Transportation & Hauling Equipment Archives - Material Handling Wholesaler

Felling Trailers, Inc. names the 2026 Trailer for a Cause beneficiary

Fri, 08 May 2026 18:35:42 +0000

Felling Trailers, Inc. has announced that Henry’s Heroes is the 2026 beneficiary of the 14th annual Trailer for a Cause auction. This time-honored tradition involves auctioning a custom Felling FT-12 Pan drop deck trailer online, with 100% of the winning bid donated to the selected nonprofit organization. In the past 14 years, the Trailer for a Cause auction has raised over $57,000 for nonprofits such as the American Brain Tumor Association, Special Olympics, Pockets of Hope, and Backing the Blue. The goal is to raise awareness for organizations making a difference and support their vital work. The 2026 Trailer for a Cause auction beneficiary, Henry’s Heroes, was selected by Felling Trailers’ employees in a vote. Team members cast their votes for the organization of their choice in early spring this year. When the last of the votes were tallied, Henry’s Heroes held the popular vote. “This is incredible news, and thank you so much! On behalf of all of us at Henry’s Heroes, we are truly honored to have been selected as the 2026 Trailer for a Cause® beneficiary. We are excited to partner with you on this project and can’t wait to see the FT-12 Pan utility trailer come to life, representing Henry’s Heroes,” stated the Henry’s Heroes Team. “When our team cast their votes, and Henry’s Heroes rose to the top, I wasn’t surprised. As a mother, I was moved. Some of them know firsthand how a NICU journey can turn a family’s world upside down and how unexpected contributions make an impact. The work that the Henry’s Heroes team does to ensure no family in our region has to walk that path alone is exactly the kind of cause our Trailer for a Cause tradition was built to support. We are proud to put Felling Trailers’ craftsmanship behind an organization doing such meaningful work for families right here in our own backyard,” said Brenda Jennissen, president of Felling Trailers, Inc. Henry’s Heroes is a Central Minnesota-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families navigating the emotional and financial challenges of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) journey. The Henry’s Heroes team provides various forms of assistance to the NICU families they serve, including direct financial donations to help offset the real-world costs of a NICU stay, thoughtfully curated care packages to bring comfort and encouragement during long hospital stays, and community outreach to connect families with resources and a network of people who understand the road they are traveling. Felling Trailers is proud to support an organization that gives so holistically and generously to families in Central Minnesota. A mid-Fall 2026 auction is being planned for the Trailer for a Cause. Leading up to the auction, Felling Trailers will collaborate with Henry’s Heroes to raise awareness about the work they do and the families and community members they serve throughout Central Minnesota and beyond.

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April 2026 Logistics Manager’s Index Report® LMI® at 69.9

Thu, 07 May 2026 14:58:48 +0000

Growth is INCREASING AT AN INCREASING RATE for: Inventory Levels, Warehousing Utilization, Warehousing Prices, Transportation Utilization, and Transportation Prices Growth is INCREASING AT A DECREASING RATE for: Inventory Costs Warehousing Capacity and Transportation Capacity are CONTRACTING The March Logistics Manager’s Index reads in at 69.9, up (+4.2) from March’s reading of 65.7. This is the fastest level of expansion since March 2022’s reading of 76.2, as logistics movements are now knocking on the door of 70.0 and significant expansion. This is driven by continued expansion in the freight market. Transportation Prices continue on their sharp upward trajectory (+5.6) in April to 95.0. This is the second-fastest rate of expansion for this, or any, metric that we have recorded in our 9.5-year history of the LMI. Mirroring this movement, the April 2026 reading also features the second-lowest reading ever for Transportation Capacity, which is down (-10.9) to 28.4. The 66.6-point spread between Transportation Prices and Transportation Capacity is the largest delta we have ever read. Taken together, this means that we have never before tracked the transportation metric getting simultaneously tighter or more expensive. Freight markets were already on a strong upward trajectory coming into 2026; the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent increase in fuel costs have supercharged these movements. While this is good news for carriers in the near-term, it remains unclear what the long-term effects will be. Inventory Costs (74.7) and Warehousing Prices (72.2) both came in above 70.0, which we consider the threshold for “significant” expansion. Aggregating these three costs together, we see that upward movements in logistics costs are in at 242.4. This is the fastest rate of expansion since March of 2022 and represents a 46.8-point increase from the much milder reading of 195.7 from December. Previous readings above 240.0 for aggregate logistics costs have been strongly significantly predictive of future supply-induced inflation. in at. Freight markets have been resilient thus far, partly because low inventories have meant that firms need to keep goods moving. Interestingly, we saw Inventory level expansion increase (+7.3) from 52.4 to 59.8 over the course of April, corroborating other reporting that inventories have begun increasing as firms consolidate shipments to avoid transportation surcharges [1]. Researchers at Arizona State 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 April 2026. The April LMI read in at 69.9, which is up (+4.2) from March’s reading of 65.7. This is well above the all-time average of 61.4 and is the fastest rate of expansion since March of 2022. This robust rate of expansion is consistent across respondents, with no significant differences between Upstream and Downstream (66.1 and 62.3) and early and late (64.0 and 65.7). There was however a marginally statically significant difference between smaller (66.7) and larger (62.5) respondents – which is largely driven by tighter available Warehousing Capacity and faster expansion in Inventory Levels and Transportation Utilization for smaller respondents. 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 in April, growth is continuing in spite of – or in some cases due to – increasing prices. For instance, U.S. retail sales were up 1.7% in March. However, this increase was fueled by increased fuel costs, if gasoline is removed from this calculation the reading drops to 0.6% [2]. The average retail gasoline price in the U.S. was $3.95 per gallon in the U.S. (and over $5.00 on the West Coast). The national average is up 41.2% from the final reading before the war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. It is a similar story for diesel which, despite being down 19-cents from two weeks ago, is up 40% from pre-war readings[3]. Relatedly, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index was up by 0.7 month-over-months and up 3.5% year-over-year in March, which are the largest increases since May of 2023 – which was the tail-end of the inflation caused by the invasion of Ukraine. Core inflation is up 0.3% month-over month and 3.2% year-over-year. Core inflation excludes food and energy prices, so the impacts of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz will take longer to show up there. Analysts believe that inflation was the primary driver behind the 0.9% increase in consumer spending last month [4]. This echoes the 3.3% year-over-year increase in the CPI that was reported earlier in April [5]. Increased costs are clearly weighing heavily on consumers. The University of Michigan Survey of Consumers was down (-3.5) to 49.8 and contraction in April. This is the lowest reading in the history of that index, surpassing the previous nadir of 50.0 in June 2022, which was the peak of post-Ukraine invasion inflation Respondents reported slower (-5.9) expansion in Current Economic Conditions at 52.5, and contraction (-7.0) in Consumer Expectations at 48.1 [6]. Inflation is clearly on the mind of the Federal Reserve as well. In the final Fed meeting under Chairman Powell, the board announced its play to keep interest rates steady for the third consecutive time. They did however state that “additional” reductions may be on the horizon, leading analysts to believe they will have a bias towards easing monetary policy in the near future. This raised some disagreement among Fed Presidents, with three dissenting. Interestingly, the dissent was a response to easing policy, as some members did not believe such a move is necessary while employment remained

