The Official Newsletter of The National Defense Transportation Association
March 26, 2025
Surface Force Projection Conference
The National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) and Christopher Newport University’s Center for American Studies (CAS) jointly present the NDTA-CAS Surface Force Projection Conference (SFPC): “Challenging the Joint Force Deployment Status Quo – Improving the Large-Scale Deployment Model,” June 10-12, 2025.
The SFPC brings together government and industry logistics and transportation experts, members of the Joint Logistic Enterprise, to examine a wide range of challenges associated with deploying forces and moving sustainment to the point of need. During this time, we will build relationships and trust, examine deployment challenges, look for solutions, educate and collaborate and find ways to improve readiness and transportation capability. […READ MORE…]
2025 NDTA Foundation Scholarships
NDTA is excited about the education and professional development of our nation’s future logistics and transportation leaders and is offering four scholarship opportunities 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
All scholarship winners will receive a unique opportunity to join our Industry Connect Program (ICP), which links interested students with an industry mentor to help them bridge to the future. More information can be found here.
To learn about the scholarship qualification details and how to apply, go to https://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. […READ MORE…]
NDTA Online
Podcast: DoD Bulk Fuel Management
Mr. Guy Beougher, Chair, NDTA Energy Subcommittee, and Cypress International’s Vice President of DOD/Federal Logistics, Supply Chain and Energy, moderates a podcast on Bulk Fuel Management with LTG Mark Simerly, USA, Director, Defense Logistics Agency, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and LTG Jared Helwig, USA, Deputy Commander, U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.
Your Source
USTR’s Proposed China Port Fees Could Cost Container Shipping Over $100 Billion, Expert Warns
By Mike Schuler
(gCaptain) A proposed US Trade Representative (USTR) fee structure targeting Chinese-built ships and operators could cost the container shipping sector alone over $106.9 billion annually and severely disrupt global supply chains, according to maritime expert John McCown.
The USTR proposed new port entrance fees in February as part of a Section 301 investigation into China’s maritime dominance, which concluded that China’s actions were “unreasonable” and burdensome to US commerce, warranting action.
The proposed action includes fees of up to $1.5 million per port entrance for Chinese-built vessels and $1 million for operators with Chinese-built ships in their fleets or on order. […READ MORE…]
Your Source
US Trade Chief to Speak with Chinese Counterpart as Tariff Rift Widens
By Trevor Hunnicutt, Jarrett Renshaw and David Lawder
WASHINGTON, March 21 (Reuters) – Donald Trump’s top trade chief, Jamieson Greer, plans to speak with his Chinese counterpart next week, the US president said on Friday amid an escalating tariff war.
Talks between the world’s biggest economies would occur just days before the long-threatened April 2 unveiling of fresh US tariffs on every country that taxes US imports, potentially including new steps against China. […READ MORE…]
First US Offshore LNG Export Terminal Gets Green Light from Maritime Administration
By Mike Schuler
The Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued a license to Delfin LNG, LLC for the construction and operation of the nation’s first offshore LNG export deepwater port. The groundbreaking facility will be in US Federal waters between 37.4 and 40.8 nautical miles off Louisiana’s Cameron Parish coast. […READ MORE…]
Postal Service Weighs Serving as Logistics Partner for Federal Agencies
By
(Freight Waves) The US Postal Service is examining how it can generate additional revenue by offering logistics services to other parts of the federal government, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said.
In a letter to members of Congress, DeJoy gave more details about how Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency will assist the Postal Service’s ongoing turnaround campaign aimed at improving operational efficiency and product appeal, slashing costs, and growing revenue. Among the initiatives assigned to DOGE is developing a business case for leveraging existing infrastructure to help other agencies with logistics needs. […READ MORE…]
Editor’s Picks
The Army Wants to Make it Easier to Call Lyft and Uber on Base
The Army is launching a pilot program to standardize procedures and requirements for using ride-sharing companies like Lyft and Uber on six major bases.
