,708,419 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.7 percent compared with 2025. Canadian railroads reported 90,469 carloads for the week, up 1.0 percent, and 73,174 intermodal units, down 3.1 percent compared with the same week in 2025. For the first 24 weeks of 2026, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 3,951,957 carloads, containers, and trailers, up 0.6 percent. Mexican railroads reported 14,113 carloads for the week, down 10.1 percent compared with the same week last year, and 14,814 intermodal units, up 24.0 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 24 weeks of 2026 was 615,343 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 8.0 percent from the same point last year.

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]]> PepsiCo Fleet Executive Joins YMX Logistics https://www.mhwmag.com/shifting-gears/pepsico-fleet-executive-joins-ymx-logistics/ WBM Staff]]> Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:19:31 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123422 Adam Buttgenbach joins the leading national yard logistics provider as Vice President of Fleet Strategy & Loss Prevention.  YMX Logistics has announced that Adam Buttgenbach has joined the company as Vice President of Fleet Strategy & Loss Prevention. Buttgenbach brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in logistics, procurement, maintenance, and operational transformation to YMX. Throughout his career, Adam has led large-scale fleet and equipment organizations with responsibility for more than 110,000 assets globally and billion-dollar capital investment portfolios. His expertise spans fleet strategy, asset lifecycle management, procurement, supplier partnerships, sustainability, electrification, alternative fuels, connected vehicle technologies, and operational excellence. Prior to joining YMX Logistics, Adam served as Global Procurement Director, Fleet Transformation at PepsiCo, where he led enterprise fleet transformation initiatives across one of the world’s largest commercial fleets. He previously held leadership roles with Custom Truck One Source and Brink’s, driving fleet modernization, acquisition integrations, and operational improvements. “Adam brings an exceptional combination of fleet expertise, procurement discipline, operational leadership, and transformation experience,” said Erin Mitchell, COO of YMX Logistics. “As YMX continues to expand nationwide, fleet strategy and asset performance are critical to delivering safer, more efficient, and more sustainable operations for our customers. Adam’s experience leading complex fleet organizations at enterprise scale, combined with his deep commitment to safety and operational excellence, makes him a tremendous addition to our leadership team.” “YMX Logistics is redefining what enterprise yard operations can become,” said Buttgenbach. “The yard is a critical part of the supply chain, and the ability to align fleet strategy, technology, maintenance, safety, sustainability, and execution at scale creates a powerful opportunity for enterprise shippers across the country. I am excited to join YMX at such an important stage of growth and help advance the company’s fleet strategy and loss prevention capabilities.” Adam holds a Master of Applied Science in Supply Chain Management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from California Polytechnic State University.

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]]> AAR reports Rail Traffic for the week ending June 13, 2026 https://www.mhwmag.com/nuts-bolts/aar-reports-rail-traffic-for-the-week-ending-june-13-2026/ MHW Staff]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2026 21:52:51 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123394 The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending June 13, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 520,406 carloads and intermodal units, up 7.2 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending June 13 were 230,959 carloads, up 2.8 percent compared with the same week in 2025, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 289,447 containers and trailers, up 10.9 percent compared to 2025. Six of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2025. They included grain, up 4,283 carloads, to 23,988; metallic ores and metals, up 3,964 carloads, to 24,604; and nonmetallic minerals, up 1,313 carloads, to 32,342. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2025 included coal, down 4,893 carloads, to 53,955; chemicals, down 364 carloads, to 32,534; and forest products, down 130 carloads, to 8,061. For the first 23 weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 5,215,944 carloads, up 3.2 percent from the same point last year, and 6,403,177 intermodal units, up 2.7 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 23 weeks of 2026 was 11,619,121 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 2.9 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending June 13, 2026, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 337,700 carloads, up 1.7 percent compared with the same week last year, and 379,536 intermodal units, up 9.3 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 717,236 carloads and intermodal units, up 5.6 percent. North American rail volume for the first 23 weeks of 2026 was 15,993,851 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.5 percent compared with 2025. Canadian railroads reported 93,827 carloads for the week, up 2.8 percent, and 75,465 intermodal units, up 1.1 percent compared with the same week in 2025. For the first 23 weeks of 2026, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 3,788,314 carloads, containers, and trailers, up 0.6 percent. Mexican railroads reported 12,914 carloads for the week, down 20.3 percent compared with the same week last year, and 14,624 intermodal units, up 27.3 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 23 weeks of 2026 was 586,416 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 8.2 percent from the same point last year.