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YMX Logistics Receives 2026 ACT Expo Fleet Award for Leadership in Electric Yard Operations

Thu, 07 May 2026 12:54:19 +0000

Recognition highlights YMX’s rapid expansion of electric yard truck operations across the U.S. and tech-enabled approach to sustainable yard logistics YMX Logistics has announced that the company has received the 2026 ACT Expo Fleet Award in the Off-Road Fleet category. The award recognizes organizations advancing sustainable transportation through real-world operational deployment and measurable execution at scale. Former award winners include Amazon, Anheuser-Busch, Pepsico, Unilever, UPS, and other industry leaders. YMX was recognized for rapidly expanding electric yard truck operations across large-scale distribution and manufacturing environments throughout North America. The company has significantly increased its electric yard truck deployments over the past year, with operations active across California, Indiana, Illinois, Georgia, Texas, and Maryland. Since launching its electrification initiatives in 2024, YMX has focused on integrating electric terminal tractors into full production environments rather than isolated pilot programs. The vehicles are deployed in high-throughput yard operations that support continuous trailer movement, demanding duty cycles, and around-the-clock execution requirements. As electric yard truck adoption accelerates across the logistics industry, YMX believes the market is entering a new phase where operational execution is becoming more important than the underlying vehicle itself. While many organizations now have access to similar OEM platforms and vehicle technologies, operational outcomes increasingly depend on how electric assets are integrated into daily workflows. In less structured yard environments, electric assets are often underutilized or constrained by reactive workflows, inconsistent move planning, and poorly coordinated charging schedules. These operational gaps can limit throughput improvements and reduce the expected cost and emissions benefits of electrification programs. YMX’s approach addresses this challenge through its Yard Operating System (YOS), an operational framework that aligns labor planning, yard execution, equipment utilization, and technology into a standardized execution model. The system is designed to improve throughput consistency, reduce idle time, optimize asset utilization, and support more predictable operational and sustainability outcomes across enterprise networks. “Electrification alone does not guarantee operational improvement,” said Matt Yearling. “As electric yard trucks become more common across the market, the real differentiator is how those assets are deployed and managed inside the operation. The organizations seeing the best results are the ones building disciplined execution models that align labor, workflows, charging strategy, and operational visibility into one coordinated system.” Yearling added, “The future of sustainable yard operations will be defined less by the equipment itself and more by the operating model surrounding it. That’s where the biggest long-term gains in utilization, efficiency, and emissions reduction will come from.” The 2026 ACT Expo Fleet Award winners reflect a broader shift occurring across transportation and logistics, where sustainable fleet management is increasingly tied to operational discipline, infrastructure readiness, and measurable execution outcomes rather than standalone technology deployments.

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U.S. rail traffic report for the week ending May 02, 2026

Thu, 07 May 2026 12:32:24 +0000

The Association of American Railroads has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending May 2, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 518,773 carloads and intermodal units, up 3.9 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending May 2 were 235,049 carloads, up 4.0 percent compared with the same week in 2025, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 283,724 containers and trailers, up 3.9 percent compared to 2025. Nine of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2025. They included metallic ores and metals, up 3,950 carloads, to 23,164; grain, up 3,734 carloads, to 24,973; and nonmetallic minerals, up 1,602 carloads, to 32,530. One commodity group posted a decrease compared with the same week in 2025: coal, down 4,358 carloads, to 54,607. For the first 17 weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 3,837,643 carloads, up 3.6 percent from the same point last year; and 4,697,928 intermodal units, up 0.4 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 17 weeks of 2026 was 8,535,571 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 1.8 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending May 2, 2026, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 345,137 carloads, up 3.9 percent compared with the same week last year, and 372,439 intermodal units, up 3.0 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 717,576 carloads and intermodal units, up 3.4 percent. North American rail volume for the first 17 weeks of 2026 was 11,761,179 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.0 percent compared with 2025. Canadian railroads reported 97,096 carloads for the week, up 2.9 percent, and 76,692 intermodal units, down 2.1 percent compared with the same week in 2025. For the first 17 weeks of 2026, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 2,773,152 carloads, containers and trailers, up 0.4 percent. Mexican railroads reported 12,992 carloads for the week, up 8.9 percent compared with the same week last year, and 12,023 intermodal units, up 18.1 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 17 weeks of 2026 was 452,456 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 16.5 percent from the same point last year.

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U.S. Rail Traffic report for the week ending April 25, 2026

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:53:19 +0000

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending April 25, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 511,616 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.9 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending April 25 were 229,828 carloads, down 1.5 percent compared with the same week in 2025, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 281,788 containers and trailers, up 4.9 percent compared to 2025. Five of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2025. They included motor vehicles and parts, up 1,050 carloads, to 16,675; metallic ores and metals, up 935 carloads, to 21,223; and farm products excl. grain, and food, up 854 carloads, to 17,649. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2025 included coal, down 4,642 carloads, to 55,082; chemicals, down 1,080 carloads, to 34,093; and miscellaneous carloads, down 916 carloads, to 8,900. For the first 16 weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 3,602,594 carloads, up 3.5 percent from the same point last year; and 4,414,204 intermodal units, up 0.2 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 16 weeks of 2026 was 8,016,798 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 1.7 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending April 25, 2026, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 338,280 carloads, down 0.8 percent compared with the same week last year, and 369,176 intermodal units, up 2.6 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 707,456 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.0 percent. North American rail volume for the first 16 weeks of 2026 was 11,043,603 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.9 percent compared with 2025. Canadian railroads reported 94,289 carloads for the week, up 0.1 percent, and 72,740 intermodal units, down 9.4 percent compared with the same week in 2025. For the first 16 weeks of 2026, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 2,599,364 carloads, containers and trailers, up 0.4 percent. Mexican railroads reported 14,163 carloads for the week, up 6.4 percent compared with the same week last year, and 14,648 intermodal units, up 37.0 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 16 weeks of 2026 was 427,441 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 16.6 percent from the same point last year.

