The Official Newsletter of The National Defense Transportation Association
May 21, 2025
NDTA – CAS
Surface Force Projection Conference
Register Today!
Education, Deployment, and Sustainment Readiness are the key reasons for our meeting at the SFPC! Don’t miss this great opportunity to join the Surface Force Projection Conference (SFPC), June 10-12, 2025! […READ MORE…]
NDTA Europe & Africa Workshop
Registration
Register by May 23 for the 2025 NDTA Europe & Africa Workshop in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, July 8! Hear from key leaders, including:
- BG Manu Davis, USAR, Commanding General, Deployment Support Command
- CMSgt Martinez, USAF, Traffic Manager, US Air Force Europe / Africa Command
- COL Gary Whittacre, USA, Commander, 598thTransportation Brigade
- VADM Andy Brown, USN (Ret.), President & CEO, NDTA
- …and more!
Topics will include US Air Force logistics operations, US seaport operations, US Army Reserve deployment and transportation, and more.
House Bill Would Provide $80 Billion for Transit Agency Operating Costs
WASHINGTON — US Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) on Friday introduced a bill that would provide $20 billion annually for the next four years to bolster public transit operating budgets.
The Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act would create a grant program for projects that make “substantial improvements to transit service” by increasing routes and frequencies of buses and trains. It would also clearly define funding for “areas of persistent poverty” and “underserved communities.” […READ MORE…]
Here’s How Military Households Can Keep Their PCS Move on Track Amid 2025 Privatization
With 2025’s peak PCS season approaching, the US military’s new contractor overseeing moves is providing suggestions to help families avoid mishaps.
HomeSafe Alliance is the contractor that took over management of the Defense Department’s household relocation process in recent months under the Global Household Goods Contract. HomeSafe and the military services began limiting the numbers of shipments under the contract, which leans on a new suite of apps, in March after delays and cancellations of moves. […READ MORE…]
A Taipei Airlift: Lessons from Berlin
By Reid Yankowski and Robert Wes
(War on the Rocks) China’s 2024 Joint Sword exercises, and more recent Strait Thunder-2025A exercise, awakened the public psyche to the reality that the People’s Liberation Army is not just training, but rehearsing to blockade Taiwan. Such a blockade would involve halting traffic in and out of Taiwan and disrupting information flows to and from the outside world. This would isolate the nation and set the conditions for a subsequent invasion. […READ MORE…]
Container Shippers Win China-US Tariff Reprieve, Await Volume Rebound
By Rachel More and Lisa Baertlein
BERLIN/LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -The container shipping industry welcomed an agreement between the United States and China to temporarily slash punishing tariffs, saying it expected to be buoyed by a resulting recovery in bookings from China to the US.
The United States will cut extra tariffs it imposed on Chinese imports in April to 30% from 145% and Chinese duties on US imports will fall to 10% from 125% for the next 90 days, the two sides said on Monday. […READ MORE…]
Port of Long Beach Braces for May Slump Following Record-Breaking April
By Mike Schuler
(gCaptain.com) The Port of Long Beach is anticipating a significant downturn in May shipments following its strongest April on record, as the effects of recently paused tariffs ripple through the supply chain.
In April, the port handled 867,493 TEUs, marking a 15.6% increase from the previous year. Import volumes rose 15.1% to 419,828 TEUs, while exports saw a 4.5% decrease to 93,842 TEUs. Empty container movement increased by 23% to 353,824 TEUs.
Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero warns of broader economic implications: “After moving the most containerized cargo of any American port in the first quarter of 2025, we are now anticipating a more than 10% drop-off in imports in May …” […READ MORE…]
DLA Director Urges ‘Deliberate, Disciplined’ Approach to Transformation
By Amy Perry, DLA Aviation Public Affairs
The Defense Logistics Agency director, Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly, told DLA Aviation leaders May 5 that the agency must transform to meet evolving Defense Department needs and ensure continued warfighter support.
“The need for a call to action also has been amplified in terms of the urgency needed to be best positioned to support our nation and the Department of Defense in the future and provide adequate readiness solutions today,” said Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly during the mid-year review of DLA Aviation’s annual operating plan at Defense Supply Center Richmond.
“That’s what the agency exists for, and our purpose is to be best suited to provide that support. That doesn’t always mean we will be organized the way we were in the past. It means we have to be optimized for supporting the future.” […READ MORE…]
Chapter News
Garth Sanginiti Named NDTA Florida State President
Garth Sanginiti, Chief Growth Officer and VP of Government Programs at Anew Solutions, has taken on an additional role as NDTA Florida State President as Victor “Wally” Gonzalez steps down after many years of excellent service.
Sanginiti first became involved with NDTA during his tenure at U.S. Transportation Command, both as a Division Chief in the Acquisition Directorate and as Chief Business Management Officer standing up the Enterprise Readiness Center (ERC), working with NDTA and USTRANSCOM’s Fourth Component to address readiness and capacity issues for both peacetime and wartime requirements. His involvement with NDTA continued as a Client Relationship Executive at Deloitte’s Defense, Security and Justice practice, where he was accountable for growth and sustainability across the Air Force, OSD and Combatant Commands.
In March 2025, when Sanginiti accepted his current role at Anew Solutions, he made reengaging with NDTA a top priority.
“I strongly believe in the mission of NDTA as a ‘trusted environment’ to grow and build relationships between the government and the Fourth Component,” said Sanginiti, who looks forward to Anew’s contributions to this partnership. “As Florida’s President, my goal is to create energy within the government and DIB partners in the state, focusing on the importance of transportation and logistics as a force multiplier and power projection platform in today’s challenging geopolitical environment.”
