The Official Newsletter of The National Defense Transportation Association

October 1, 2026

Registration is NOW Open

The National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA), in co-sponsorship with the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) and the General Services Administration (GSA) will host the 2027 GovTravels February 22-25 at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel in Alexandria, VA. GovTravels is the key event where decision makers from government and industry gather to learn and collaborate on passenger travel issues. We’ve created the program with input from NDTA‘s Government Passenger Travel Advisory Council (GPTAC), DTMO, GSA and travel industry representatives. Register today for early rates that will expire on January 21, 2027.

The GovTravels 2027 theme, “Meeting Mission Demands: Policy, Innovation, and the Travel Manager,” recognizes that meeting mission requirements demands the integration of effective travel policy, innovation, and skilled leadership. […READ MORE…]

The NDTA Jacksonville Chapter will host the NDTA JAX Mini-Maritime Industrial Base Northeast Florida Symposium at the Adam W. Herbert University Center — University of North Florida on Friday, Oct. 16.

Educators, maritime leaders, workforce professionals, and community partners will come together to focus on “Educators & Industry: Advancing the First Coast’s Shipbuilding Future.” We will explore how Northeast Florida can build a stronger maritime talent pipeline, strengthen collaboration between education and industry, and prepare the next generation for the opportunities ahead.

For more information and to register: Events | Discover, Reflect, Connect — National Defense Transportation Association Jacksonville Chapter

Hapag-Lloyd Revises $4.2 Billion Zim Acquisition Proposal
Hapag-Lloyd and Israeli investment firm FIMI submitted revised terms for their proposed $4.2 billion acquisition of Zim Integrated Shipping Services. The changes seek to address Israeli government concerns involving maritime security, strategic vessels, foreign ownership and guaranteed access to international shipping routes. If approved, the transaction would combine more than 400 vessels and over 3 million TEUs of capacity, substantially expanding Hapag-Lloyd’s presence in trans-Pacific and U.S. import supply chains. The companies are targeting a late-2026 closing, subject to remaining governmental and regulatory approvals. (FreightWaves, Sept. 26, 2026)

Amazon Launches Single-Shipment Global Inventory Network
Amazon announced that sellers will be able to send one manufacturing shipment to an Amazon-operated facility and serve customers in eight countries through its Global Warehousing and Distribution network. The service currently connects to the United States and will add Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, France, Italy and Spain by year-end. Amazon projects storage costs up to 45% below its U.S. warehousing service and replenishment up to five days faster. A related compliance program consolidates product-testing, labeling and certification requirements across participating markets, reducing both cross-border complexity and cost. (FreightWaves, Sept. 27, 2026)

Boeing Addresses 737 MAX Landing-Navigation Software Issue
Boeing identified a 737 MAX software problem that can make automated flight guidance unavailable during a specific landing scenario. The issue can arise after a missed approach when a crew changes its planned flight path. Boeing notified operators, reinforced existing pilot procedures and is developing a permanent software update, while the FAA prepares a Corrective Action Review Board assessment. United Airlines and Southwest Airlines reportedly asked Boeing to deliver new aircraft with an earlier software version until the matter is resolved. The number of aircraft operating with the affected software remained undetermined. (Reuters, Sept. 25, 2026)

Union Pacific Begins Battery-Locomotive Testing in Southern California
Union Pacific deployed its first two Wabtec FLXdrive battery-electric locomotives for field testing in Southern California. Two additional locomotives are scheduled to arrive in October, completing a four-unit test fleet for switching and local customer service around Los Angeles. Each locomotive carries approximately 2.7 megawatt-hours of storage from about 7,000 battery cells. The railroad will evaluate operational performance, reliability and potential emissions reductions under demanding daily freight conditions. The program could influence future investment decisions concerning lower-emission propulsion, terminal operations and supporting electrical infrastructure. (FreightWaves, Sept. 25, 2026)