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Aurélie Doucette Named 2026 Distinguished Woman in Logistics

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:48:06 +0000

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT), Truck Parking Club and Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) has announced Aurélie Doucette, vice president of dedicated contract carriage operations at Penske Logistics, has been named the 2026 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award (DWLA) recipient. Doucette was selected for her contributions to operational excellence and her commitment to mentoring and advancing women in the industry. Finalists for the award included Eileen Dabrowski, founder and CEO, Apex Tide Consulting and Erin Mitchell, chief operating officer, YMX Logistics. “With more than two decades of experience, Aurélie exemplifies the leadership and dedication this award was created to recognize,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, president and CEO of WIT. “Her commitment to developing people, improving operations and advancing opportunities for women makes her an outstanding ambassador for the industry.” Doucette began her career with Transfreight and continued her leadership growth following its acquisition by Penske Logistics. In her current role, she works closely with her team to accelerate supply chain performance for customers spanning several industry verticals. She places great value on the mentorship she provides and the customer relationships she nurtures in this role. In addition to her operational leadership, Doucette serves as executive champion of Penske Logistics’ Women’s Business Resource Group, where she supports mentorship, professional development and inclusion initiatives. She is also a two-time recipient of the company’s President’s Award. “TIA is proud to support recognition of leaders who strengthen and innovate the logistics industry. Aurélie embodies what this award stands for from her operational excellence, a mentor’s mindset, and a clear commitment to opening doors for women across the supply chain. She is a deserving recipient and a powerful example for the entire 3PL community. We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition and thank our partners at WIT and Truck Parking Club for helping elevate the voices shaping the future of freight,” said Chris Burroughs, President & CEO of TIA. “Truck Parking Club proudly partners with and recognizes Women in Trucking for its unwavering commitment to advancing and empowering women across the logistics marketplace, exemplified through the Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award,” said Brent Hutto, chief relationship officer at Truck Parking Club. The award was presented during the TIA Capital Ideas Conference and Exhibition. The Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award highlights the growing influence of women in transportation and logistics and recognizes leaders whose impact extends across their organizations and the broader supply chain.

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Larios named Port’s Construction Management Director

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:43:53 +0000

Led construction of the $1.5 billion Middle Harbor Terminal Redevelopment Program The Port of Long Beach has named longtime Port engineer Cesar Larios to lead the Harbor Department’s Construction Management Division. The Construction Management Division, part of the Port’s Engineering Services Bureau, oversees the construction phase of projects from start to finish. Larios joined the Port in August 2006 as a Construction Manager and worked his way up to serve as Deputy Chief Harbor Engineer in 2012 and Manager of Engineering in 2021. For a decade of his career at the Port, Larios led the construction phase of the $1.5 billion Middle Harbor Terminal Redevelopment Program – now known as the Long Beach Container Terminal – and was responsible for managing and overseeing more than $900 million in construction contracts and over $100 million in construction management services contracts. Prior to joining the Port, Larios held various roles for eight years with Traylor Bros. Inc., working on projects in Washington, Arizona, and Southern California. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Southern California and an MBA from California State University, Long Beach. He is a board-certified professional engineer in California and a certified construction manager with the Construction Management Association of America. The appointment of Larios was effective April 4.

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FarEye launches PILOT: The first fully integrated agentic AI dispatcher purpose-built for last-mile logistics

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 20:32:39 +0000

PILOT orchestrates 11 specialized AI agents across route planning, driver management, delivery recovery, and invoice reconciliation FarEye, the global last-mile delivery technology company, has launched PILOT, an agentic AI dispatcher designed to autonomously manage end-to-end logistics dispatch workflows with human-in-the-loop governance. Built for enterprise logistics operations, PILOT coordinates 11 specialized AI agents across planning, execution, and control. The platform helps teams plan routes, manage driver rosters, validate delivery data, recover failed deliveries, audit proof of delivery, and reconcile invoices. Logistics dispatchers today often spend hours managing fragmented systems, manual exceptions, and reactive decisions. PILOT is designed to reduce this operational load by automating routine decisions while keeping dispatchers in control of high-risk exceptions. Across enterprise deployments, its AI-led capabilities have delivered a 95% reduction in dispatcher hours, 3–5x fewer dispatchers needed per hub, 17.5% lower cost per delivery, and 90%+ first-attempt delivery rates. “The dispatcher is the most underserved role in logistics, burdened by spreadsheets while carrying the entire operation,” said Gaurav Srivastava, Co-Founder & CPTO, FarEye. “PILOT is the AI co-pilot they deserve and the financial edge organizations need. While traditional firms pay a legacy tax of manual routing and high headcount, PILOT-enabled businesses can reduce cost-per-delivery and significantly improve dispatcher productivity.” The numbers drawn from deployments across global enterprises, including Bluedart, Maersk, and Tractor Supply Chain (TSC), speak for themselves: 95% reduction in dispatcher hours 3–5x fewer dispatchers needed per hub 17.5% lower cost per delivery 90%+ first-attempt delivery rate FarEye’s AI-led logistics capabilities are already being used across large-scale enterprise operations, including Blue Dart, Maersk Ground Freight, and Tractor Supply Company. “As FarEye marks 13 years of innovation, this milestone reflects the growing role of intelligent technology in the future of logistics,” said Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart. “Our partnership has helped advance capabilities such as real-time Chain of Custody, AI-led POD audits, and Smart Sorting, enabling greater precision, visibility, and control across the network.” For Maersk Ground Freight, the shift is centered on asset utilization and network intelligence. “By partnering with FarEye’s AI agents, we gain the operational intelligence needed to convert our asset capacity into a true competitive advantage,” said Sanjith Sebastian, Regional Head of Business Analytics, Network Design & Planning, Maersk Ground Freight. “It marks the shift from simply moving freight to intelligently orchestrating a high-performance, data-driven network.” At Tractor Supply Company, FarEye’s AI agents are helping orchestrate owned and third-party fleet networks in real time. “As we scale to over 2,400 stores, our supply chain must do more than just move goods – it must think and adapt in real time,” said Brannon McGrotha, Director, Final Mile Delivery, Tractor Supply Company. “By leveraging FarEye’s AI agents, we can seamlessly orchestrate between our own fleet and third-party networks, maximize asset utilization, and lower fulfillment costs while expanding our final-mile reach.” PILOT is built as an MCP-first, bolt-on solution that integrates with existing TMS, OMS, and WMS stacks without requiring enterprises to rip and replace current systems. FarEye is offering a four-week proof-of-value on a single hub, giving enterprises a clear view of ROI before wider deployment. FarEye PILOT is available now for enterprise deployments globally.

