The Official Newsletter of The National Defense Transportation Association
September 10, 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 Doubling Down on Alternatives to GPS that Aren’t in Space
(Air & Space Forces) The US. military is doubling down on non-space-based alternatives to GPS, the ubiquitous position, navigation, and timing service provided by the US Space Force, with new funding for the development and testing of operational prototypes of quantum-based devices that don’t depend on easily jammable signals from satellites. […READ MORE…]
Editor’s Note: Lisa Dyer, Executive Director at GPS Innovation Alliance (GPSIA), will join us at the 2025 NDTA-USTRANSCOM Fall Meeting for a keynote discussion on “GPS & PNT: The Backbone of Modern Deployment and Distribution in a Contested Global Environment.”
Container Shipping Profits Plummet to $4.4 Billion in Q2 as US Tariffs Threaten Further Declines
By Mike Schuler
(gCaptain) The container shipping industry posted a net income of $4.4 billion for the second quarter of 2025, marking a significant 56% sequential decline from the $9.9 billion earned in Q1, according to maritime financial analyst John McCown. The figure also represents a steep 63.7% year-over-year drop from the $12 billion profit recorded in Q2 2024. McCown notes that his earlier prediction of $5 billion in Q2 earnings proved “too optimistic” as the industry faces mounting headwinds. […READ MORE…]
Editor’s Note: John D. McCown, Senior Fellow, Center for Maritime Strategy, will deliver his keynote, “Maritime Strategy & Health of the Industry,” at the NDTA-USTRANSCOM Fall Meeting.
Pentagon Forms New Task Force to First-track Counter-drone Capabilities
(Military Times) The Pentagon is replacing its old playbook for defending against small drones in favor of a model that comes with new money and authority geared to field capability faster.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the formation of the Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401) to “better align authorities and resources to rapidly deliver (joint counter-small unmanned aircraft system) capabilities to America’s warfighters, defeat adversary threats, and promote sovereignty over national airspace.” […READ MORE…]
Weaning the US Military Off a Tablet Supply Chain that Leads to China
By Jim Will
(Defense Opinion) Tablets are critical to military operations but depend on a fragile, China-linked supply chain. Demand is expected to grow significantly as tablets support avionics, logistics, and command functions. Many components originate from companies tied to China’s military, flagged by Congress for security risks. Despite rigorous US vetting, reliance on adversary-controlled hardware remains dangerous. […READ MORE…]
Fincantieri Adds 600 Shipyard Workers as US Shipbuilding Renaissance Gains Steam
By Mike Schuler
(gCaptain) Fincantieri Marine Group (FMG) has added more than 600 workers to its US shipyards since February 2025 amid what company officials describe as a revival of American shipbuilding capabilities. The hiring surge puts the company on track to reach 2,700 employees in the United States by year-end. […READ MORE…]
By Steve Petz, Senior Vice President, RedGuard
Introduction: A New Chapter in American Logistics
In an era where global competition for logistics dominance is intensifying, the US Department of Defense (DoD) and its industry partners are turning to innovation to secure both operational agility and supply chain sovereignty. In support of this effort, RedGuard, US Steel, and AKUA have entered into a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at producing the first fully US-manufactured, secure smart shipping containers built from American steel, equipped with advanced in-transit visibility (ITV) technology, and tested in real-world defense logistics operations.
This initiative is more than a technology pilot. It’s a blueprint for how the United States can close critical capability gaps, reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, and integrate commercial and defense logistics into a unified, resilient architecture. […READ MORE…]
FMCSA Pumps the Brakes on New Trucking Regulations
By
(gCaptain) The Trump Administration has pushed into 2026 a slate of potential regulations affecting the trucking industry, including a second proposed rule aimed at combatting alleged price gouging by freight brokers.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published the first notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on the broker transparency in November 2024 at the request of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and the Small Business in Transportation Coalition (SBTC), which generated over 5,000 comments. […READ MORE…]
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!
NDTA’s First Annual Texas Regional Meeting Wrap-up
The National Defense Transportation Association’s (NDTA) First Annual Texas Regional Meeting was held at the Texas Capitol’s Legislative Conference Center on August 28, 2025. This landmark event brought together 80 attendees, including military leaders, defense transportation professionals, public agencies, industry partners and NDTA leaders and members to discuss current challenges and future opportunities in mobility.
Honored guests included Vice Admiral William Brown, USN (Ret.), NDTA President and CEO, and Craig Hymes, NDTA Senior VP of Operations. The meeting served as a platform for collaboration and dialogue on transportation readiness and infrastructure resiliency, critical priorities for both our national defense and the Texas economy.