NDTA HQ congratulations Garth for taking this exciting new step, and many thanks to Wally for his dedicated contributions to NDTA as Florida State President.
Chapter News
JAX Chapter Sponsors TALON Networking Dinner
Contributed by Angie Reno
The NDTA Jacksonville (JAX) Chapter supported the Transportation and Logistics Organization Network (TALON) Networking Dinner held during the International Propeller Club’s Southeast Region Annual Conference on April 24, 2025. The dinner focused on Technology, Resiliency & Trade: Trends Shaping our Region’s Economy.
TALON is a collaborative effort between nine industry-related organizations that focus on information sharing, workforce development, and business and economic opportunities for the Northeast Florida region. […READ MORE…]
Chapter News
Houston Chapter Hosted Networking Luncheon
The NDTA Houston Chapter hosted a networking luncheon on May 1, 2025, offering industry professionals a valuable opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships across the maritime community. The event featured guest speaker LTC Aubrey Ashford, USA, Commander, 842nd Transportation Battalion, 597th Transportation Brigade, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC).
The chapter extends its sincere appreciation to LTC Ashford, and thanks to the West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA) for generously providing their facilities to host the event.
Follow the NDTA Houston Chapter on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ndta.houston
Editor’s Picks
‘Ultra Luxury’ Airline Is Coming to US State in 2026
(Men’s Journal) Air travel has been a major topic within the United States over the last few months, but one major luxury airline is looking to add some positivity after a difficult run for the aviation industry.
Etihad is adding two new routes in southern American states with direct flights to Abu Dhabi. The first route will take travelers from Atlanta and is expected to debut in July, while the route from Charlotte, NC, to Abu Dhabi will be established in 2026.
Trucking Gives DOT an Earful on Unshackling Freight Market
(Freight Waves) When the US Department of Transportation solicited comments in April on what it could do to remove burdensome and costly regulations, the trucking sector didn’t hold back.
Of the close to 900 recommendations for deregulatory actions filed with DOT – part of the department’s implementation of executive orders issued by President Donald Trump aimed at cutting through the federal bureaucracy and controlling costs for industry – roughly 30% were related to regulations affecting truck drivers and motor carriers.
Zero Ships from China Are Bound for California’s Top Ports
(CNN) On Friday morning, West Coast port officials told CNN about a startling sight: Not a single cargo vessel had left China with goods for the two major West Coast ports in the past 12 hours. That hasn’t happened since the pandemic.
Six days ago, 41 vessels were scheduled to depart China for the San Pedro Bay Complex, which encompasses both the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach in California. On Friday, it was zero.
New US Marines CH-53K Helicopter Begins Path to Full Mission Readiness with First Depot Maintenance
(Army Recognition) The US Navy Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE), located at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina, has initiated a new phase in its mission to support the US Marine Corps’ aviation fleet with the induction of the CH-53K King Stallion into depot-level maintenance. This significant event marks the first time that this advanced heavy-lift helicopter has entered scheduled maintenance at a depot facility.
Advanced Connectivity Transforms the ‘Vessel as a Floating Office’ from Concept to Reality
(gCaptain.com) Advancements in shipboard connectivity are transforming the ‘vessel as a floating office’ from concept to reality, as commercial vessel operators secure new opportunities to enhance safety and efficiency. This was highlighted by a panel of experts at Inmarsat’s ‘Thriving in the Digital Age’ seminar,
Sakura Kuma, Executive Officer of MOL and Managing Director of MOL (Asia Oceania), described the critical role connectivity plays in the safe operations across its fleet of almost 900 vessels to the audience at Inmarsat Maritime’s latest ‘Thriving in the Digital Age’ seminar, during Singapore Maritime Week 2025.
Please join NDTA in extending a warm welcome to its newest University member:
C5MI and KINEXON Launch Strategic Partnership to Advance Real-Time Automation in Operations
Jacksonville Beach, FL – May 15, 2025: C5MI, a premier IT and supply chain solutions leader, has announced a strategic partnership with KINEXON, a pioneering technology company specializing in real-time location intelligence and digital twin technologies. This collaboration brings together two industry leaders with deep SAP expertise and a shared commitment to operational excellence.
“Partnering with KINEXON lets us bring real-time asset visibility and automation to some of the most complex manufacturing environments,” said Marty Groover, Senior Technical Fellow — Industry 4.0. “With our roots in Defense and deep SAP know-how, we’re helping A&D teams work smarter, faster, and more connected than ever — seamlessly linking the top floor to the shop floor through KINEXON’s technology.”
FedEx, Amazon Strike Large-package Delivery Deal
FedEx will deliver large packages to Amazon’s residential customers under a multi-year agreement. The agreement comes nearly six years after FedEx let its Express and Ground shipping contracts with the e-commerce giant expire.
The two parties signed a partnership deal in late February that provides Amazon “cost favorability” when compared to using UPS. Further details of the arrangement, including its timing and scope, were not provided by FedEx or Amazon.
Maersk Looks to Fill Up Container Ships in a Flash (Sale)
Even as the United States and China called timeout on their tariff war, Maersk wants shippers to get back in the game.
Maersk is offering a flash sale with discounts on dozens of inland trade corridors in the United States and Canada through Maersk Spot, the Danish carrier’s on-demand digital booking service aimed at small and medium-size shippers.
The promotional pricing, announced in an email to customers, reflects an average discount of 12–16% for a limited time on select port-to-warehouse high-volume Inland corridors.
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