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U.S. Rail Traffic report for the week ending April 18, 2026

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:16:56 +0000

The Association of American Railroads has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending April 18, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 508,303 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.5 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending April 18 were 230,749 carloads, up 3.0 percent compared with the same week in 2025, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 277,554 containers and trailers, up 2.2 percent compared to 2025. Eight of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2025. They included grain, up 4,677 carloads, to 25,079; petroleum and petroleum products, up 1,498 carloads, to 11,158; and nonmetallic minerals, up 1,368 carloads, to 32,168. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2025 were coal, down 2,669 carloads, to 54,601; and miscellaneous carloads, down 1,019 carloads, to 9,035. For the first 15 weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 3,372,766 carloads, up 3.9 percent from the same point last year; and 4,132,416 intermodal units, down 0.1 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 15 weeks of 2026 was 7,505,182 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 1.6 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending April 18, 2026, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 339,795 carloads, up 4.7 percent compared with the same week last year, and 364,495 intermodal units, up 2.9 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 704,290 carloads and intermodal units, up 3.8 percent. North American rail volume for the first 15 weeks of 2026 was 10,336,147 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.9 percent compared with 2025. Canadian railroads reported 95,736 carloads for the week, up 4.7 percent, and 72,297 intermodal units, down 2.1 percent compared with the same week in 2025. For the first 15 weeks of 2026, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 2,432,335 carloads, containers and trailers, up 0.8 percent. Mexican railroads reported 13,310 carloads for the week, up 47.3 percent compared with the same week last year, and 14,644 intermodal units, up 68.9 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 15 weeks of 2026 was 398,630 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 16.4 percent from the same point last year.

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Singapore, Long Beach and Los Angeles Ports Renew Green and Digital Shipping Corridor Agreement

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0000

Photo caption: A delegation from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) visited the Bob Foster Civic Chambers at the Long Beach Civic Center on March 20 to sign a three-year extension of the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor partnership between the Port of Singapore, the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles. In the foreground, from left: Chin Yi Zhuan, Deputy Chief Executive, MPA; Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba and Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. On the screen is MPA CEO Ang Wee Keong. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles, with the support of C40 Cities, have renewed their memorandum of understanding on the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor for another three years. First signed in 2023, the renewal reinforces the ports’ commitment to decarbonization and digitalization along the trans-Pacific route, one of the world’s busiest container trade lanes. It also supports efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience and energy security. Since the corridor’s launch, several milestones have been achieved. These include the completion of a baseline study in 2024, onboarding of industry partners to explore potential pilot trials, and establishment of workstreams to advance pilot initiatives in alternative fuels, digitalization and energy efficiency. These initiatives support the development of more diversified and resilient energy pathways for international shipping. All three ports have also advanced their alternative fuels bunkering capabilities. MPA completed methanol bunkering trials in 2023 and subsequently awarded three methanol bunkering supply licences. The Long Beach and Los Angeles ports have commissioned a Clean Fuels Study and are preparing for a methanol pilot in 2026. These developments prepare the three ports for green fuel trials in the next phase of their partnership. The partners have also conducted port-to-port data exchange testing and started pilot collaborations with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. Under the renewed memorandum, the partners will continue working with industry to deploy low- and zero-emission fuels and digital solutions. This includes supporting fuel supply and infrastructure, developing pilot and demonstration projects, strengthening port-to-port data connectivity, and promoting interoperability, cybersecurity and common standards. The memorandum was signed ahead of Singapore Maritime Week 2026 by Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA; Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Executive Officer of Port of Long Beach; and Gene Seroka, Executive Director of Port of Los Angeles. C40 Cities will continue to serve as a facilitator to convene partners, coordinate collaboration and provide communications support. “Seaports sit at the intersection of trade, geopolitics, climate and technology,” said the Port of Long Beach’s Hacegaba. “This convergence is what makes partnerships like the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor so impactful as a tool to decarbonize maritime shipping. We call it the ‘green print’ for decarbonizing the trans-Pacific route, the busiest trade route on Earth. It will be particularly important in the years ahead as we tackle our largest source of emissions, from cargo vessels, by accelerating the use of clean fuels such as methanol.” “Decarbonizing goods movement between the largest ports in the United States and Asia requires international cooperation and that’s exactly what we’re doing through our work on the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor,” said the Port of Los Angeles’ Seroka. “We are committed to working toward the deployment of zero lifecycle carbon container ships on the corridor by 2030. This important corridor is the foundation upon which we’ll build the future of maritime shipping.” “The Singapore-Los Angeles-Long Beach Green and Digital Shipping Corridor has made good progress, transitioning from intent to implementation,” said Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA. “The renewal of our partnership paves the way towards more sustainable shipping along the trans-Pacific route. This gives industry greater confidence to plan investments and diversify energy options for greener shipping.”

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Port of Long Beach Nation’s Busiest Seaport through March

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:38:44 +0000

First quarter volumes signal strong start for 2026 The Port of Long Beach moved the most cargo in North America in March and through the first quarter of 2026, Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba announced Wednesday during his monthly Supply Chain Insight media briefing. Long Beach dockworkers and terminal operators handled 774,935 TEUs of cargo last month, 5.2% fewer containers than the same time in 2025, which was a record year of cargo movement for the Port. Imports last month declined 1.6% to 374,412 TEUs, while exports showed a 0.5% uptick to 104,554 TEUs when compared to March 2025. Empty containers moving through the Port dropped 11.1% to 295,970 TEUs. Through the first quarter of this year, the Port of Long Beach processed 2,390,225 TEUs, more than any seaport in the nation. Cargo volumes for the first quarter of 2026 were down 5.7% from the first quarter of the Port’s record year of 2025. “Thanks to the efforts of our ILWU workforce and terminal operators, the Port of Long Beach led the nation as the busiest container port for the month of March,” Hacegaba told reporters at his virtual media briefing. “While not our strongest month on record, we handled nearly 775,000 TEUs, making us the busiest gateway in North America.” Hacegaba’s guest was Jonathan Gold, Vice President of Supply Chain and Customs Policy for the National Retail Federation. Gold commented on how retailers, large and small, are faring given recent pressures on the supply chain. Impacts from hostilities in the Middle East, including blocked vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, have not manifested in Long Beach, Hacegaba said. “Despite these global pressures, the conflict has not yet reduced cargo volumes at the Port of Long Beach,” he said. “What we’re seeing instead is the impact of tariffs and timing and the comparison to a strong baseline the year before,” he said. Hacegaba warned that war in the Middle East is creating uncertainty for global supply chains, even with a ceasefire in place. “When ships are being rerouted to avoid conflict zones, it sets off a chain reaction,” Hacegaba said. “Cargo has to move differently. Routes get longer. Costs go up. And ultimately, consumers pay more.” The supply chain is already reacting to rising fuel costs by implementing new surcharges and other cost-saving measures, Hacegaba said. “Here’s the bottom line – what happens in the supply chain doesn’t stay in the supply chain,” Hacegaba said. “It shows up in the prices people pay every day. Not just higher price tags — but fewer discounts, higher free-shipping thresholds and slower delivery times.” Meanwhile, rising fuel costs are accelerating the case for renewable energy and domestic energy independence, Hacegaba said, two major issues in the Port’s outlook. “This is a pivotal moment for energy,” Hacegaba said, adding, “At the Port of Long Beach, we’re not waiting.” At the media briefing, Hacegaba highlighted the four-year anniversary of the Clean Truck Fund Rate, which was created to fund zero-emissions trucks and infrastructure with container fees collected from cargo owners. Since its inception in 2022, more than $62 million has been reinvested toward transitioning trucks serving the Port into a zero-emissions fleet. “This is how we turn policy into progress,” Hacegaba said. “The Clean Truck Fund Rate is one example of how the Port of Long Beach continues to be a longstanding leader in environmental stewardship,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “The Port is committed to seaport sustainability and eliminating pollution from port operations.” The Port is also investing in zero-emissions equipment, clean shipping corridors and offshore wind infrastructure such as the Port’s proposed Pier Wind terminal, Hacegaba said. “We’re not just adapting to the future,” he said. “We’re building the Port of the Future today.” For complete cargo numbers, visit www.polb.com/stats. Watch the full Supply Chain Insight media briefing here.