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]]> State of Logistics Report® finds volatility is the new normal shaping Global Supply Chains requiring continuous adaptation https://www.mhwmag.com/nuts-bolts/state-of-logistics-report-finds-volatility-is-the-new-normal-shaping-global-supply-chains-requiring-continuous-adaptation/ MHW Staff]]> Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:42:44 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123384 A central theme of the 2026 State of Logistics Report is a new supply chain paradigm of persistent disruption that has emerged for shippers and logistics providers, and only the most successful are adapting to this challenging business environment. The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) released its findings today during a press briefing at the Empire State Building. The publication is authored annually by global consulting firm Kearney and presented by Penske Logistics, a leading supply chain solutions provider. The State of Logistics Report provides a snapshot of the American economy through the prism of the supply chain sector. Notable facts from this year’s report include: U.S. business logistics costs totaled $2.4 trillion, accounting for 7.8% of national GDP. In 2025, those numbers were $2.6 trillion and 8.7% of GDP. There are five structural forces that define the macro environment and show no signs of resolution: Asymmetrical global growth, tightening financial conditions due to persistent inflation and rising public debt, accelerating trade flow and geoeconomic realignment, labor market and productivity constraints, and energy price volatility. Artificial Intelligence has made the crossover from a technology to try to one that delivers measurable commercial returns in specific, well-defined applications. AI use in the supply chain creates value through four capabilities: interpreting, predicting, recommending, and executing. Adoption of AI remains uneven among shippers and logistics providers across the supply chain, with a large gap between companies that have integrated AI into core workflows and those still restricted to isolated point solutions, with many having none at all. Companies are responding to labor constraints by accelerating the use of automation and digital investments in AI. The State of Logistics Report provides some strategic implications that can be applied to the current environment, including: Design for resilience, not just efficiency; prioritizing asset productivity over footprint expansion; intelligence, and the competitive capabilities that accompany end-to-end visibility; accelerating digital and automation ROI; and reassessing capital structure and investment pacing. Korhan Acar, Kearney partner and lead author for the State of Logistics Report, stated: “This year’s report arrives at a moment when the forces reshaping global supply chains are no longer temporary disruptions, but enduring features of the operating environment. Rising costs driven by energy volatility, inflation, and geopolitical instability are placing pressure on margins and forcing leaders to rethink traditional operating models. At the same time, we’ve reached a genuine turning point in the autonomous era. AI, robotics, and autonomous trucking are moving rapidly from pilots to scaled deployment. Against this backdrop, profitable growth has become the defining priority. The companies that will lead are those combining resilience, intelligent logistics, and disciplined execution to protect margins and outperform in an increasingly volatile world.” Stacy Schlachter, senior vice president of sales, Penske Logistics, said: “The report captures the essence of how we are helping our customers meet the realities of rising cost pressures and ongoing supply chain turbulence with the technology and solutions they need to accelerate performance.” Mark Baxa, CSCMP president and CEO, concluded: “The supply chain of right now is incredibly complex and requires a series of constant adjustments. This year’s State of Logistics Report, expertly crafted by Kearney and presented by Penske Logistics, paints an accurate picture of the myriad dynamics of managing a logistics network constructed to navigate the current business and geopolitical landscape. Last year’s supply chain looks different than today’s supply chain. I surmise that next year’s logistics network will be hardly recognizable.” Download the 2026 State of Logistics Report® here.

