The transportation sector is playing a critical role in disaster response during the LA fire crisis, mobilizing resources across trucking, public transit, ride-sharing, and airlines. Trucking companies are delivering emergency supplies such as food, water, medical equipment, firefighting gear, and shelter materials, with refrigerated trucks ensuring the safe transport of perishable goods. Logistics firms provide warehouse spaces for storing relief items and coordinate last-mile deliveries to evacuation centers. Additionally, freight companies are assisting with evacuations of residents, pets, and livestock from fire-affected areas. Using GPS and fleet management tools, they ensure efficient and safe operations even under challenging conditions, showcasing the essential role of logistics in large-scale emergency relief efforts. (More at Freight Pulse, “Trucking Companies Mobilize to Aid LA Wildfire” by Stella Evans, 01/13/2025)

Winter Storm Blair disrupted trucking operations across the U.S., prompting carriers like ABF Freight, Old Dominion, and XPO to close terminals in states from Kansas to Delaware. Operations in Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and beyond were affected, with some areas receiving over a foot of snow. The storm's impact highlighted the toll of extreme weather on fleet operations and supply chains, with potential effects on carriers' earnings. Winter storm warnings remain active into Tuesday as more snow is forecast. Experts recommend daily weather monitoring and equipping drivers with safety tools like snow cleats and alerts to mitigate risks during such events. Extreme weather remains a significant challenge for the trucking industry and supply chain resilience. (See more at: TRUCKINGDIVE, “Winter Storm Blair ...” Colin Campbell, Senior Reporter, 01/06/2025) (Photo: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

A 99-vehicle pileup in Tennessee in 1990 that began with two tractor trailers

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The Director of the Belgian Chamber of Movers (BKV), warns Belgium's moving sector to expect substantial obstacles in 2025 due to rising operational costs. The director (KoenVangoidsenhoven) of the BKV, advises that their recent study shows sharp increases in labor (3.8%), fuel (11.7%), and general operating costs (3.2%), with the health index further impacting around 20% of total expenses. Using a weighted average formula, the study calculates a minimum cost increase of 5.7%, prompting Vangoidsenhoven to encourage moving companies to reflect the increase in their 2025 rates. He emphasizes the urgency for businesses to adjust rates and contracts to navigate these financial pressures and maintain sustainability in the sector. (FEDEMAC NEWS, “Belgian movers should increase prices” 12/19/2024)

Continued Houthi attacks in Gulf of Aiden since late 2023

The U.S. military repelled Houthi missile and drone attacks on American-flagged vessels for the second time in 10 days, with destroyers USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane intercepting threats in the Gulf of Aden on Dec. 9-10. Major container lines have rerouted Asia-Mediterranean and U.S. services around the Horn of Africa, incurring higher costs passed on to shippers. These changes have generated windfall profits worth billions for liner operators amidst the ongoing disruptions. (See: FreightWaves, “US again defeats Houthi attacks …” Stuart Chirls, 12/10/2024)

U.S. Coast Guard issued Directive to address cybersecurity risks

The U.S. Coast Guard has issued MARSEC Directive 105-5 to address cybersecurity risks posed by Chinese-manufactured ship-to-shore cranes, which dominate 80% of U.S. port infrastructure. The directive builds on earlier measures, citing vulnerabilities in remote access and control features, alongside intelligence on China's interest in disrupting critical U.S. infrastructure. Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC), a Chinese state-owned company, is the leading supplier of these cranes. A September report from the House Committee on Homeland Security highlighted significant cybersecurity and national security risks tied to these cranes, prompting heightened security measures to safeguard U.S. maritime operations. (More at: gCaptain, “U.S. Coast Guard Sounds Alarm on Cyber Threats …” Mike Schuler, 11/22/2024)

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