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YMX Logistics Introduces The First Autonomous Yard Operating System

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:48:20 +0000

YMX’s new offerings emphasize the convergence of digital and physical yard execution for enterprise shippers. YMX Logistics has announced the expansion of its Yard Operating System (YOS), YMX OS, introducing new capabilities to automate data capture, analysis, decision making, and deliver autonomous yard operations across multi-site networks. Key components of the expanded YMX OS include: Embedded Yard Management System (YMS): Each YMX deployment includes an enterprise-grade YMS that provides real-time visibility, orchestration, and control across yard operations. It can be used in addition to existing yard management solutions or as a standalone solution. Automated Data Capture Technologies: Deployment of self-service kiosks, real-time location systems powered by computer vision and sensor-based technologies, and mobile applications to create continuous, accurate operational data across yard environments. Autonomous Operational Twin: A digital twin decision engine powered by artificial intelligence and predictive analytics that enables YMX teams to analyze, test, and continuously optimize yard operations. The model evaluates layout configurations, fleet sizing, labor planning, traffic flow, and electrification strategies, allowing YMX and its customers to accurately quantify operational and financial impacts. Advanced EV Solutions: YMX integrates electrification into its operating model, aligning yard workflows, charging infrastructure, and energy management strategies to maximize the performance of electric yard trucks at customer sites. By treating EV adoption as part of a system rather than a standalone initiative, YMX helps customers improve utilization, reduce energy costs, and accelerate progress toward sustainability targets. Autonomous Yard Operations: With standardized processes, reliable data, and centralized control in place, YMX deploys autonomous yard trucks as an integrated extension of its operating model, particularly in environments where consistency and reliability are difficult to maintain. In addition to these capabilities, YMX is introducing a new commercial pricing model designed to better align with measurable performance outcomes. Traditional yard outsourcing models have largely been structured around labor, equipment, or hourly-based pricing, often resulting in limited visibility into true operational efficiency and cost drivers. YMX OS introduces a more structured approach, moving away from transactional pricing toward a performance-aligned model tied to execution and system efficiency. “What’s been missing in yard operations isn’t more tools. It’s a system that connects execution to measurable outcomes,” said Matt Yearling. “The Yard Operating System standardizes how yards are run, allowing enterprise shippers to continuously improve transportation and warehousing performance, resulting in major financial, sustainability, and safety gains across their networks.” The model has already been deployed in large-scale operating environments. At one of the largest distribution centers operated by a top five U.S. grocery retailer, implementation of YMX OS resulted in a reduction of yard truck fleet requirements, alongside improvements in throughput and safety performance. Fuel consumption, emissions, and operating costs declined, and within six months, the retailer expanded the program to nine additional facilities. “Most yard operations today are managed as labor-driven functions rather than controlled systems,” said Erin Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer of YMX Logistics. “By standardizing execution, instrumenting the yard with digital intelligence, and aligning operations to performance outcomes, we’re giving enterprise shippers the most predictable and measurable way to operate one of the most challenging parts of their network.” “In an era defined by global volatility, yard operations can no longer remain a dark spot in the supply chain,” said Bart De Muynck, industry expert and founder of Better Supply Chains. “What YMX has built is a new operating model for the yard. By converging physical execution with digital intelligence, their teams are enabling autonomous orchestration and continuous optimization, giving enterprise shippers predictable performance and genuine resilience across their distribution networks.” YMX Logistics will officially unveil these capabilities at booth #A518 in Hall A at MODEX 2026. Attendees are encouraged to visit the booth to experience the Yard Operating System in action and connect with YMX experts.

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Women In Trucking Association announces continued Gold Partnership with J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:08:32 +0000

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) announced today that J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. has renewed its Gold Partnership. This ongoing collaboration supports the company’s broader efforts to expand career opportunities and strengthen workforce development. Since 2015, the company has supported WIT as a Gold Partner. The company actively participates in the association as Jennifer Plumlee, vice president, managed logistics, serves as the Chair of the WIT board of directors. Additionally, Jodi Edwards, a two-million-mile driver for J.B. Hunt, is a Legacy Member of the WIT Image Team. “The industry connection gained by those involved in Women in Trucking helps drive inclusion as we share real-world knowledge and experience with one another,” Plumlee said. “J.B. Hunt is proud to renew our support and contribute to efforts that help people build meaningful careers in transportation.” “We’re proud to continue working alongside J.B. Hunt Transport Services and value the perspective and leadership Jennifer Plumlee contributes through her service on our board of directors,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, president and CEO of WIT. “Their ongoing support of inclusion across the trucking industry makes a meaningful impact on our mission and our members.” Founded in 2007, the Women In Trucking Association is a resource for more than 8,000 corporate and individual members located throughout North America. Recent accomplishments include: releasing the 2024-25 WIT Index, the industry barometer to regularly benchmark and measure the percentage of women who make up critical roles in transportation, which had approximately 350 company participants; hosting 6,300 participants in the WITney® Educational Trailer throughout 39 events in 18 states; honoring nearly 200 leaders in transportation through several recognition programs; and more than 1,100 registered attendees at the 2025 Accelerate! Conference and Exhibition.