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]]> GEODIS announced Management Board Appointment https://www.mhwmag.com/shifting-gears/geodis-announced-management-board-appointment/ WBM Staff]]> Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:04:07 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123378 GEODIS has announced the appointment of Eric Gerbi as Executive Vice President of GEODIS’ Global Freight Forwarding line of business. Eric Gerbi will also serve as a member of the Group’s Executive Board, which is chaired by Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS.  Eric Gerbi began his career in the banking sector at BNP Paribas before joining Deloitte in 2006 as a financial auditor. In 2008, he joined Saint-Gobain as a management controller.  He joined GEODIS in 2011 as Financial Controller for the Americas region. In 2014, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer for the Supply Chain Optimization (SCO) line of business. In 2018, in addition to his role as CFO, he expanded his responsibilities by becoming Deputy EVP of SCO. In this role, he oversaw human resources, IT, customer solutions, and key account management. In October 2021, he was appointed EVP of the SCO division at GEODIS. Since 2024, he has served as Chief Financial Officer of the Global Freight Forwarding line of business.  Eric Gerbi holds an engineering degree from École des Mines de Nancy and a specialized master’s degree in international finance from HEC business school. 

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]]> ILWU, Port of Long Beach Announce Cargo Gains for May https://www.mhwmag.com/nuts-bolts/ilwu-port-of-long-beach-announce-cargo-gains-for-may/ WBM Staff]]> Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:25:38 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123363 ILWU Local 13 President Mario “Moe” Medina joined Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba to announce the impressive cargo numbers for May. Thanks to ILWU members, the Port of Long Beach moved 842,030 twenty-foot equivalent units last month, up 31.7% from May 2025, making it our third-busiest May on record. Imports rose 40% to 418,851 TEUs, exports increased 32.9% to 109,168 TEUs and empty containers were up 21.8% to 314,012 TEUs. Year-to-date, the Port of Long Beach has moved 4,050,247 TEUs, up 0.2% compared to the first five months of 2025, putting us on pace with our busiest year on record. ILWU, Port of Long Beach Announce Cargo Gains for May

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]]> AAR reports Rail Traffic for the week ending June 06, 2026 https://www.mhwmag.com/nuts-bolts/aar-reports-rail-traffic-for-the-week-ending-june-06-2026/ MHW Staff]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:05:11 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123341 The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending June 6, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 521,804 carloads and intermodal units, up 7.8 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending June 6 were 228,076 carloads, up 1.0 percent compared with the same week in 2025, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 293,728 containers and trailers, up 13.6 percent compared to 2025. Six of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2025. They included metallic ores and metals, up 1,868 carloads, to 22,295; grain, up 1,847 carloads, to 21,867; and motor vehicles and parts, up 980 carloads, to 16,936. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2025 included coal, down 2,426 carloads, to 55,727; miscellaneous carloads, down 830 carloads, to 9,173; and chemicals, down 572 carloads, to 32,110. For the first 22 weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 4,984,985 carloads, up 3.3 percent from the same point last year, and 6,113,730 intermodal units, up 2.3 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 22 weeks of 2026 was 11,098,715 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 2.7 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending June 6, 2026, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 333,030 carloads, up 1.7 percent compared with the same week last year, and 380,156 intermodal units, up 11.0 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 713,186 carloads and intermodal units, up 6.4 percent. North American rail volume for the first 22 weeks of 2026 was 15,281,170 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.4 percent compared with 2025. Canadian railroads reported 92,154 carloads for the week, up 3.0 percent, and 72,906 intermodal units, down 3.2 percent compared with the same week in 2025. For the first 22 weeks of 2026, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 3,619,022 carloads, containers, and trailers, up 0.5 percent. Mexican railroads reported 12,800 carloads for the week, up 4.7 percent compared with the same week last year, and 13,522 intermodal units, up 54.0 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 22 weeks of 2026 was 563,433 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 9.5 percent from the same point last year.

