The Official Newsletter of The National Defense Transportation Association
December 10, 2019
NDTA’s Annual Toys for Tots Event a Success
Thank you to everyone who supported NDTA’s 11th annual Toys for Tots event. Your donations will help less fortunate children share in the magic of the holidays, and we sincerely appreciate your generosity. A room full of toys and more than $4,000 were collected.
A hearty thank you to our individual and corporate members, chapters, neighbors and friends, and staff members (past and present), including:
Agility, AIT Worldwide, Allstate, Avis Budget Group, Gabby Ayala, Michelle Boisse, Maya Care, Dave Deboer, DTMO, Dr. Delaney, Denny & Karen Edwards, Event Rebels, FedEx, E. Fudd, Hai T., Hilary Sullivan, Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, the Hyatt Place Tuscon Airport Hotel, IdeaTech, International Auto Logistics, Ken Jons, Jon Kaskin, Kirstin Knott, Laura Kunkle, Larry Larkin, Lori Leffler, Liberty Global Logistics, Sharon Lo, Manny Mena, Maersk , the NDTA Montgomery Chapter, The Navy League, Omega World Travel, Dian Osman, Jack Powell, Beth Schoeller, Linda Sisk, Dr. Smith, Mai Soby, the Taylor Foundation Fund, Irv Varkoni, Jim Veditz, and Stephen Weisel.
USTRANSCOM Primed to Leverage Analytics and Engineering in 2020 and Beyond
There’s a giant screen projecting operational information into the heart of US Transportation Command’s Global Operations Center (GOC). Based on this incoming data, decision-makers want to know how best to respond based on a globally integrated understanding of both demand and capacity, and the impact on wartime readiness.
To develop options, redirect mobility efforts based on changing priorities, or find alternatives when operations are disrupted, USTRANSCOM and its component commands depend on analysis that transforms data into useful information.
“When analytics do the complex work, we’re free to think about solutions,” said John DeLapp, head of the futures division in the Joint Distribution and Process Analysis Center (JDPAC) within USTRANSCOM.
The integration of analytics into command processes and decisions is an ongoing, collaborative effort between the multiple functional organizations such as the GOC and JDPAC. These efforts capture and integrate data; create visual representations of key indicators; forecast workload, network, or asset availability; and account for constraints so that energy is focused on the most important work—delivering results across the Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise (JDDE). […]
Beyond the Headlines
The NDAA is Heading to a Vote – Here’s What You Should Know
By Sharon Lo Managing Editor, Defense Transportation Journal and The Source
Yesterday leaders of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees unveiled the conference agreement they have reached for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20). The House is expected to vote on the compromise bill on Wednesday, with the Senate taking it up at a later date.
But, not too much later. Congress has a lot to get done right now, such as avoiding a government shutdown on December 20. That’s when the current Continuing Resolution (CR) expires, so lawmakers need to pass 12 spending bills and/or CRs before that date to keep the government in operation.
Another key piece of legislation being worked this week is an update to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Members of Congress are also likely pushing to wrap up several pieces of legislation before next week when a House vote on impeachment is likely. Not to mention, the House was supposed to adjourn for the December recess Thursday evening. As I said, they have a lot to do. […]
SASC Chairman: We Must Build the National Security Innovation Base Our Defense Strategy Requires
(Defense News) Since World War II, the American people have believed our military has had the best of everything, but the technological superiority that kept us 20 years ahead of our competitors has rapidly diminished. In some cases, we’re already behind.
A Truckload Giant Just Filed for Bankruptcy, and It Leaves Nearly 3,000 Truck Drivers Jobless
(Business Insider) Indianapolis-based Celadon, a truckload carrier that grossed $1 billion as recently as 2015, filed for bankruptcy on Dec. 9. It’s poised to be the largest truckload bankruptcy in history.
It’s Time to Rethink NATO’s Deterrent Strategy
(War on the Rocks) President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron don’t agree on much. The two leaders do, however, appear to agree on one thing—something is wrong with NATO.
Trade War Update: China Cuts Tariffs, Signaling December Truce
(Forbes) China and the U.S. can’t agree on soy export increases, but China’s decision to cut tariffs on soy and pork are just as good for now and signals a high probability that Washington will not raise tariffs on December 15.
Corporate Member News
United Airlines Sets a Course for the Future with Order of 50 Airbus A321XLR Aircraft
(United Airlines) United Airlines has announced an order to purchase 50 new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, enabling the carrier to begin replacing and retiring its existing fleet of Boeing 757-200 aircraft and further meet the airline’s operational needs by pairing the optimal aircraft with select transatlantic routes.
Innovator of the Year: UPS’ Flight Forward
(Supply Chain Dive) Drone delivery is a field in its infancy with plenty of proponents and critics alike. But with the largest names in technology entering the space — most notably Amazon and Alphabet — it might come as a surprise that UPS is, in many ways, leading the way.
New Amtrak Acela Trains Stimulate Nationwide Economy
(Amtrak) With parts from nearly 250 suppliers, Alstom trainset production creates 1,300 new jobs.
Delta Air Lines Goes Live with Concur TripLink Integration
(SAP Concur) Concur TripLink gives companies visibility into their employees’ travel, regardless of where bookings take place. It was recently announced that Delta Air Lines integration with Concur TripLink is live, allowing customers to realize the benefits of their managed travel program for flights booked via delta.com and the Fly Delta App.
Air Freight News
(Crane Worldwide Logistics) Recent reports have highlighted that the impact of the trade war between the United States and China have contributed to the downgraded forecast expectations of air freight usage in 2020.