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Port of Long Beach gets record funds to bolster infrastructure

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:41:43 +0000

Harbor Maintenance tax dollars allocated for waterfront repairs, upgrades The Port of Long Beach will receive a record amount of nearly $70 million in federal funding allocated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for infrastructure upkeep and improvement projects that will promote safe and efficient freight transportation at the nation’s busiest seaport complex. The funds drawn from the Harbor Maintenance Tax are collected by the federal government from ports based on the value of imports, some domestic cargo, and on cruise passengers. Established by Congress in 1986 to fund dredging projects at U.S. seaports, funds from the Harbor Maintenance Tax were typically collected from but not directed to ports like the Port of Long Beach. The Water Resources Development Act of 2020, however, expanded the use of funds to include in-water maintenance and repair projects, allowing for a more equitable distribution among large and small seaports. Combined, the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles will receive a record $148 million as part of the Army Corps of Engineers work plan. At the Port of Long Beach, funding will support projects that include maintenance dredging, replacing the steel bulkhead along the Back Channel, upgrading fenders and bollards, repairing berthing systems, seismic retrofit and repairs for the Pier C wharf, seismic improvement of the Pier F dike, and miscellaneous rock dike and wharf repairs throughout the port. About $500 million in eligible projects are planned during the next decade. “After years of donor and energy transfer ports being shortchanged, I’m pleased to see the Army Corps finally implementing the reforms Congress enacted in 2020 to ensure these ports receive their fair share,” said Sen. Alex Padilla. “When I raised this directly with Assistant Secretary Adam Telle earlier this year, he committed to following the law — and this funding reflects that commitment. These investments will allow the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to move forward on critical infrastructure and maintenance projects, including seismic upgrades, wharf repairs, and other essential improvements that keep our supply chains strong and resilient.” “Our ports across Southern California are leading economic drivers for our state and country, handling large volumes of imports and exports on the global stage,” said Sen. Adam Schiff. “These critical funds will address long overdue maintenance projects and safety upgrades — ensuring our ports remain the finest global trade hubs in the world.” “This funding is a real win for the Port of Long Beach and our community,” said Rep. Robert Garcia. “It means crucial upgrades, stronger infrastructure, and a port that stays competitive for the workers and families who depend on it. We fought hard to make sure ports like ours get the investments they deserve, and today that work is paying off.” “Long Beach has always been a city where global trade and local opportunity go hand in hand, and this investment ensures we can continue to deliver for both,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “These federal dollars will strengthen critical infrastructure at the Port of Long Beach, supporting good-paying jobs, improving safety and resilience along our waterfront, and keeping goods moving efficiently through one of the nation’s most vital gateways. We’re grateful to our federal partners, including Sen. Alex Padilla, Sen. Adam Schiff, and Rep. Robert Garcia, for helping secure resources that power our port and uplift our entire community.” “Trade from the Port of Long Beach touches every corner of the country, generating $176 billion in income,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “These projects will help strengthen waterfront structures and improve the navigation of vessels carrying the cargo that supports this economic activity. We are grateful to the Army Corps of Engineers for reinvesting funding in donor ports.” “The Port of Long Beach is a leading gateway contributing to the U.S. economy, and this funding will help us keep commerce flowing safely and efficiently as we build the Port of the Future and double our cargo throughput to 20 million container units annually by 2050,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba. “We thank Sen. Alex Padilla, Sen. Adam Schiff, Rep. Robert Garcia, and all of our congressional leaders and federal partners for their reliable partnership in supporting the needs of California’s ports with this record allocation.” The investment reflects strong partnerships with leaders in Washington, including Hacegaba’s recent testimony to the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as continued collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through multiple visits to the port. “The work we do at the Port of Long Beach is connected to millions of jobs around the country,” Hacegaba said. “Our ability to safely accommodate modern vessels and move cargo efficiently depends on well-maintained deepwater channels and in-water infrastructure. We are grateful for the continued federal partnership through WRDA, which enables the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to plan, authorize, and deliver critical projects that keep our waterways ready and support America’s leadership in the global economy.”

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Erin Mitchell named Finalist for 2026 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:27:56 +0000

YMX Executive Recognized by Women In Trucking Association as a Driving Force in the Industry YMX Logistics has announced that Chief Operating Officer Erin Mitchell has been named a finalist for the 2026 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award by the Women In Trucking Association. The annual award recognizes exceptional female leaders who are driving innovation, operational excellence, and the advancement of women across the logistics and transportation industry. Mitchell was selected alongside two other finalists based on her professional achievements, leadership, mentorship, and industry impact. “Erin’s recognition as a finalist reflects the kind of leadership our industry needs right now,” said Matt Yearling, CEO of YMX Logistics. “Erin has a unique ability to step into complex environments, bring clarity where there is ambiguity, and build high-performing teams that execute at a consistently high level. More importantly, she invests deeply in people, creating leaders around her and raising the standard for what great leadership looks like in our industry.” Mitchell joined YMX Logistics in 2024 after more than two decades at The Kraft Heinz Company, where she served as Vice President of Logistics and Head of Network Restructuring, overseeing more than 100 warehouses and five North American distribution networks. At YMX, she leads national yard and trucking operations and holds enterprise-wide responsibility across operations, human resources, IT, engineering, customer success, fleet safety, and maintenance. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing YMX’s mission to modernize outsourced yard logistics through a more standardized, technology-enabled operating model. By applying enterprise-level rigor to field-based operations, Mitchell has helped improve safety performance, operational efficiency, and scalability across distributed customer networks. Beyond operational impact, Mitchell is a committed advocate for developing the next generation of supply chain leaders. She actively mentors emerging talent, contributes to academic programs, and has played a key role in expanding leadership opportunities for women within YMX, with more than half of recent leadership hires filled by women. “Throughout my career, I’ve been drawn to opportunities that challenge the status quo,” said Mitchell. “Yard operations represent one of the greatest untapped opportunities in supply chain execution. It’s an honor to be recognized alongside such accomplished leaders, and I hope this recognition helps continue to elevate both the role of the yard and the importance of creating more opportunities for women across our industry.” Mitchell has received multiple industry honors, including recognition as a “Top Woman to Watch in Transportation” by Women in Trucking, a “Rock Star of the Supply Chain” by Food Logistics, and a ” Supply Chain “Pros-to-Know” by Supply and Demand Chain Executive. Her leadership continues to influence how organizations approach operational execution, workforce development, and the yard’s role as a strategic control point within the broader supply chain. The 2026 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award winner will be announced at the TIA Capital Ideas Conference & Exhibition on April 17 in Phoenix, Arizona.