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]]> May 2026 Logistics Manager’s Index Report® LMI® at 69.5 https://www.mhwmag.com/nuts-bolts/may-2026-logistics-managers-index-report-lmi-at-69-5/ WBM Staff]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:57:50 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123299 Growth is INCREASING AT AN INCREASING RATE for: Inventory Costs, Warehousing Capacity, and Transportation Prices Growth is INCREASING AT A DECREASING RATE for: Inventory Levels, Warehousing Utilization, Warehousing Prices, and Transportation Utilization Costs Transportation Capacity is CONTRACTING The May Logistics Manager’s Index reads in at 69.5, down (-0.4) from April’s reading of 69.9. While the rate of expansion is down from last month, this is still the second-fastest level of expansion since March 2022’s reading of 76.2. The slight slowdown in the rate of expansion can be traced to a few factors. The expansion rate of Inventory Levels has slowed (-1.5) to 54.8. The majority of that slowdown came in the second half of the month as Inventory Levels went from robust expansion at 60.5 in early May to almost no movement at 50.9 later in the month. As a result of this, we observe Warehousing Capacity moving (+5.0) back from contraction to mild expansion at 50.5. Despite the slowdown in inventory expansion and increase in storage capacity, costs remain elevated. Inventory Costs are up (+9.4) to 84.1, which is the highest reading for this metric since May of 2022. Warehousing Prices remain elevated as well, coming in at 70.7, which is above the threshold for what we would consider a significant rate of expansion. Transportation continues to move at a significant pace. Transportation Prices are up (+1.0) to 96.0, which is the fastest rate of expansion ever recorded for any metric in the nearly ten-year history of the index. Transportation Capacity continues to contract quickly at 31.7, and Transportation Utilization expansion remains elevated at 69.5. The transportation market has been tight, with prices growing at an unprecedented rate since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The spike in fuel has led to increases for all three of our price and cost metrics, with aggregate logistics costs reading in at 250.9, which is the highest reading since March of 2022. U.S. supply chains have largely continued operating despite the disruption of 20% of the globe’s oil exports. Upstream firms have pulled inventories forward to curtail future shortages and consolidate shipments, while Downstream firms have kept things leaner in an attempt to mitigate tariffs. Supply chains have been resilient despite these ongoing disruptions. However, in the past this level of elevate cost has eventually led to significant levels of supply-driven inflation. It will be important to continue monitoring these costs through the summer to observe if they begin to significantly impact both Upstream and Downstream demand. University, Colorado State University, Florida Atlantic University, Rutgers University, and the University of Nevada, Reno, and in conjunction with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) issued this report today. Results Overview The LMI score is a combination of eight unique components that make up the logistics industry, including: Inventory Levels and Costs, Warehousing Capacity, Utilization, and Prices, and Transportation Capacity, Utilization, and Prices. The LMI is calculated using a diffusion index, in which any reading above 50.0 indicates that logistics is expanding; a reading below 50.0 is indicative of a shrinking logistics industry. The latest results of the LMI summarize the responses of supply chain professionals collected in May 2026. The May LMI read in at 69.5, which is down (-0.5) from April’s reading of 69.9, which was the fastest rate of expansion since March of 2022. Even with the slight drop, this month’s reading is still well above the all-time average of 61.5. This robust rate of expansion is consistent across respondents, with no significant differences between Upstream and Downstream (65.8 and 63.8), early and late (65.4 and 64.7), or small and large respondents (66.3 and 63.4). The moves in the logistics industry reflect (and often precede) the movements in the overall economy. The economy continues to be in an interesting place this month as supply chains continue to adjust to disruptions caused by war, tariffs, and the resulting inflation. In the U.S., PCE was up 0.4% in April and 3.8% year-over-year. This was driven heavily by increased fuel costs, as spending on gasoline and other energy products was up 5.7% in April and a staggering 27.1% from a year ago[1]. The New York Times estimates that American consumers have collectively spent an additional $44.8 billion on gasoline since the start of the war in late February[2]. In the last week of May, Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook stated that she is prepared to raise interest rates if the current supply-driven inflation persists. She mentioned in remarks at Stanford University that the job market is currently stable, making it a less pressing matter than inflation and negating the need to decrease rates[3]. Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari agrees, stating that because the labor market is in “decent shape right now, while inflation is simply much too high,” he is focusing on the latter over the former[4]. Inflation is clearly on the mind of the bond market as well, as U.S. 30-year Treasury bonds hit 5.197% in late May, which is their highest level since July 2007 during the build-up to the Great Recession [5]. This phenomenon is not restricted to the U.S., as large economies across Europe and Asia are seeing significant jumps as well. This is particularly pronounced in the U.K., where bonds are at their highest rate since 1998, and in Japan, where the 4.13% 30-year bond yield is the highest in the country’s history[6]. The European Central Bank (ECB) stated it will do “what is necessary” to curtail inflation, leading markets to effectively price in an anticipated rate hike[7]. Given this combination of economic headwinds, United Nations economists predict that annual global GDP growth will be 2.5% for 2026, down from the 2.7% growth they predicted in January. At the same time, they predict that global inflation will be up 3.9%, up from January’s 3.1% prediction. Inflation is predicted to be significantly greater in developing countries (5.2%) than in their first-world counterparts (2.9%)[8]. The impact of inflation is impacting both business and consumer sentiment. The University of