Keynote speakers and panel discussion participants:
Gier Eilif Kalhagen, Maritime Division Director, TxDOT
Philip John Krueger, Chief, Ports and National Defense
Michael White, Chief, Texas State Guard
Roger Neumann, VP, Contingency Planning, The Exchange
LTC Dezerie Jemmott, USA, Battalion Commander, SDDC
Event highlights:
- Strengthening coordination between DoD and civilian transportation sectors
- Addressing capacity limitations across ports, roadways, and rail
- Planning for future logistics needs amid global uncertainty
- Enhancing infrastructure to support rapid military deployment and disaster response
Given Texas’ strategic role in the defense supply chain and the strength of our multimodal transportation network, this event was a powerful acknowledgment of the importance of continued investment and partnership in these efforts.
Editor’s Picks
Air Force Debuts Pilotless Cargo Flights in the Pacific
(Defense One) Autonomous cargo flights across the Pacific were a little-known highlight this summer at the Air Force’s massive Resolute Force Pacific exercise, designed to prepare for a potential conflict with China. The flights between multiple Hawaiian islands, operated by a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan powered by Joby Aviation’s Superpilot software, were remotely operated from Guam, which is about 4,000 miles away.
US Air Force Tests New YFQ-42A Combat Drone Prototype
(New Atlas) One of the US Air Force’s first official combat drones has taken to the air after only a year of building and development. General Atomics’s YFQ-42A is currently undergoing flight testing in anticipation of a future fleet of 1,000 autonomous planes.
US Unveils Futuristic Tricopter During Egypt Drills
(Defence-Blog) According to the US Air Force, the 1st Special Operations Wing launched the Edge 130 Blue small, unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) during BRIGHT STAR 25 at Talet Al Keif, Egypt, on August 30, 2025. The Edge 130 Blue is a military-grade tricopter capable of vertical takeoff and landing, hovering, and forward flight.
US Navy Takes Delivery of New LCAC 114 from Textron
(Naval Technology) The US Navy has received the newest Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), the Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 114, which will improve the service’s amphibious capability. The new addition, delivered by Textron Systems, will also provide deployment and logistical support to the US Navy.
Coast Guard to Get First MQ-9 Drones
(Military Times) The Coast Guard is getting its first MQ-9 drones to help counter human trafficking, assist with drug interdictions and improve search-and-rescue missions, an addition that current and former officials are heralding as a game changer in the fight against smuggling. Known for their long flight times needed for extensive surveillance missions, the MQ-9 is among the most sought-after drones for combatant commanders.
US Builds Up Forces in Caribbean as Officials, Experts, Ask Why
(gCaptain) A large buildup of US naval forces in and around the Southern Caribbean has officials in Caracas and experts in the United States wondering if the move is aimed at combating drug cartels, or something else. Seven US warships, along with one nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, are either in the region or expected to be there soon, bringing along more than 4,500 sailors and marines.
Here’s How the AIRCAT Bengal MC Drone Revolutionizes Naval Warfare
(The National Interest) Developed by Eureka Naval Craft, the AIRCAT Bengal MC is the newest groundbreaking innovation built to fight—and win—America’s next war. The Bengal MC combines high-speed capabilities, modular design, and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) autonomy to address the challenges of contested littoral environments. It blends the agility of a surface effect ship (SES) with the firepower of traditional warships.
Ocean Rates Unchanged Even as Freight Volumes Decline
(Freight Waves) Container rates on the benchmark trans-Pacific were unchanged in the latest week as freight volumes fell on most major trade routes, testing carriers’ plans for general rate increases. Rates from Asia to US. West Coast ports were stable at $1,700 per 40-ft. equivalent unit (FEU) and $2,700 per FEU to East Coast ports, according to the Freightos Baltic Index for the week ending August 29.
US Coast Guard Exercises $314 Million Options for Austal’s Offshore Patrol Cutters
(gCaptain) Austal USA for the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) program. The options authorize Austal to procure long lead time materials for three additional OPCs—the company’s 4th, 5th, and 6th cutters—along with logistic supply items for two vessels.
“These early awards reflect the strong partnership that has quickly developed between the Coast Guard and Austal USA teams,” according to Austal CEO Paddy Gregg.
BNSF, UP Kept Rail Terminals Fluid in August amid IPI surge
(Journal of Commerce) Western US railroads BNSF and Union Pacific (UP) kept ocean containers flowing smoothly in August through the key hubs of Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City and Memphis as Southern California’s July import surge moved inland, according to data and market participants.
Enterprise Mobility Named Worldwide Supplier of the Ryder Cup Through 2027
(Enterprise Mobility) The PGA of America and Ryder Cup Europe announced a multiyear partnership designating Enterprise Mobility as a Worldwide Supplier of the Ryder Cup. Enterprise Mobility will provide a range of transportation solutions — including car and truck rental services for organizers, staff and sponsors — for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, NY, and the 2027 Ryder Cup, at Adare Manor in Limerick, Ireland.
(Landstar.com) Landstar representatives recently joined leaders of the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) in Washington, DC, to meet with key decision makers and advocate for truckers and the transportation industry. According to the TCA, the joint visit in July was a “resounding success.” Landstar executives met with senators and members of Congress to discuss proposed solutions to several issues facing the transportation industry.
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