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AAR Reports Rail Traffic for the week ending April 04, 2026

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:12:10 +0000

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending April 4, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 501,328 carloads and intermodal units, up 0.1 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending April 4 were 229,243 carloads, up 1.0 percent compared with the same week in 2025, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 272,085 containers and trailers, down 0.6 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 1,780 carloads to 25,052; chemicals, up 1,492 carloads to 34,933; and petroleum and petroleum products, up 1,264 carloads to 10,734. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2025 included coal, down 2,466 carloads to 56,069; metallic ores and metals, down 1,133 carloads to 19,743; and nonmetallic minerals, down 669 carloads to 31,102. For the first 13 weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 2,913,351 carloads, up 3.9 percent from the same point last year, and 3,583,488 intermodal units, down 0.2 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 13 weeks of 2026 was 6,496,839 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 1.6 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending April 4, 2026, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 334,152 carloads, up 2.1 percent compared with the same week last year, and 355,083 intermodal units, up 0.6 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 689,235 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.3 percent. North American rail volume for the first 13 weeks of 2026 was 8,934,659 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.8 percent compared with 2025. Canadian railroads reported 92,179 carloads for the week, down 0.7 percent, and 70,143 intermodal units, down 2.6 percent compared with the same week in 2025. For the first 13 weeks of 2026, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 2,094,505 carloads, containers, and trailers, up 0.7 percent. Mexican railroads reported 12,730 carloads for the week, up 75.3 percent compared with the same week last year, and 12,855 intermodal units, up 79.5 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 13 weeks of 2026 was 343,315 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 13.4 percent from the same point last year.

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March 2026 Logistics Manager’s Index Report® LMI® at 65.7

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:15:00 +0000

Growth is INCREASING AT AN INCREASING RATE for: Inventory Levels, Inventory Costs, Warehousing Prices, Transportation Utilization, and Transportation Prices Growth is INCREASING AT A DECREASING RATE for: Warehousing Utilization Warehousing Capacity and Transportation Capacity are CONTRACTING The March Logistics Manager’s Index reads in at 65.7, up (+4.2) from February’s reading of 61.5. This is the fastest level of expansion since May 2022’s reading of 67.1. This is driven by continued expansion in the freight market. Transportation Prices skyrocketed (+12.7) in March to 89.4, which is the highest level since March of 2022. This stands in contrast with the continued contraction (-1.8) of Transportation Capacity at 39.2. The 50.2-point gap between these two metrics is the highest positive inversion since November 2021 at the height of the Covid era freight boom. It is notable that the Transportation Price reading of 89.4 in March of 2026 is so similar to the reading of 89.7 we saw in March of 2022. Much like the spike four years ago, the rapid increase this month is at least partially attributable to the start of an armed conflict that has limited available oil supplies. The invasion of Ukraine took approximately 10% of oil supplies off the board in 2022 and the conflict with Iran – and subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz – has taken approximately 20% of oil off the board in 2026. In 2022, this caused significant supply-drive inflation which slowed consumer demand and ultimately led to a long-lasting freight recession. While there are some clear similarities in the logistics situations in 2026 and 2022, there are some differences as well. The chart below compares the March 2026 (green bars) and March 2022 (orange bars) LMI readings. Interestingly, Transportation Prices are the only metric that did not significantly differ between readings. The biggest difference between now and four years ago is the inventory situation. Inventory Levels were expanding quickly at 75.7 in early 2022, standing in contrast to 2026’s leaner, faster-turning Inventory Levels which are expanding only marginally at 54.8. This difference in overall inventories echoes in Inventory Costs (91.0 in 2022 to 76.2 in 2026), and across all three warehousing metrics – being most pronounced for Warehousing Costs, which were 90.5 in 2022 and are a much milder (although still strong) 67.4 in 2026. The restrictions on Russian oil in 2022 came on the heels of the Covid-era supply crunch, in which massive inventories had been built up to fulfill ravenous consumer demand. Because of this, warehouses were full and costs were high. The subsequent freight recession hit so hard through 2022 and 2023 in part because the market had been riding so high – resulting in a “the bigger they are the harder they fall” dynamic. Things are different in 2026. As has been covered in recent LMI reports, inventories have been lean throughout 2026 to avoid the costs of tariffs. Freight activity was more easily able to slow down in 2022 because inventories were high, consumer demand dropped, and there was less product to move. With the current leanness of inventories, firms will not have large stores of goods and components to draw on, which may necessitate some continued movement in freight. The leanness extends to fleet sizes as well, which have right-sized considerably since 2022, meaning there will be less excess capacity this time around. The caveat here is that if higher fuel and goods prices negatively impact consumer and/or industrial demand, volumes may decrease regardless. This is a distinct possibility as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is impacting double the amount of oil as the invasion of Ukraine. To boil it down: there are strong similarities between the situations in 2026 and 2022, but there are also differences. The transportation market seems to be booming and inventories are lean. However, the possibility for stockouts due to that leanness, as well as possible demand destruction due to increasing costs are realistic possibilities. Supply chains are more flexible than they were four years ago, but it remains to be seen how exactly this unique set of circumstances will impact the logistics industry going forward. Researchers at Arizona State 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 March 2026. The March LMI read in at 65.7, which is up (+4.2) from February’s reading of 61.5. This is well above the all-time average of 61.3 and is the fastest rate of expansion since May of 2022. This robust rate of expansion is consistent across respondents, with no significant differences between Upstream and Downstream (64.8 and 61.5), early and late (61.1 and 64.9) or large and small (64.2 and 61.4) respondents. The shifts in oil prices are happening against a mixed economic backdrop. The University of Michigan’s Survey of Consumers was down 5.8% in March to 53.3, which is the lowest reading since December. Expectations for the short-run economic outlook is down 14% and expected year-ahead inflation are up 0.4% to 3.8% – which is the highest expected value since April of 2025[1]. Meanwhile, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development forecasts the U.S. inflation will be up 4.2% in 2026. This is up sharply from their previous prediction of 2.8% expansion[2]. Beyond the immediate shocks to gasoline – which is up 36.4% since the invasion to $3.81 per gallon[3], there is evidence that costs are already creeping into every-day products such as groceries[4] and personal health care

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FedEx and Returnity Launch New Reusable Box Solution for B2B Shippers