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]]> Jim McDonald named General Manager of Northern Lines Railway https://www.mhwmag.com/shifting-gears/jim-mcdonald-named-general-manager-of-northern-lines-railway/ MHW Staff]]> Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:20:12 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123290 Anacostia Rail Holdings has announced the appointment of Jim McDonald as General Manager of Northern Lines Railway (NLR). McDonald assumes the role effective immediately, succeeding Quentin Schulte, who previously served as NLR President. “The appointment of Jim to the GM role reflects both the evolving needs of NLR and our confidence in his ability to meet them,” said Mike Naatz, Chief Operating Officer, Anacostia Rail Holdings. “His leadership will be instrumental in driving the railroad’s continued growth and long-term success.” McDonald joined Anacostia in March 2024 as Trainmaster for the Louisville & Indiana Railroad. He began his railroad career in 2011 with The Indiana Rail Road Company, where he advanced through roles including Trainmaster for the Senate Avenue Terminal in Indianapolis and Manager of Train Operations. “I am excited to take on this new challenge and look forward to building on the strong foundation NLR has established,” said McDonald. “My focus will be on growing the business while maintaining our commitment to safe, efficient, and reliable operations.” McDonald also brings a spirit of community service to his work, having served as a board member of Brown County Water Utility, Inc. for the past 30 years. The non-profit, member-owned regional utility serves south-central Indiana with a mission to improve the quality of life in rural communities by delivering high-quality water at a reasonable cost. McDonald holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Business, Management, and Marketing from Franklin College and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business Administration and Management from Union Commonwealth University.