Amazon Expands Global Data-Center Logistics Partnership
Amazon signed a long-term agreement with Kuehne+Nagel covering logistics support for Amazon Web Services’ global data-center expansion and other infrastructure requirements. Kuehne+Nagel has already transported servers and related cargo for Amazon, primarily by air, for at least two years. The expanded arrangement adds ocean, road and contract-logistics services covering the entire infrastructure lifecycle, including construction, maintenance, upgrades and expansion. The agreement establishes an integrated multimodal supply chain for high-value equipment needed to support Amazon’s rapidly growing cloud-computing and data-center network worldwide. (FreightWaves, Sept. 21, 2026)

Missed a great NDTA conference or meeting session — or ready to revisit one? Check out NDTA’s video archives to find standout sessions that feature ideas, expertise and perspectives from leaders and experts across the defense transportation community.

Turbo Fusion Lessons Learned and the Way Ahead

COL Richard Thornberg, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, U.S. Army Transportation Command, moderates a panel of experts about Operation Turbo Fusion. This initiative, designed to test R-Trans’ evolving operating concept for large-scale deployments in support of Indo-Pacific operations, is a team effort requiring Army units, ports, shipping companies, labor organizations, and commercial partners.

Good ideas don’t have an expiration date. Revisit a Defense Transportation Journal article from the NDTA archives and discover insights that resonate with today’s challenges.

In his article, Saluting the River Rats: A Tribute to the 1099th Transportation Company, LTC Richard Dan Hill, USA (Ret.), recounts the history and valor of the 1099th Transportation Company, known as the “River Rats.” From transporting troops, fuel, and ammunition through the Mekong Delta to enduring deadly river ambushes, the unit became one of the Army’s most decorated transportation companies.

Editor’s Picks

Military Sealift Command Seeks 137-Day Dry Cargo Charter

Military Sealift Command is seeking pricing and vessel-availability information for an approximately 137-day charter beginning Jan. 10, 2027. The requirement calls for U.S.- or foreign-flag self-sustaining vessels capable of carrying military cargo, including AH-64 and UH-60 helicopters, tracked and wheeled vehicles, breakbulk and containers with hazardous materials. Delivery and redelivery are planned for Tacoma, Wash. Responses are due Sept. 30. The notice comes from MSC’s Strategic Sealift Program Support Office and is market research rather than a formal solicitation. (Federal Compass, Sept. 23, 2026)

USTRANSCOM Adds $14.4 Million to Navy Repairable-Parts Transportation Contract

U.S. Transportation Command awarded 1st Coast Cargo Inc. a $14.4 million contract modification for continued transportation of repairable parts under the Naval Supply Systems Command Advanced Traceability and Control Program. Work covers the 48 contiguous states, Hawaii and Canada and is expected to continue through March 28, 2027. The modification brings the contract’s cumulative value to approximately $157.9 million. Fiscal 2027 Navy working-capital funds are being obligated at award. (PublicNow, Sept. 22, 2026)

North American Cross-Border Freight Jumps 18.8%

The value of freight moving between the United States, Canada and Mexico reached $157.6 billion in July, up 18.8% from July 2025, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Trucks carried $108.2 billion, up 23.9%. Rail moved $15.6 billion, up 8.7%, while vessel freight increased 12% to $9.9 billion. U.S.-Mexico freight reached $94.8 billion, up 27.5%, while U.S.-Canada freight totaled $62.8 billion, up 7.8%. (Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Sept. 23, 2026)

Trans-Pacific Container Rates Reach $8,446 as U.S.-Bound Pricing Surges

Container spot rates from China to the North American West Coast reached $8,446 per forty-foot equivalent unit on Sept. 23, according to Freightos data reported by FreightWaves. The rate was nearly double its 12-month average of $4,381 and about four times the level recorded in September 2025. The North American trade has diverged sharply from China-Mediterranean pricing during the past several weeks, with rate movements not fully explained by changes in freight demand. Rating: 10/10 (FreightWaves, Sept. 26, 2026)

