SBA's Freight Market Update: Nov 5, 2026
Disruptions across key logistics sectors and new technological advances at airports shape this week’s freight market.
Current Critical Industry Trends
Russian strikes have halted production at major Ukrainian steel facilities and disrupted rail and Black Sea shipping operations, constraining industrial output, delaying agricultural exports and driving up freight costs.
Ocean
India and Denmark have reaffirmed their bilateral maritime cooperation with priority on prioritizing green shipping initiatives and sustainable development to support cleaner, more efficient maritime trade.
Ports
A potential strike by port security workers at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach could disrupt terminal operations and delay cargo movements. Contract negotiations have been extended through November 6 as both sides work to avoid a shutdown.
The Vincent Thomas Bridge will close November 7 for approximately 16 months, forcing truck diversions around the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. This is expected to affect truck access, terminal appointments and cargo movements throughout.
A truckers' strike at Chile's Port of San Antonio is restricting container access as peak cherry export season begins, potentially delaying shipments and disrupting vessel service windows.
International
Stronger enforcement of U.S. cabotage restrictions is creating new challenges for Mexican trucking operators, potentially reducing cross-border capacity and complicating freight movements between the U.S. and Mexico.
Trucking
The Small Business in Transportation Coalition has filed a lawsuit challenging new annual registration fees, raising questions about future costs and the administration of federal motor carrier registration.
Canada has temporarily aligned its 2027 heavy-duty truck emissions requirements with revised U.S. EPA regulations, reducing the risk of cross-border vehicle supply disruptions for manufacturers, dealers and fleets.
Rail
Schneider National will transition its primary Eastern U.S. rail partnership to Norfolk Southern on January 1, 2027, expanding intermodal network options and supporting opportunities to shift truckload freight to rail.
The U.S. Department of Transportation awards $1.24 billion for rail safety projects across 37 states, targeting hazardous crossings and infrastructure upgrades to improve freight network safety and reliability.
Air
Air Central is launching twice-weekly freighter service between East Midlands Airport and Zhengzhou, expanding air cargo connectivity between the UK and China.
Oman Air will increase Muscat–Amsterdam service to daily flights starting December 1, expanding air cargo capacity and strengthening connections to a major European freight gateway.
Technology
Penang International Airport is introducing Asia's first fully digital air traffic control system, improving operational visibility and flight coordination at a key Malaysian air cargo gateway.
NMFTA has launched a free cybersecurity challenge that lets trucking professionals identify vulnerabilities from a hacker’s perspective, helping fleets strengthen digital defenses and reduce the risk of cyber disruptions to freight operations.
Other
The Airforwarders Association is urging Congress to include cargo theft prevention legislation in the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, seeking stronger enforcement and protection for air cargo shipments.
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As always, SBA’s team is here to help. Our expert teams are ready to answer any questions you may have or give advice for managing the current logistics environment. Additionally, if you need help moving freight or gaining visibility and control over your supply chain, we’d happily discuss what SBA can do for you. Contact us!