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]]> NY/NJ Foreign Freight Forwarders & Brokers Association announces Jeanette Gioia as Recipient of the 2026 Captain of Industry Award https://www.mhwmag.com/shifting-gears/ny-nj-foreign-freight-forwarders-brokers-association-announces-jeanette-gioia-as-recipient-of-the-2026-captain-of-industry-award/ MHW Staff]]> Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:06:19 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123286 The NY/NJ Foreign Freight Forwarders & Brokers Association, Inc. (NYNJFFF&BA) has announced that Jeanette Gioia, President of Serra International, Inc., has been selected as the recipient of the Association’s prestigious 2026 Captain of Industry Award, recognizing her outstanding leadership and contributions to the freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and international transportation industry. Ms. Gioia will be honored on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, during the Association’s annual Dinner Cruise co-hosted with the Traffic Club of New York As President of Serra International, Inc., a family-owned freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and third-party logistics company founded in 1919, Ms. Gioia has dedicated more than four decades to advancing international trade and transportation. Throughout her career, she has earned a reputation as a respected industry advocate, combining operational expertise with a deep understanding of the economic and policy issues affecting global supply chains. Her commitment to the industry is reflected in her extensive service to NYNJFFF&BA, where she served as President from 2021 through 2025 and previously as Vice President of Exports/Transportation from 2007 through 2021. During a period marked by unprecedented supply chain disruptions and significant regulatory and operational change, she helped guide the Association and its members while promoting constructive engagement between industry stakeholders and government agencies. “Jeanette Gioia represents the very best of our industry,” said Al Raffa, association president. “Her leadership, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to the freight forwarding and customs brokerage community have made a lasting impact on our Association, our port, and the broader international trade community. She has consistently worked to ensure that the voices of transportation professionals are heard, and we are honored to recognize her as the recipient of the 2026 Captain of Industry Award.” Beyond her leadership within the Association, Ms. Gioia represents NYNJFFF&BA on the Council on Port Performance under the leadership of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and The Shipping Association of New York and New Jersey. She has also been an active participant in the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), serving on its Transportation Committee and NVOCC Sub-Committee. Her advocacy and expertise have helped shape discussions on transportation policy, port performance, and supply chain efficiency at both the regional and national levels. Guests attending the Captain of Industry Award Dinner Cruise aboard the Cornucopia Destiny will enjoy a memorable evening celebrating industry excellence while taking in the views of New York Harbor. The cruise departs from Liberty Harbor Marina, 11 Marin Boulevard, Jersey City, New Jersey, with boarding beginning promptly at 6:00 p.m. and return scheduled between 9:30 and 10:00 p.m. The evening includes an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, music, dancing, and ample opportunities for networking with colleagues and industry leaders. Business casual attire is requested. Tickets are $225 per person, and sponsorships are available. Visit the association’s website for  Online reservations or call for additional information (732) 741-1936.

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]]> AAR reports Rail Traffic for the week ending May 30, 2026 https://www.mhwmag.com/nuts-bolts/aar-reports-rail-traffic-for-the-week-ending-may-30-2026/ MHW Staff]]> Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:06:18 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123274 The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending May 30, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 492,795 carloads and intermodal units, up 7.2 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending May 30 were 228,346 carloads, up 4.0 percent compared with the same week in 2025, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 264,449 containers and trailers, up 10.0 percent compared to 2025. Seven of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2025. They included grain, up 6,696 carloads, to 26,529; metallic ores and metals, up 3,971 carloads, to 24,329; and miscellaneous carloads, up 1,572 carloads, to 9,343. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2025 were coal, down 5,394 carloads to 54,722; nonmetallic minerals, down 737 carloads to 29,826; and petroleum and petroleum products, down 365 carloads to 10,256. For the first 21 weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 4,756,909 carloads, up 3.4 percent from the same point last year, and 5,820,002 intermodal units, up 1.8 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 21 weeks of 2026 was 10,576,911 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 2.5 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending May 30, 2026, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 336,920 carloads, up 2.7 percent compared with the same week last year, and 353,702 intermodal units, up 7.2 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 690,622 carloads and intermodal units, up 4.9 percent. North American rail volume for the first 21 weeks of 2026 was 14,567,984 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.3 percent compared with 2025. Canadian railroads reported 94,408 carloads for the week, up 3.5 percent, and 74,786 intermodal units, down 3.8 percent compared with the same week in 2025. For the first 21 weeks of 2026, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 3,453,962 carloads, containers, and trailers, up 0.6 percent. Mexican railroads reported 14,166 carloads for the week, down 18.4 percent compared with the same week last year, and 14,467 intermodal units, up 20.5 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 21 weeks of 2026 was 537,111 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 8.9 percent from the same point last year.

