The Official Newsletter of The National Defense Transportation Association
September 17, 2025
Register Today
October 6-9, 2025
The 13th annual NDTA-USTRANSCOM Fall Meeting will be held October 6-9, 2025, at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, MO. The Fall Meeting will include Transportation Academy educational sessions led by dynamic and experienced government and industry leaders, complementing this year’s theme: “Powering Global Deployment & Distribution — Ready, United, Decisive!” Transportation Academy sessions receive outstanding survey results every year, and we expect the trend to continue in 2025! […READ MORE…]
Pentagon to Officially Implement CMMC Requirements in Contracts by Nov. 10
The amendment to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) marks the near end of a long effort to enforce CMMC 2.0 cybersecurity standards for defense contractors. The Pentagon has posted the much-anticipated updated rule that will require contracts to implement Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 (CMMC 2.0) standards moving forward. The final rule will officially take effect Nov. 10. […READ MORE…]
T&I Approves Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize and Reform Counter-UAS Authorities
The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved legislation to reauthorize, reform, and expand the existing counter-unmanned aircraft system (counter-UAS) authorities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Graves (R-MO) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA) joined Homeland Security Committee Chair Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) and Ranking Member Bennie Thompson to introduce the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act (H.R. 5061). […READ MORE…]
WASHINGTON, DC — US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a new pilot program within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to accelerate the deployment of advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles. These new technologies have the potential to transform aviation, including expanding connectivity to rural American communities, reducing road congestion in urban areas, and enhancing emergency services or medical transport. […READ MORE…]
DoD Needs More Feedback from Troops in Future PCS Moves, GAO Finds
As defense officials take steps to improve the shipments of troops’ belongings to a new duty station, they need to ensure that they include comprehensive feedback from troops and families about their household goods experience to inform future oversight, government auditors have recommended. That was a missing key element in the government’s implementation of the now-failed Global Household Goods contract, according to a GAO report. […READ MORE…]
A Special Invitation
You’re Invited to the Second Annual
SDDC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
On Behalf of Major General Lance Curtis, Commanding General, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, we request the honor of your presence at the Surface Warrior Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Induction Ceremony.
Friday, October 3 at 10 a.m.
Seay Auditorium, Scott Air Force Base, IL
Reception immediately following in Command Conference Room 3062
Class of 2025 Inductees include:
Major General Susan Davidson, Retired
Major General Kurt Ryan, Retired
Mr. William Lucas, Jr., SES, Retired
Command Sergeant Major Thomas Mott, Retired (Posthumous)
Military Dress: AGSU’s/Service Equivalent
Civilian Dress: Business Casual
To view your invitation, please click the link below. If you are unable to click on the link, please copy and paste the address into your web browser.
https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/SgX78nRUF8
We look forward to seeing you at the ceremony!
FTR: Tariffs Pushing Freight, Truck Sales Rebound into 2027
(Transport Topics) North American Class 8 truck production levels are set to decrease further in 2025 and into 2026 as uncertainty fueled by President Donald Trump’s tariff-focused trade policies cut more deeply into the marketplace, FTR Transportation Intelligence said.
The economic forecasting firm now expects 2025 North American Class 8 factory shipments to total 247,000 trucks, down from the 288,000 trucks predicted to ship in 2025. […READ MORE…]
Celebrating Our Nation’s Truckers
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) is an annual celebration from September 14-20, 2025, dedicated to honoring the nation’s professional truck drivers for their essential contributions to the economy and daily life. This year’s theme is “From Highways to Homes: We Appreciate Truckers.”
Organized by the American Trucking Associations (ATA), NTDAW recognizes the more than 3.6 million drivers who transport essential goods, including food, clothing and medicine, to ensure they reach communities safely and on time. This week provides an opportunity for companies and the public to express gratitude through actions like providing special offers, hosting appreciation meals, giving gifts, and highlighting the hard work of these vital professionals.
Keep on trucking!
You’re Invited to a Virtual Expert Panel!
Navigating Government Lodging Solutions
Are you navigating the complexities of government lodging programs? Join us for an exclusive virtual panel featuring top industry experts who will demystify the landscape and provide actionable insights into Fedrooms, DOD Preferred, Long-Term Lodging, and more.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Time: 2 PM – 3:30 PM ET
Location: Virtual – Register Here
Featured Panelists
- Kirsten Abbott – DOD Preferred Lodging Program Manager, DTMO
- Amy Hill – Director of Fedrooms and DOD Preferred, Adtrav
- Jennifer Miller – Global Program Manager, GSA
- Treavor Edwards – LTL Program, GSA
- Jason Moore – CEO, Patriot Global Lodging & Chair, GSA Long-Term Lodging Committee
Topics of Discussion
- Fedrooms & DOD Preferred Programs
- Long-Term & Emergency Lodging Solutions
- Booking Strategies & Available Sources
- Compliance, Policy, and Buyer Challenges
- Technology Tools (DTS, etc.)