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:50:33 +0000

First-to-market system designed to reduce costs and streamline store operations FedEx Corp has announced the launch of a new reusable packaging system for B2B shippers. This cost-effective solution was developed in collaboration with Returnity, a reusable packaging provider specializing in circular logistics, and features a FedEx-specific box design. Together, FedEx and Returnity have enabled FedEx B2B customers to easily make the switch from corrugated to reusable boxes within their supply chain without incurring the handling fees typically applied to alternative packaging formats. “In collaboration with Returnity, we have created the first scalable, reusable box solution for B2B customers, which is especially useful for our soft-goods shippers,” said Neil Gibson, senior vice president, global customer experience, FedEx. “By pairing Returnity’s durable, easy-to-integrate packaging with our global network, we’re helping retailers unlock meaningful cost savings while reducing environmental impact, all without sacrificing speed or reliability. This new solution supports our vision to make supply chains smarter for everyone.” “FedEx made reuse make sense by building the business case, doing the work, and creating a model for how circular logistics can succeed at scale,” said Mike Newman, CEO of Returnity. Optimizing the B2B Supply Chain Experience with Reusable Packaging While reusable packaging isn’t new, its integration into traditional parcel networks has long been hindered by cost, complexity, and fit within existing logistics systems. The box was designed to address these barriers by providing a durable, collapsible, and automation-friendly container that works within the current FedEx infrastructure. Unlike consumer packaging, which relies on unpredictable customer return paths, this solution is designed for closed-loop environments. It is well-suited for in-house fulfillment centers, store restocking, or field service support, where returns and reuse are controlled and predictable. Each box is engineered for up to 50 shipment cycles and can ship up to 50 pounds worth of goods. The result is a smarter packaging format that cuts packaging spend by up to 30% per cycle and could reduce carbon emissions by 64%-88% compared to single-use corrugated packaging under typical conditions, assuming a non-return rate of 40% or less. Enabling Reusable Packaging at Scale The system has been successfully piloted with multiple FedEx B2B shippers throughout North America, validating its performance across real-world retail and distribution workflows, including fulfillment-to-store replenishment, internal transfers, and reverse logistics. In the pilot program, shippers reported faster unpacking and restocking, increased labor efficiency, improved backroom organization, and lower product damage rates. FedEx customers in the U.S. can contact their FedEx sales representative directly to learn more about this new reusable box solution. While the packaging is currently available in the U.S., the company has plans to expand internationally in Australia and Europe in the near future. Learn more about the FedEx approach to sustainability and the company’s goal of carbon-neutral global operations by 2040 here

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AAR reports Rail Traffic for the week ending March 28, 2026

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:24:47 +0000

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending March 28, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 515,921 carloads and intermodal units, up 0.5 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending March 28 were 233,833 carloads, down 0.8 percent compared with the same week in 2025, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 282,088 containers and trailers, up 1.6 percent compared to 2025. Six of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2025. They included chemicals, up 2,027 carloads to 36,589; petroleum and petroleum products, up 1,129 carloads to 11,239; and grain, up 819 carloads to 24,010. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2025 included coal, down 5,295 carloads to 57,636; nonmetallic minerals, down 1,186 carloads to 30,174; and metallic ores and metals, down 406 carloads to 20,201. For the first 12 weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 2,684,108 carloads, up 4.2 percent from the same point last year; and 3,311,403 intermodal units, down 0.2 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 12 weeks of 2026 was 5,995,511 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 1.7 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending March 28, 2026, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 342,214 carloads, down 2.1 percent compared with the same week last year, and 371,548 intermodal units, up 0.8 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 713,762 carloads and intermodal units, down 0.6 percent. North American rail volume for the first 12 weeks of 2026 was 8,245,424 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.8 percent compared with 2025. Canadian railroads reported 94,298 carloads for the week, down 2.4 percent, and 73,994 intermodal units, down 4.8 percent compared with the same week in 2025. For the first 12 weeks of 2026, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 1,932,183 carloads, containers, and trailers, up 0.9 percent. Mexican railroads reported 14,083 carloads for the week, down 18.5 percent compared with the same week last year, and 15,466 intermodal units, up 16.9 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 12 weeks of 2026 was 317,730 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 10.2 percent from the same point last year.

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Women In Trucking Association announces 2026 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award finalists

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:11:32 +0000

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced the three finalists for the 2026 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award (DWLA), an annual honor recognizing exceptional leadership by women in the trucking and logistics industry. Sponsored by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) and the Truck Parking Club, the award highlights exceptional leaders who are driving innovation, operational excellence, and advancing women across the supply chain. The 2026 finalists are: Eileen Dabrowski, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Apex Tide Consulting Aurélie Doucette, Vice President of Dedicated Contract Carriage Operations, Penske Logistics Erin Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer, YMX Logistics These women have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing the logistics and transportation industry, leaving a lasting impact on their organizations and communities. The finalists were selected based on their professional accomplishments, leadership, mentorship, and contributions to the industry. Eileen Dabrowski is the Founder/CEO of Apex Tide Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping transportation and logistics companies strengthen leadership, elevate talent, and drive meaningful growth. Drawing on experience across learning and development, sales, marketing, and organizational strategy, she partners with organizations to build stronger teams, clearer direction, and more sustainable success. Prior to launching Apex Tide in 2025, Dabrowski held leadership roles at both private and publicly traded transportation companies, where she developed training programs, led strategic initiatives, and supported enterprise growth. She is also a recognized speaker and industry contributor, with active leadership involvement across transportation, logistics, and supply chain associations. Her contributions have earned industry-wide recognition, including Transportation Marketing & Sales Association (TMSA) Member of the Year, the DEI Pioneer Award, and Leading Lady in Logistics honors. Through Apex Tide, Dabrowski continues to make a lasting impact by helping people and companies in logistics rise, grow, and lead with purpose. Aurélie Doucette, Vice President of Dedicated Contract Carriage (DCC) Operations at Penske Logistics (PL), is a wife, mother of two girls, and an accomplished leader with more than 20 years of logistics experience. Doucette moved from France to the United States in 1998 to pursue an MBA at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis. Beginning her career at Transfreight in 2001, she moved through the leadership ranks, entrusted with delivering excellent customer relationship management across multiple accounts. Following PL’s 2015 acquisition of Transfreight, Doucette continued making impactful contributions across all PL product lines. As VP of DCC Operations, Doucette works closely with her team to accelerate supply chain performance for customers spanning several industry verticals. She places great value on the mentorship she provides and the customer relationships she nurtures in this role. Doucette is the executive champion of the Women’s Business Resource Group at Penske and a two-time President’s Award winner. Erin Mitchell is the Chief Operating Officer of YMX Logistics, where she oversees yard and trucking operations, as well as human resources, IT, customer success, engineering, fleet safety, and maintenance. She joined YMX in 2024 following more than 20 years with The Kraft Heinz Company, where she most recently served as Vice President of Logistics and Head of Network Restructuring, overseeing more than 100 warehouses and five North American distribution networks. Known for delivering transformative results at the intersection of operations and technology, Mitchell has consistently built high-performing teams and led complex, large-scale initiatives. At YMX, she is applying that same discipline to modernize outsourced yard logistics, strengthening safety, sustainability, scalability, and operational performance. A committed advocate for inclusion, Mitchell has made expanding opportunities for women in trucking a priority, with more than half of recent leadership hires filled by women. She continues to mentor future leaders and drive meaningful impact across the supply chain. Mitchell was also named a 2026 Supply Chain “Pros to Know” by Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Food Logistics, and in 2025 earned multiple honors, including the Women in Supply Chain Award (Trailblazers), recognition on Global Trade Magazine’s Women in Logistics list, and designation as a Top Woman to Watch in Transportation by WIT. The 2026 award recipient will be announced during the TIA Capital Ideas Conference and Exhibition on Friday, April 17, in Phoenix, AZ. The DWLA continues to spotlight the growing influence of women in trucking and logistics while inspiring the next generation of industry leaders.

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