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]]> GEODIS announces strategic leadership appointments to drive growth in the Americas https://www.mhwmag.com/shifting-gears/geodis-announces-strategic-leadership-appointments-to-drive-growth-in-the-americas/ WBM Staff]]> Thu, 28 May 2026 16:36:38 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123230 GEODIS has announced a series of executive leadership appointments and the formation of a new client experience organization within its Americas region. These strategic investments in talent and our clients are designed to enhance the tailored solutions provided by GEODIS’ core business units: Contract Logistics, Transportation and Freight Forwarding. By adding more dedicated expertise in areas such as sustainability and refocusing our efforts on continuous improvement and technology, GEODIS aims to accelerate growth and simplify the supply chain for its customers across the Americas.   “We are making deliberate, structural investments in how we serve our customers and how we grow,” said Laura Ritchey, President and CEO of GEODIS in Americas. “Creating a dedicated Client Experience organization, combined with bringing in exceptional leaders, sends a clear message: we are a business  that is close to its customers,  agile and proactive.”  Executive Leadership Appointments  Quadiru (Quad) Kent joins GEODIS in Americas as Chief Human Resources Officer. Kent most recently served as Vice President of Global People Support at American Airlines, where he managed HR strategy to enhance the teammate experience for more than 130,000 team members. With additional HR and leadership experience at Walmart and Tenet Healthcare, and his legal background, Kent brings a unique perspective and experience to grow talents and culture across the region.  Ganesh Nayakwadi has been appointed Chief Financial Officer. Nayakwadi brings extensive financial leadership experience, most recently serving as CFO of Amrize Building Envelope. His background includes nearly four years as CFO of Holcim Building Envelope, where he managed a ~$4B business, and a six-year tenure at Bridgestone Americas. Throughout his career, he has played a central role in managing multi-billion dollar business segments and leading major acquisitions and divestitures.   Rob Greene joins as Executive Vice President of Transportation. With over 25 years of industry experience, Greene most recently served as President and EVP for North America at DSV. From freight forwarder to regional president, Greene’s career spans every level of the industry. He brings deep operational insight to GEODIS along with a proven track record of driving significant revenue growth and maintaining high levels of customer retention through organizational integrations.   Hector Garcia joins as Vice President of Sustainability, bringing more than 20 years of experience in Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability (EHS&S). Most recently serving as North American Director of EHS and Sustainability at Del Monte Foods, Garcia has led complex ESG initiatives across the manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors. Balancing strategy and technical execution, he holds an MBA, a Master of Science in Management and a degree in Chemical Engineering.  New Client Experience Organization  As GEODIS in Americas continues to streamline its approach to the client experience, the company is combining various client touch points into one organization reporting directly to the CEO.  GEODIS has unified account management, data and analytics, digital twins and continuous improvement under a single leadership. This organization is designed to simplify customer journeys and drive proactive, innovative solutions to supply chain evolution and challenges.  Nura Kruciak has been promoted to lead this organization as Head of Client Experience, reporting directly to Ritchey. Kruciak is a proven leader within GEODIS in Americas with deep operational and commercial expertise, having already delivered strong results in previous operational and strategic functions at the company.  

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]]> AAR reports Rail Traffic for the week ending May 23, 2026 https://www.mhwmag.com/nuts-bolts/aar-reports-rail-traffic-for-the-week-ending-may-23-2026/ MHW Staff]]> Wed, 27 May 2026 16:21:32 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123218 The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending May 23, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 523,574 carloads and intermodal units, up 7.2 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending May 23 were 230,831 carloads, up 2.2 percent compared with the same week in 2025, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 292,743 containers and trailers, up 11.5 percent compared to 2025. Six of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2025. They included grain, up 3,064 carloads, to 23,151; metallic ores and metals, up 1,933 carloads, to 23,420; and motor vehicles and parts, up 382 carloads, to 16,866. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2025 included coal, down 733 carloads, to 55,526; miscellaneous carloads, down 281 carloads, to 10,245; and forest products, down 64 carloads, to 8,275. For the first 20 weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 4,528,563 carloads, up 3.3 percent from the same point last year, and 5,555,553 intermodal units, up 1.4 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 20 weeks of 2026 was 10,084,116 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 2.3 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending May 23, 2026, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 340,946 carloads, up 3.8 percent compared with the same week last year, and 381,548 intermodal units, up 10.3 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 722,494 carloads and intermodal units, up 7.2 percent. North American rail volume for the first 20 weeks of 2026 was 13,877,362 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.1 percent compared with 2025. Canadian railroads reported 95,467 carloads for the week, up 9.2 percent, and 73,496 intermodal units, up 1.2 percent compared with the same week in 2025. For the first 20 weeks of 2026, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 3,284,768 carloads, containers, and trailers, up 0.6 percent. Mexican railroads reported 14,648 carloads for the week, down 4.2 percent compared with the same week last year, and 15,309 intermodal units, up 45.3 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 20 weeks of 2026 was 508,478 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 9.6 percent from the same point last year.