Whether you’re a travel manager, procurement officer, or industry partner, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to optimize your government lodging strategy!
Member Spotlight
Editor’s Note: This issue of The Source shines a light on an NDTA member whose unique career journey in industrial relations and security has spanned over five decades.
Michael P. Rother: Building Alliances for National Security
Michael P. Rother has been a member of the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) for three years, where his focus is on building strong partnerships among industry leaders to mitigate emerging threats to our nation and the American people.
Michael currently serves on the board of directors of InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA), an FBI-affiliated independent nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting US critical infrastructure and the American people. INMA is the private sector component of the FBI’s InfraGard® program, which is a partnership between the FBI and members of the private sector for the protection of US critical infrastructure.
Michael has a long and distinguished career spanning over five decades in the heavy industrial and construction markets. He recently retired from the Prairie State Generating Company (PSGC), the operating company of the Prairie State Energy Campus (PSEC). During his seven-year tenure, he held multiple leadership roles, including Director of Contracts, Director of Industrial Relations, and Director of Security. […READ MORE…]
Editor’s Picks
US Air Force Takes Delivery of Most Advanced Nuclear Bomber in the World
(Aviation A2Z) The USAF confirmed that its second B-21 Raider stealth bomber has successfully flown to Edwards Air Force Base (EDW) in California. This milestone expands the service’s ability to conduct testing on the next-generation long-range bomber. The new arrival allows the Air Force to move beyond initial flight performance checks and begin evaluating advanced mission systems and weapons integration.
FAA Launches eVTOL Pilot Program to Shape Future Air Travel
(Military Aerospace) The US Department of Transportation and FAA are launching a series of pilot programs for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis, self-flying planes, short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft, and other advanced air mobility (AAM) technology, The eIPP’s overarching goal is to generate data and experience to shape national policy, FAA guidance, rules, best practices, and regulations for commercial AAM operations.
Super Quiet Special Operations Drones Being Modified to Launch Smaller Drones
(TWZ) US special operations Long Endurance Aircraft (LEA) surveillance drones, which are based on a civilian powered glider design, are set to gain the ability to launch smaller uncrewed aerial systems. An air-launched drone capability is a huge force multiplier that opens the possibility of employing them in new ways, including using them to conduct kinetic strikes.
Davie Unveils $1B ‘American Icebreaker Factory’ in Texas to Build Arctic Security Cutters
(gCaptain) Davie Defense Inc., the newest entrant to the American shipbuilding sector, has revealed detailed plans for a $1 billion overhaul of the historic Gulf Copper shipyard in Galveston, Texas, aiming to create the “American Icebreaker Factory”—a purpose-built facility for constructing US Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutters.
Coast Guard Exercises Contract Option for 10 Additional Fast Response Cutters
(uscg.mil) The US Coast Guard has exercised a contract option with Bollinger Shipyards of Lockport, La., to fund initial construction on 10 additional Fast Response Cutters (FRCs). The $507 million option supports ongoing efforts to modernize the fleet and expand the Coast Guard’s global maritime mission.
Coast Guard’s Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron Completes 1,000th Interdiction
(uscg.mil) The US Coast Guard’s Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) achieved a significant milestone in its counter-drug mission, completing its 1,000th interdiction of suspected narco-trafficking vessels Aug. 25. Since Oct. 1, 2024, HITRON has interdicted $3.3 billion in illicit narcotics destined for the United States via maritime routes of $1 billion.
CN, CSX Join on New Nashville Intermodal Service
On the heels of the proposed merger of Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern in July, Canadian National and CSX said they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a new intermodal service into Nashville, Tenn. The cooperation will provide an all-rail alternative for international containers moving from Canada’s West Coast maritime gateways through Memphis directly into Nashville.
DHL to Buy SDS Rx, Expand Healthcare Logistics
(SupplyChainBrain.com) DHL has agreed to acquire SDS Rx, a provider of final-mile delivery and specialized healthcare transportation for long-term care and specialty pharmacies, radiopharmacies and health system networks. DHL said he acquisition will expand DHL’s healthcare logistics portfolio.
Kalitta Air Prepares to Fly First-ever Converted 777 Cargo Jet
(FreightWaves) Kalitta Air plans to begin operating the world’s first two Boeing 777-300 aircraft in October, retrofitted from passenger to cargo configuration, marking a new aftermarket production source that analysts say will provide needed long-haul capacity as a large portion of the existing widebody freighter fleet ages out.
Port of San Diego Receives Prestigious National Budget Award
(Port of San Diego) The Port of San Diego is honored to receive the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Budget from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The award, a first for the Port of San Diego, is a significant achievement that reflects the Port’s commitment of leadership and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.
The Source is a free educational publication for NDTA members, conference attendees, and associates.