“This program demonstrates our commitment to addressing the challenges faced by our military communities,” Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll said in a news release Monday. “Through collaboration with the ride-share industry, we’re able to provide our Soldiers and their families with safe, reliable and convenient transportation options that support their unique needs and enhance their overall quality of life.”
Majority of Americans Support Domestic Shipbuilding as National Security Priority, New Poll Reveals
A new poll released today reveals overwhelming support among Americans for strengthening domestic shipbuilding capabilities, with 72% agreeing that the United States must reduce dependence on foreign ship manufacturers.
The survey, conducted by Morning Consult for the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), comes as U.S. shipbuilding capacity has plummeted from producing over 70 ships annually in 1975 to fewer than five ships per year today. Meanwhile, China has ramped up production to 1,700 ships annually.
The Northern Sea Route: Russia’s Bet on Arctic Shipping
(Geopolitical Monitor) The Northern Sea Route (NSR) is rapidly emerging as a pivotal trade corridor, viewed as an alternative to the overcrowded Suez Canal and the Malacca Strait. As Arctic ice continues to recede due to explorative activities and climate change, Moscow is actively lobbying for the NSR as a shorter and cost-effective link for Eurasia, piquing interest from China and India. The shift is being watched closely by Washington, which has frequently raised concerns about Russia’s growing control and ambitions for influence over Arctic trade, albeit without much actionable change to its own efforts to clip Russia’s first-mover advantage in the area.
Now, amid the return of US President Donald Trump and mounting geopolitical tensions over the Arctic, the Northern Sea Route is emerging as one of the most controversial, impactful, and increasingly viable trade projects in the 21st century.
Container Imports Headed for Summer Doldrums, Says NRF
(Freight Waves) Imports at major US container ports are expected to remain high through spring but could see year-over-year declines this summer, according to the latest Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
The ongoing tariff situation continues to impact import volumes and strategies.
“Retailers are continuing to bring as much merchandise into the country ahead of rising tariffs as possible,” said Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy.
While recent tariff changes on goods from Canada and Mexico are not expected to directly affect port volumes, new levies on Chinese imports remain a significant concern. Tariffs on Chinese goods have already doubled from 10% to 20%, with potential for additional reciprocal tariffs starting in April.
(gCaptain) The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed today that the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed following a vessel strike last year, had a risk level nearly 30 times above the acceptable threshold for critical bridges.
In a significant development, the agency has identified 68 bridges across 19 states that require immediate vulnerability assessments, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Verrazano Narrows Bridge, and Greater New Orleans Bridge, among others.
BRW announces that its Trucking Division received designation as a fully approved Department of Defense (DoD) Transportation Service Provider (TSP) and its Logistics Division received designation as a fully approved DoD Freight Carrier by the Military Surface Deployment & Distribution Command (SDDC), further solidifying its position as a trusted partner in Government and Defense logistics. BRW’s Trucking Division and Logistics Division both meet the rigorous compliance standards of the Military Freight Traffic Unified Rules Publication-1 (MFTURP-1) and the Freight Carrier Registration Program (FCRP). With over 65 years of experience, BRW provides fully integrated trucking, logistics, and warehousing services to U.S. military and commercial customers across North America.
FedEx Orders Boeing 777 and ATR Cargo Aircraft, Delays MD-11 Retirements
FedEx Corp. has exercised options to purchase eight additional Boeing 777 freighters from Boeing and pushed back retirement of the tri-engine MD-11 fleet in response to rising demand for international nonparcel freight service, the company said in third-quarter results.
Toulouse, France-based ATR, a manufacturer of regional aircraft, announced that FedEx will acquire 10 extra ATR 72-600 turboprop freighter aircraft, with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2029.
Ride into the Future with Waymo on Uber in Austin
Austin riders can be matched with a Waymo autonomous vehicle (AV) on the Uber app, making your next trip even more special. With Waymo’s technology and Uber’s proven platform, we’re excited to introduce our customers to a future of transportation that is increasingly electric and autonomous. In Austin, Waymo rides will only be available on the Uber app.
The Source is a free educational publication for NDTA members, conference attendees, and associates.