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]]> Garcia named Port of Long Beach Human Resources Director https://www.mhwmag.com/shifting-gears/garcia-named-port-of-long-beach-human-resources-director/ MHW Staff]]> Fri, 22 May 2026 20:24:14 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123181 The Port of Long Beach has named Ramon Garcia to lead the Harbor Department’s Human Resources Division. The Human Resources Division, part of the Port’s newly created Organizational Effectiveness Bureau, administers employment for the Harbor Department, serving a diverse, skilled workforce of 600 employees. Garcia brings more than a decade of experience in human resources. Before joining the Port in July 2024 as the Assistant Director of Human Resources, Garcia worked for the City of Long Beach Department of Human Resources, where he oversaw Equal Employment Opportunity operations, workplace investigations, ADA-related matters, harassment prevention efforts, and compliance with federal and state requirements. Prior to his public sector career, Garcia worked in the private sector supporting training and leadership development initiatives, including management training, onboarding, workforce readiness, and employee development programs. In the Port’s assistant director role, Garcia provided strategic and operational leadership for talent acquisition, employee relations, and employee experience and development, oversaw 17 HR professionals, and supported day-to-day operations across a 32-member division. He also managed a $9.3 million operating budget, established division priorities, and worked closely with leadership to strengthen workforce planning, improve service delivery, and advance organizational effectiveness. Garcia succeeds Khristina Jason, who was promoted in March to lead the Port’s Organizational Effectiveness Bureau, overseeing the Port’s human capital strategies and providing services for about 600 employees in the City of Long Beach Harbor Department. Garcia earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from California State University, Los Angeles, and certifications with the Association of Workplace Investigators, the Public Sector Human Resources Association, and the International Association of Maritime and Port Executives. He is bilingual in English and Spanish. Garcia’s appointment was effective May 16.

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]]> AAR statement on House T&I Surface Transportation Markup https://www.mhwmag.com/nuts-bolts/aar-statement-on-house-ti-surface-transportation-markup/ MHW Staff]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 21:28:39 +0000 https://www.mhwmag.com/?p=123180 The Association of American Railroads (AAR) released the following statement from President and CEO Ian Jefferies after the Build America 250 Act cleared the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “Freight railroads have been clear from the beginning of the surface transportation reauthorization process: rail policy provisions should be targeted, justified by data, and tied to clearly demonstrated operational or safety needs. Unfortunately, some provisions advanced today fail that test. Rather than focusing narrowly on evidence-based reforms connected to the actual causes of incidents like East Palestine, the package includes a wide range of extraneous mandates under the veil of safety that will only increase costs throughout the freight network and broader supply chain with no proven safety benefit – ultimately harming rail customers, manufacturers, energy producers, farmers, and American consumers already facing significant affordability pressures. That’s precisely why so many rail customer groups expressed concern about these very provisions. This approach is particularly misguided given that 2025 marked the safest year in freight rail industry history across several key safety measures, including historic lows in derailments, equipment-caused accidents, track-caused accidents, and employee injury rates. These gains were achieved through sustained private investment, technological innovation, and data-driven safety practices – not static federal mandates. The Railway Safety Act, as written, violates the President’s pledge to lower costs, and is an unfortunate example that politics and special-interest pressure can sometimes usurp sound, data-driven policymaking during today’s proceedings. Today’s markup is the first step in what will be a long legislative process, and freight railroads will continue working constructively with lawmakers to support policies that strengthen safety, promote innovation, and preserve an efficient and competitive freight transportation system. At a time when Congress is simultaneously greenlighting autonomous transportation technologies in other sectors, efforts to include rail policies that lock yesterday’s operating models into federal law are nothing more than hypocrisy.”

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