The Official Newsletter of The National Defense Transportation Association
March 11, 2026
Save the Date
May 18-21, 2026
NDTA-CAS
Surface Force Projection Meeting
Check out the daily agenda
Join the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) and Christopher Newport University’s Center for American Studies (CAS) Surface Force Projection Meeting (SFPM), May 18-21, 2026, at Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA. Connect with top U.S. government and industry experts to tackle deployment and sustainment challenges and address this year’s theme, “Projecting Power in a Globally Contested Environment — Ideas into Action!” Network with peers, attend insightful sessions, and hear from renowned speakers. NDTA, along with CAS, partners with the U.S. Army Transportation Command (ARTRANS), Military Sealift Command (MSC), U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), the U.S. Coast Guard, logistics and transportation industry, and academia to provide the SFPM. Mark your calendar and don’t miss out! Details on agenda, lodging, and registration will be available on our website starting December 18, 2025. Registration opens on January 29, 2026. Become an NDTA member today for exclusive benefits!
(transportation.gov) U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy highlighted the Department’s new “Freedom Moves You” campaign – a free storytelling program that brings iconic American images and thought-provoking reminders of what makes America special to airports, highways, train stations, bus stops, and transit networks.
The campaign will be displayed at prominent locations across the country, including Washington Union Station, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Nationals Park. […READ MORE…]
(transportation.gov) U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced Department officials are traveling nationwide to host Small Business Matchmaking Summits across America. At the summit, small businesses will have the opportunity to connect with federal decision makers for the opportunity to win contracts and partner in building infrastructure projects that improve the lives of American families. Over 300 small businesses have registered for the kickoff event in Phoenix, Ariz., on March 11. […READ MORE…]
US to Send Anti-drone System to Mideast After Successful Use in Ukraine, Officials Say
(militarytimes.com) An American anti-drone system proven to work against Russian drones in Ukraine will soon be sent to the Middle East to bolster U.S. defenses against Iranian drones, two U.S. officials told The Associated Press.
While the U.S. has used Patriot and THAAD missile systems to take down Iranian missiles successfully, there are limited effective anti-drone defenses now in the Middle East, according to a U.S. defense official. […READ MORE…]
Security Lines at Some US Airports Hit Three Hours as TSA Absences Rise
By David Shepardson and David Gaffen
(www.reuters.com) Waiting times in security lines at some U.S. airports extended to three hours on Sunday, as absences by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers rose during a partial government shutdown and as spring-break travel increased. Houston Hobby Airport reported lines averaging 3-1/2 hours. […READ MORE…]
CHAPTER EVENT
NDTA U.S. Virtual Chapter Will Host Michael Legler, Transportation Planner, FEMA Pacific Region
TBD
The NDTA U.S. Virtual Chapter is proud to welcome Michael Legler for an insightful session on the critical role of transportation in disaster response. With 29 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army — including his final assignment as Director of Logistics (G4) for the Pacific Theater Sustainment Command — Michael brings deep expertise in logistics, mobility, and strategic sustainment operations.
Be prepared for an engaging discussion relevant to professionals across defense, government, logistics, transportation, and emergency management.
CHAPTER EVENT
Answer the Call to Be Part of Our Nation’s Maritime Industrial Base Strategy!
Join us for NDTA JAX Chapter’s Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) Symposium — an exclusive gathering of Jacksonville’s and Florida’s most influential leaders in maritime logistics, economic development, and national security.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 8 AM to 5 PM
University of North Florida
Adam W. Herbert Center
Jacksonville, Florida
Hear from industry innovators shaping the future of America’s sea power and connect with the voices driving regional growth. If you want to be in the room where the future of the MIB is being forged, reserve your seat now before space runs out.
To register: https://www.ndtajax.com/mibsymposium
Apply for 2026 NDTA Foundation Scholarships,
now through Wednesday, April 15, 2026
NDTA wants to remind you that we are accepting applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. Applications are being accepted through April 15 via e-mail at ndtahq@ndtahq.com for our four academic scholarship programs for members and their children:
- Program A – for currently enrolled college students
- Program B – for soon-to-be high school graduates accepted at an accredited institution
- Program C – for currently enrolled, distance learning college students
- Program D, The Denny Edwards Graduate Scholarship – for graduate (master’s degree) students
NDTA offers all scholarship winners a unique opportunity to join our Industry Connect Program (ICP). The ICP links interested students with an industry mentor to help them bridge to the future. More information can be found here.
