The U.S. Department of Transportation is hosting two webinars to help transportation entities prepare to prevent and address human trafficking ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. As activity across the transportation sector increases during major events, vulnerabilities to both labor and sex trafficking may arise. Through this series, transportation leaders and stakeholders will receive practical guidance and a readiness framework to help identify and report suspected trafficking, leveraging their unique role within the transportation system. The webinars will be held on April 23 and April 30, 2026, from 2:00–3:45 p.m. EDT, and are designed to build lasting awareness and response skills that can help save lives. 

 

The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore handled approximately 50 million tons of cargo in 2025, marking its second-best year on record and an increase from 45.9 million tons in 2024. The total cargo value reached $65.6 billion, the third-highest in the port’s history, with strong performance across categories including autos, machinery, and forest products. The port handled 728,225 autos and light trucks and 1.1 million tons of forest products, ranking among the top U.S. ports in several cargo categories. Container volumes reached 1.1 million TEUs and vessel calls totaled 2,223, a 21% increase over 2024. Upcoming infrastructure improvements, including the Howard Street Tunnel Project, are expected to further increase capacity and support additional cargo growth.

The Port of Long Beach has introduced changes to its leadership structure aimed at improving communication, collaboration, and decision-making across the organization. The updates include the creation of a new Organizational Effectiveness bureau, led by Khristina Jason, which will oversee Human Resources and Central Procurement Services and focus on workforce development and business engagement. The Port’s Board of Harbor Commissioners is also considering the appointment of a Chief Administrative Officer to oversee four major bureaus, with Casey Hehr identified as a candidate for the role. The Strategic Advocacy Bureau will continue reporting directly to the CEO. These changes are intended to support the Port’s long-term goals, including its 2050 Vision for growth and operational performance.

Ports of Indiana has opened a federally approved bonded storage facility at its Mount Vernon port, enabling the handling of its first barge shipment of aluminum, totaling approximately 1,650 tons. Developed in about six weeks to meet customer demand, the facility supports duty-deferred storage of imported goods, allowing businesses to defer payment of duties and taxes for up to five years. The site includes a 20,000-square-foot warehouse, a one-acre storage yard, and enhanced security infrastructure, and is operated by Indiana River & Rail Terminals. The facility expands the port’s capabilities to handle high-value commodities and strengthens its role as a multimodal logistics hub serving Midwest markets.

The Port of Palm Beach celebrated the completion of its $30 million Port Infrastructure Development Program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony highlighting major upgrades. The project included redesign and automation of the main entrance, expanded truck lanes, installation of radiation portal monitors, and rehabilitation of 6.5 miles of on-port rail track. These improvements are expected to reduce truck wait times by 50% and enhance safety and security while supporting supply chain efficiency. The program was completed six months ahead of schedule and supported through partnerships with the Florida Department of Transportation and the U.S. Maritime Administration.

The Port of Grays Harbor’s Westport Marina announced spring updates, highlighting ongoing operations supporting the fishing fleet and increased recreational activity expected in the summer season. The marina is continuing to implement its new MOLO software system and will present findings from a third-party review of its waitlist policy and moorage rates at an April 1 commission meeting. Changes to the 2026 summer moorage reservation process include requiring online submissions only, beginning April 15. The marina also outlined upcoming events, including a marina user meeting on April 16, and reminded users of business licensing and seafood buying permit requirements for operating within the marina.

The Port of Oakland processed 163,254 TEUs in February 2026, representing a 16.7% decrease from January and a 14.5% decline year over year, influenced in part by reduced vessel activity during the Lunar New Year. Vessel calls dropped from 86 in January to 72 in February, including planned blank sailings. Export volumes totaled 86,796 TEUs, exceeding import volumes of 76,458 TEUs, with exports showing greater stability despite overall declines. Loaded containers accounted for 130,192 TEUs, while empty containers reached 33,062 TEUs, with exports continuing to play a significant role in the port’s cargo mix.
 

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Trump Says the Energy Shock Will Be Short-Lived. CEOs Paint a Scarier Picture.
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Houston cuts free time on reefer importers amid ongoing high dwells
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Highway Bill Could Move in First Half of April, House Chair Says
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