CSX-Served Alabama Inland Terminal Advances Toward Opening

Construction advanced on the Alabama Port Authority’s $100 million Montgomery Intermodal Container Transfer Facility, with grading and utility work complete and rail construction underway. The 272-acre inland terminal will connect manufacturers, distributors and exporters in central Alabama with the Port of Mobile through direct CSX rail service. Designed for daily express trains and as many as 60,000 container units annually, the facility will provide an alternative to long-distance truck drayage. More than 25,000 feet of track, container storage, truck access and cargo-handling equipment are planned ahead of its early-2027 opening. (FreightWaves, Sept. 22, 2026)

Proposed Mexico Customs Changes Could Increase Cargo Holds and Border Delays

Proposed changes to Mexico’s customs law would give authorities greater ability to scrutinize import valuations and could increase cargo holds and shipment delays at the U.S.-Mexico border. The proposal would strengthen authorities’ ability to challenge undervalued imports and seize shipments, raising operational concerns for cross-border trucking and trade. The issue comes as U.S.-Mexico freight volumes remain a major component of North American surface transportation. (FreightWaves, Sept. 27, 2026)

Cargo Congestion Forces Lufthansa to Suspend Mumbai Freighter Service

Lufthansa Cargo suspended freighter service to Mumbai International Airport from Sept. 20 through the end of September as construction and rising cargo volumes caused significant congestion. Logistics companies warned customers to expect shipping delays, while truck wait times at the airport reached as long as three days. The disruption illustrates how infrastructure constraints at a major international gateway can quickly affect air-cargo schedules and ground transportation. (FreightWaves, Sept. 25, 2026)

FAA Deploys SMART Platform to Anticipate Airspace Congestion

The Federal Aviation Administration introduced Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories, or SMART, a traffic-management platform combining approximately 200 data streams, including weather, flight paths, traffic flows and controller staffing. The system is intended to give aviation specialists a forward-looking view of congestion and help them recommend operational changes before disruptions occur. The technology could affect flight scheduling, delay management and passenger reliability throughout the national airspace system. (Department of Transportation, Sept. 21, 2026)

U.S. Domestic Airfare Holds Nearly Flat at $436

The average U.S. domestic airfare fell slightly to $436.36 in the second quarter of 2026 from an inflation-adjusted $436.45 in the first quarter, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. One-way tickets averaged $307 and round-trip tickets averaged $535. The figures are based on BTS’s expanded Origin-Destination Survey of Airline Passengers, which now samples approximately 40% of tickets sold by covered U.S. carriers. (Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Sept. 25, 2026)

DOT Finalizes New Eligibility Rules for Transportation and Airport DBE Programs

The Department of Transportation finalized amendments to its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise regulations effective Sept. 25. The rule completes a transition to individualized determinations of social and economic disadvantages and adds administrative clarifications, including reevaluation deadlines. The requirements affect transportation contractors, airports, concession businesses and organizations participating in federally supported programs governed by 49 CFR Parts 23 and 26. DOT said the final rule follows the policy framework established by its October 2025 interim final rule. (GovInfo, Sept. 25, 2026)

DOT Secretary Says He Will Seek Another $30 Billion for Air Traffic System

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he plans to ask Congress for an additional $30 billion to improve air traffic control towers, software, digital systems and airport facilities, according to Business Travel News, citing Reuters. The announcement followed a Northeast telecommunications outage that produced widespread cancellations and delays. At Newark Liberty International Airport, more than half of departing flights were canceled during the disruption, while Philadelphia International Airport also experienced substantial cancellations and delays. (Business Travel News, Sept. 23, 2026)

FEMA Kicks Off National Preparedness Month

(www.ready.gov) The 2026 National Preparedness Month theme of FEMA’s Ready Campaign is  “Americans Stand Ready.”  The campaign empowers Americans to take charge of their own readiness by creating an emergency plan to keep their families safe and their neighborhood and communities more resilient—before, during and after disasters.

2026 National Preparedness Month Partner Toolkit.pdf

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