NDTA is excited about the education and development of our Nation’s future logistics and transportation leaders! Providing scholarships and the ICP helps us promote learning and professional development. To learn about scholarship qualification details and how to apply, go to www.ndtahq.com/foundation/, call us at 703-751-5011 or send us an email at ndtahq@ndtahq.com. Read student testimonials from previous scholarship recipients to learn about the impact it has had on their studies and their career paths.
We look forward to hearing from you!
FOR EXTERNAL CERTIFICATION AUTHORITY (ECA) USERS
Please see the attached ARTRANS Customer and Carrier Advisories and follow the guidelines as required.
EAMS-A ECA Sponsorship Process for all programs
EAMS-A ECA Sponsorship Process for IBS-CN
NDTA provides notification of the following ARTRANS Customer and Carrier Advisory of March 3, 2026 – Customers EAMS-A ECA Sponsorship Process for ARTRANS Transportation Systems
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Sustaining: Cavalier Logistics
Editor’s Picks
Navy, Marine Corps Amphibious Readiness Board Launches as Services Put Issue on ‘Front Burner’
(breakingdefense.com) The Navy and the Marine Corps are zeroing in on amphibious warship readiness as a new board that aims to expedite progress and eliminate obstacles gets underway.
“We’re going to be identifying barriers to readiness, figuring out what levers we can pull to improve that readiness and make sure that we are managing and keeping an eye on the right metrics to make sure that we are increasing amphibious readiness,” Maj. Gen. Jason Morris told Breaking Defense.
Multi-channel Data Link Reshapes Navy’s Communications Capabilities
(breakingdefense.com) The U.S. Navy faces communications challenges unlike any other service, as ships at sea need to communicate across long distances without a traditional network infrastructure, hindering real-time information sharing.
To meet this challenge, the Navy now uses Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL) to let carrier strike groups share data across different formats. Operators use NTCDL to communicate with multiple air and naval assets in the group, across multiple channels, as opposed to communication with one asset at a time.
Rise in Jet Fuel Costs Could Impact Ticket Prices Amid Iran Conflict
(thehill.com) United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby warned this week that soaring jet fuel prices tied to conflict in the Middle East could soon push airline ticket prices higher.
Kirby noted that while the demand for air travel was still strong, the carrier would likely feel a “meaningful” impact on its second-quarter finances due to the recent spike in fuel prices.
America’s Military Has an Iranian Drone Problem
(thehill.com) The U.S. military and its allies across the Middle East are struggling to combat Iran’s swarms of cheap attack drones as the war enters its second week.
Pentagon officials this past week reportedly conceded in closed-door briefings with lawmakers that waves of Iranian-launched drones are punching through air defenses, leaving American troops and bases in the Persian Gulf region vulnerable to attacks.
Best Protection for Ships Sailing Through Strait of Hormuz May Be Claiming to Be a ‘Chinese’ Vessel
(Fortune.com) About 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas liquid pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and the sudden traffic halt has sent prices soaring. But that spike also promises a massive payday for any ships willing to make their deliveries. Freight rates have soared to record highs, and a large crude carrier heading from the strait to China can earn about $500,000 in revenue per day,
FedEx Network 2.0: Tracking Closures, Layoffs Across the U.S.
(supplychaindive.com) FedEx is making layoffs and closing facilities across the country as part of a plan to integrate its historically separate Ground and Express networks. The yearslong overhaul known as Network 2.0 aims to improve the carrier’s pickup and delivery processes, trim costs and strengthen its position against competitors like UPS. The initiative is slated to be fully implemented in the U.S. by the end of 2027.
Shipping Concerns Grow as Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd Suspend Routes
(maritime-executive.com) Container shipping continues to reel as the war in the Persian Gulf reaches its first week, and U.S. and Israeli officials are saying it could continue for weeks. Against that backdrop, an announcement by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd that the two liner companies were suspending key routes is drawing wide attention as analysts speculate on the full impact on the container segment.
MITRE Partners with Appalachian Unified Aerospace, Increasing Safety for Hazardous Response Missions
(MITRE.org) MITRE and Appalachian Unified Aerospace announced a partnership and technology license for MITRE’s Hazmat Auxiliary Unit (HAU), a system designed to strengthen homeland security and first responder safety. The HAU integrates uncrewed aerial systems, hazardous-material sensors, and MITRE software to deliver real-time identification and geospatial tracking of dangerous substances.
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