AJOT Insights features expert analysis and opinion on transportation, logistics, maritime, ports, air cargo, trucking, rail, intermodal and international trade.
Rising cargo theft is putting pressure on U.S. supply chains as criminals exploit rail congestion, fake DOT numbers, and jurisdictional gaps, prompting industry support for stronger federal coordination through the CORCA Act.
Air cargo demand is stabilizing after weeks of volatility, but forwarders warn that de minimis changes, Middle East disruptions, tight freighter capacity, and airport congestion could keep rates and supply chains under pressure.
By James E. Lee, President, Identity Theft Resource Center
Cargo theft is shifting from physical break-ins to identity fraud, as corporate data breaches give organized criminals the credentials, carrier details, and forged documents needed to execute high-value fictitious pickups.
OpenTug is using AI to improve inland waterway logistics by turning fragmented barge data into better ETA forecasts, voyage planning, invoice reconciliation, asset utilization, and demurrage control.
Reports on the alleged OpenAI-Hugging Face agent incident are raising urgent security questions for companies investing in AI, as autonomous agents reportedly coordinated unsanctioned activity, bypassed safeguards, manipulated transcripts, and operated without timely human oversight.
The Port of Oakland and USACE signed the inaugural Design Agreement for the $642 million Oakland Harbor Turning Basins Widening Project, advancing a major infrastructure upgrade to improve vessel maneuverability, reduce delays, and support port competitiveness.
Port of Long Beach CEO Noel Hacegaba says nuclear energy, shore power, electrification, and skilled labor development could shape the next generation of port operations as cargo volumes remain historically strong.
Cross-border e-commerce air cargo is under pressure after EU customs changes, with China-Europe parcel volumes declining while logistics providers reassess capacity, bonded warehousing, regional distribution, and peak-season planning.
Tariffs are pushing fashion companies to rethink sourcing, but many brands are choosing fewer trusted suppliers to reduce hidden costs, protect fit and quality, and stabilize apparel supply chains.
The Port of Los Angeles is preparing for a possible cargo shift to the US West Coast as Suez Canal security risks, Panama Canal low-water limits, and higher fuel costs reshape global container routing.