Welcome to the Friday, February 20th edition of the Freight Waves Morning Minute, where we break down today's biggest supply chain and logistics stories. We kick off this episode by discussing Walmart's massive retail milestone, as the company's e-commerce segment has successfully turned profitable and officially surpassed $150 billion in sales.

Next, we examine the ongoing market correction in the global shipping industry, highlighted by the continuous drop in Trans-Pacific container rates. Shippers are currently waiting to see how the market settles following the Lunar New Year, as shifting demand and increased vessel capacity drive freight costs down.

Finally, we explore how GXO Logistics expects significant demand growth across its North American operations as a result of heavy investments in supply chain automation. By utilizing advanced robotics and artificial intelligence, the company anticipates stronger profit margins and improved warehouse efficiency moving into 2026.

Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Friday, February 20th edition of the Freight Waves Morning Minute, where we break down today's biggest supply chain and logistics stories. We kick off this episode by discussing Walmart's massive retail milestone, as the company's e-commerce segment has successfully turned profitable and officially surpassed $150 billion in sales.

Next, we examine the ongoing market correction in the global shipping industry, highlighted by the continuous drop in Trans-Pacific container rates. Shippers are currently waiting to see how the market settles following the Lunar New Year, as shifting demand and increased vessel capacity drive freight costs down.

Finally, we explore how GXO Logistics expects significant demand growth across its North American operations as a result of heavy investments in supply chain automation. By utilizing advanced robotics and artificial intelligence, the company anticipates stronger profit margins and improved warehouse efficiency moving into 2026.

Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Norfolk Southern and CMA CGM have announced a partnership to launch a new "truck-like" intermodal service connecting the Port of Los Angeles to key Midwest markets. This door-to-door option utilizes high-cube containers to offer the flexibility of trucking while reducing emissions through the rail network.

Federal investigators are cracking down on safety violations with a massive sting operation targeting sham CDL training schools across the United States. The FMCSA has issued notices to more than 500 providers accused of using unqualified instructors and fast-tracking unprepared drivers onto the road.

FedEx is signaling a major shift in strategy by doubling down on premium surcharges and moving away from subsidized low-cost shipping. The company plans to prioritize high-margin sectors like healthcare and heavyweight goods to drive profitability over volume.

Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new report reveals that California and Texas accounted for more than half of all U.S. cargo theft incidents last year, with electronics remaining a top target for criminals. Thieves are increasingly utilizing deceptive pickup tactics to steal loads, a trend experts warn is expected to accelerate through 2026.

The massive merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern faces another delay as the railroads plan to refile their application with federal regulators later this spring. This postponement comes amidst growing political pressure and concerns from state attorneys general that the deal could stifle competition and raise prices.

Shipping giant UPS is moving forward with its restructuring plans by identifying 22 package facilities for closure as it seeks to automate operations and cut costs. The company is also facing legal challenges from the Teamsters Union over its attempt to offer voluntary buyouts to thousands of drivers.

Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we cover the major consolidation in ocean shipping as Hapag-Lloyd agrees to acquire ZIM Integrated Shipping Services in a deal valued at $4.2 billion. This acquisition includes the creation of a new entity to manage security-critical vessels and is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.

We also discuss the growing political opposition to the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. A coalition of attorneys general is calling on the Department of Justice to intervene in the deal, arguing that the creation of a rail behemoth will harm competition and drive up costs.

Finally, we look at new federal legislation that aims to bring relief to truckers by capping state fuel taxes at 50 cents per gallon. States like California and Pennsylvania that do not comply could face significant cuts to their federal highway funding if the bill passes.

Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s FreightWaves Morning Minute, we examine the legal battle brewing over New York City's renewed effort to license final-mile delivery giants like Amazon. Supporters argue the Delivery Protection Act creates necessary accountability, while critics warn of years of litigation regarding interstate commerce.

In maritime news, Hapag-Lloyd is in advanced negotiations to acquire Israeli carrier Zim in a deal valued at over $3.5 billion. However, the potential acquisition has sparked backlash, including strikes by ZIM employees concerned about job losses.

Finally, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has announced the dates for International Roadcheck 2026, which will take place in mid-May. Enforcement officials will focus heavily on electronic logging device compliance and cargo securement across North America.

Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we discuss how investors are cutting ties with DP World following revelations about the CEO's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Two major funds have already suspended capital deployment until the company addresses the situation.

Meanwhile, a legal dispute over port terminals in Panama is escalating, with CK Hutchison threatening action against Maersk and local authorities. The conflict arose after Panama's Supreme Court voided contracts for strategic terminals at both ends of the canal.

Finally, we look at a surge in cargo crimes across North American freight lanes, including cyber-assisted thefts of high-value goods. Law enforcement agencies have also seized record amounts of narcotics hidden in commercial shipments at the border.

Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal regulators have finalized strict new standards for non-domiciled CDLs which will limit license eligibility to holders of specific work visas. Critics warn this move to close safety loopholes could eventually push nearly 200,000 drivers out of the market.

Revised government data indicates the industry is facing a much sharper decline in trucking jobs than previously estimated, with losses exceeding 125,000 positions since the peak. Despite a rise in warehouse employment, the numbers confirm the true depth of the recent freight recession.

Meanwhile, Amazon is moving fast to expand same-day pharmacy delivery by 80% to cover nearly 4,500 cities and towns in 2026. The tech giant aims to address "pharmacy deserts" and staffing shortages by getting prescriptions to patients in a matter of hours.

Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Teamsters union has filed a lawsuit to block a new driver choice program at UPS, calling the voluntary buyouts an illegal move to eliminate jobs. Union leaders argue the plan violates their contract, while the company maintains the program is voluntary and necessary to cut costs.

A trucking company has agreed to a settlement regarding a deaf driver who was refused employment despite being qualified. Wilson Logistics will pay $50,000 and must implement new training and hiring procedures to comply with the ADA.

CSX is making a major investment in its fleet by signing a $670 million deal to acquire and modernize locomotives. The railroad expects the high-tech engines to improve fuel efficiency and reliability starting later this year.

Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is looking to secure exports with a proposed rule mandating electronic data filing for all vessel cargo before it leaves port. This digital update replaces an outdated paper system to help officials better intercept high-risk shipments containing contraband like weapons or narcotics.

In leadership news, the Truckload Carriers Association has named Jim Mullen as the organization’s next president. The former FMCSA chief brings decades of regulatory experience to the role and will succeed retiring president Jim Ward this April.

Samsara is modernizing fleet safety with the launch of an AI-powered coaching system that provides real-time guidance to drivers. By analyzing patterns such as distraction and drowsiness, the tool acts as a pro coach in the cab  to help eliminate accidents caused by human error.

Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices