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Re: “Trucking Needs Government Actions Now” Checking In , October 2025
The breakthrough for 2026 isn’t “general AI,” it’s domain-speci c agents that can handle the “partner data chaos” mentioned by Deepak Singh. When you apply agentic logic to a speci c, high- friction environment like the yard, you solve the “physical movement” barrier that Joe Adamski noted. Ef ciency in 2026 isn’t a set-and-forget solution; it’s about orchestrated, human-in-the- loop intelligence.
Yes, we do need attention from state and federal agencies to help in this regard. I lead a logistics team of about 10 truck drivers, 10 light vehicle drivers, and 10 equipment operators. We are all employees of a construction and procurement company with operational sites at different locations and cities. I face challenges with my drivers not being able to
communicate effectively. Most of these drivers are not educated and struggle to write. I also face challenges getting my supervisors to follow through with instructions and demonstrate a clear sense of responsibility. Another challenge is getting commitment, honesty, and sincerity from these personnel and sometimes that is attributed to poor wages from management. However, that’s not a justi cation to neglect what they signed up for. —Roland O.
Re: Small-Biz Logistics: Scaling to Meet Demand
@Victor Leitao: Great insights by Inbound Logistics on SME/ SMB’s supply chain scalability
HOT TOPIC
the country. The Surface Transportation Board must ensure the proposed merger will result in enhanced competition as it is required to do when considering mergers.” —Mike Ireland President and CEO, American Cement Association “NITL opposes further consolidation in the freight rail industry based on past merger experiences resulting in higher rates and degraded service. A combined UP-NS railroad would become the largest railroad in the United States with an estimated market share of 40% of all rail traf c. This warrants an extremely thorough review by the STB to ensure that this proposed merger would broadly serve the public interest if it is approved.” —Nancy O’Liddy Executive Director, National Industrial Transportation League SOCIAL CHATTER Re: AI in Supply Chain Management: 2026 Outlook @Terminal Industries: Insightful to see the realistic perspective from leaders like Danny Schnautz and Matthew Derganc. They’re right—AI is only as good as the data and the learning curve.
We received a lot of commentary about the proposed $85-billion Union Paci c/Norfolk Southern merger. Here are a few viewpoints:
through cloud-based shipping systems and to AI-powered inventory management, powered by outsourced partners. @Jeff Morin: Great article about using warehouse automation. With rising costs and unpredictable demand, maximizing existing space makes a lot of sense before jumping into new builds. Upgrading with automation not only boosts ef ciency but also keeps operations exible as market conditions shift. It’s a smart way to get more out of what you already have without the massive investment of a new facility. @Progcat Technology, Ltd: Scaling a small business supply chain is all about nding the right tech before you actually need it.
“Union Paci c and Norfolk Southern are trying to fast-track an unnecessary, unwanted, and potentially crippling merger that would create a coast-to-coast rail monopoly—one that puts imports ahead of American-made goods. At a time when the top concern for Americans is the cost of living and in ation, policymakers must stand with consumers and reject any deal that fails to promote competition over monopolies and drives prices even higher.” —Chris Jahn President & CEO, American Chemistry Council “Cement manufacturers, who provide the essential materials that constitute America’s roads, bridges, water infrastructure, and so much more, rely heavily on an ef cient rail service to get their products to construction sites across
Re: What trends truly moved the needle this year?
@Amit Shah: Strong point on AI moving from pilots into core supply- chain operations. Role-based agents and predictive analytics changed how teams planned and responded, especially in anticipating congestion and delays.
16 Inbound Logistics • January 2026
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