Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc stated the carrier is passing its $500 million monthly fuel bill to customers 'in full.' Separately, Maersk reported Q1 profits fell as weaker ocean container rates undercut increased volumes. Clerc noted the ability to sustain cost recovery depends on the long-term impact of high energy prices on consumer demand and how the industry manages its growing order book. (Journal of Commerce, FreightWaves)

Impact · Shippers face compounding cost pressure: base rates may be softening, but fuel surcharges are rising to offset. The net landed cost of ocean freight may not decline as much as headline rate indices suggest. BCOs renegotiating annual contracts need to model fuel passthrough separately from base rates. The growing container vessel order book adds medium-term downward pressure on rates, but near-term fuel costs keep total costs elevated.

Action · Disaggregate your ocean freight spend into base rate and fuel surcharge components immediately. Model scenarios where fuel surcharges persist at current levels through 2026 even if base rates soften 10-15%, and ensure your contract language includes fuel adjustment caps or indexing mechanisms.

WattEV announced at ACT Expo that it ordered 370 Tesla Semi Class 8 electric trucks. Deliveries of the first 50 units begin in 2026, with full deployment complete by end of 2027. This represents the largest single electric truck deployment in California. (FreightWaves)

Impact · This order moves EV trucking from demonstration projects to fleet-scale operations in California's drayage and short-haul corridors. For logistics operators running California routes, EV infrastructure buildout (charging depots, grid capacity) will accelerate, and regulatory pressure on diesel fleets will intensify. The order validates Tesla Semi's production readiness at scale and creates competitive pressure on Daimler, Volvo, and other OEMs.

Action · If you operate drayage or short-haul routes in California, begin site assessments for charging infrastructure at your top 3 terminals now. The WattEV deployment will strain local grid capacity and early movers on utility interconnection agreements will have a 12-18 month advantage.

The Georgia Ports Authority showcased supply chain solutions at its annual conference, anchored by a $5 billion infrastructure investment plan designed to address global trade challenges. (FreightWaves)

Impact · A $5B port investment signals long-term confidence in Southeast U.S. import volumes and positions Savannah as a primary alternative to congested West Coast gateways. For shippers, this means expanded capacity, potential rate competition with other port complexes, and incentive to diversify port strategies toward the Southeast. Inland logistics networks (intermodal, warehousing) in the Georgia-Carolinas corridor will need to scale accordingly.

Action · Evaluate shifting 10-15% of your West Coast-routed volume to Savannah for 2027 contracts. Begin discussions with drayage and warehouse providers in the Savannah-Atlanta corridor now, before the capacity buildout creates a land-grab for logistics real estate.

RXO reported a tough Q1 driven by rising spot freight rates against lower contract numbers. The company guided Q2 adjusted EBITDA of $27 million, projecting a significantly better quarter. (FreightWaves)

Impact · RXO's Q1 results are a canary for asset-light brokerages: when spot rates rise faster than contract rates reset, intermediaries get squeezed. This dynamic will persist until the contract cycle catches up, likely mid-to-late 2026. For shippers, this means brokerages may push harder for rate increases on contract renewals, and service quality from financially strained intermediaries may slip.

Action · If you rely on asset-light brokerages for >30% of your freight, stress-test your carrier backup plans. Brokerages under margin pressure may deprioritize your loads during peak periods. Lock committed capacity with asset-based carriers for critical lanes.

FedEx is in final stages of resurrecting its MD-11 fleet after helping Boeing redesign a part that contributed to the fiery crash of a UPS jet in November. The return to service will begin with a short cargo flight to Miami. (FreightWaves)

Impact · The MD-11 fleet grounding removed significant widebody freighter capacity from the U.S. air cargo network. FedEx's return of these aircraft will add back capacity at a time when air freight demand is seasonal. For shippers using FedEx air freight, this should improve capacity availability and potentially moderate rates on key domestic and international lanes. The Boeing part redesign also has implications for UPS and any other MD-11 operators.

Action · If you shifted air cargo volume away from FedEx during the MD-11 grounding, contact your FedEx account team to discuss capacity restoration timelines and negotiate rate commitments as they rebuild utilization.