Name: Savannah Chief Urges US to Prioritize Port Projects
Uploaded: Feb 4, 2013, 3:49 PM EST

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could begin dredging the Savannah River navigation channel to a target depth of 47 feet as soon as the second half of this year, said Curtis Foltz, executive director of the Georgia Ports Authority. The Army Corps, which signed off last fall on the Record of Decision for SHEP, the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, is poised to begin the necessary environmental mitigation along the Savannah River and could begin dredging as soon as the second half, Foltz said. SHEP, which will be completed by mid-2016, a year after the Panama Canal opens its new locks to post-Panamax ships, will put Savannah ahead of its competitors among ports in the U.S. Southeast, Charleston and Jacksonville, which also are pursuing harbor deepening projects. But Foltz said his major concern is not staying ahead of competing ports, but rather that the U.S. is falling behind other countries in the race to build critical port projects that will enable it to stay competitive in global trade. “Every time I travel to Europe or China, I see the major port projects that they are building that will put them ahead of us,” he said in an interview with the JOC. “Our government hasn’t fully funded the maintenance of our harbors for a decade.” He was referring to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which collects about $1.5 billion annually through the Harbor Maintenance Tax, of which only about half is used for harbor dredging. Congress siphons off about $700 million a year to fund the nation’s deficit and for other programs. “We’ve got the funds, so why don’t we use it?” Foltz said. In addition, Foltz called for Washington to enact a unified port policy that would allocate resources for port infrastructure projects, including deepening and maintenance, but also including improving road access to major ports. “We’re falling behind other countries, and we need to catch up,” he said.

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Truck-air solutions are also taking off with rising interest from shippers as the Middle East war removes the popular sea-air services via Jebel Ali in the UAE as a viable option. </p></div>

Truck-air solutions are also taking off with rising interest from shippers as the Middle East war removes the popular sea-air services via Jebel Ali in the UAE as a viable option.

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As war rages, multimodal demand surges on Asia-Europe landbridge

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Tobias Meyer said companies are starting to consider offloading Asia export cargo at ports in the Indian subcontinent for eventual onward shipment into the Gulf region, but it has not yet emerged as a trend.</p></div>

Tobias Meyer said companies are starting to consider offloading Asia export cargo at ports in the Indian subcontinent for eventual onward shipment into the Gulf region, but it has not yet emerged as a trend.

Middle East transshipment options to emerge in the coming days: DHL CEO

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Stefan Paul said almost 20% of global air freight capacity from the belly hold of passenger aircraft and via freighter aircraft charters has been cut from the market because Middle East airports are closed or flights have been otherwise canceled. </p></div>

Stefan Paul said almost 20% of global air freight capacity from the belly hold of passenger aircraft and via freighter aircraft charters has been cut from the market because Middle East airports are closed or flights have been otherwise canceled.

Air freight backlog set to gridlock Asia airports amid Middle East conflict: K+N CEO

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>The US has established a maritime warning zone, effectively placing the region out of bounds to shipping, while airlines have suspended passenger and freighter flights across the Middle East.</p></div>

The US has established a maritime warning zone, effectively placing the region out of bounds to shipping, while airlines have suspended passenger and freighter flights across the Middle East.

Shipping avoids Middle East region after US, Israel begin strikes on Iran

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Absorbing its largest and most complex takeover to date was initially expected to take at least two years to complete, but will now be fully wrapped 20 months after the DB Schenker acquisition closed. </p></div>

Absorbing its largest and most complex takeover to date was initially expected to take at least two years to complete, but will now be fully wrapped 20 months after the DB Schenker acquisition closed.

DSV moves to transform its business as Schenker integration accelerates

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>The Hong Kong-based carrier ended the year with a $1.5 billion net profit, but that was a 41% drop from the robust earnings of the previous year.</p></div>

The Hong Kong-based carrier ended the year with a $1.5 billion net profit, but that was a 41% drop from the robust earnings of the previous year.

Volatile shipping market drags down OOCL’s 2025 financial results

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Cosco did not give a reason for the move, but it comes just two weeks after the Panamanian government wrested control of Balboa and Cristobal ports from Hutchison-owned operator Panama Ports Company.</p></div>

Cosco did not give a reason for the move, but it comes just two weeks after the Panamanian government wrested control of Balboa and Cristobal ports from Hutchison-owned operator Panama Ports Company.

Cosco, OOCL halt Balboa calls in latest twist over Panama port row

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>All major long-haul liners are seeking temporary supply chain asylum at Indian docks to offload boxes that departed China and Southeast Asia in recent days, according to market sources in India.</p></div>

All major long-haul liners are seeking temporary supply chain asylum at Indian docks to offload boxes that departed China and Southeast Asia in recent days, according to market sources in India.

Carriers seek to offload stranded Asia-Middle East containers at Indian ports

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>The new orders from the Taiwan-based carriers came as both reported lower net profit and revenues for 2025 due to softer freight rates. </p></div>

The new orders from the Taiwan-based carriers came as both reported lower net profit and revenues for 2025 due to softer freight rates.

Yang Ming, Wan Hai boost combined order book with 12 new ships

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>The agency in charge of enforcing US shipping law reminded the market that any change in ocean tariffs must come with a 30-day notice period prior to implementation so it can be reviewed.</p></div>

The agency in charge of enforcing US shipping law reminded the market that any change in ocean tariffs must come with a 30-day notice period prior to implementation so it can be reviewed.

FMC says ‘closely monitoring’ carrier rate moves tied to Middle East war

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>A proposed universal tax on foreign-built ships would strain trade relations, raise the cost of doing business and stoke inflation, writes Reason Foundation policy analyst Jay Derr. </p></div>

A proposed universal tax on foreign-built ships would strain trade relations, raise the cost of doing business and stoke inflation, writes Reason Foundation policy analyst Jay Derr.

Reform HMT rather than taxing shipping more: analyst

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Under the US Customs and Border Protection’s proposal, shippers will not have to sue the administration for refunds of the IEEPA tariffs and will receive the monies owed as a single payment.</p></div>

Under the US Customs and Border Protection’s proposal, shippers will not have to sue the administration for refunds of the IEEPA tariffs and will receive the monies owed as a single payment.

CBP lays out initial tariff refund plan that requires ‘minimal’ work from importers

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Data generated within logistics software vendors is part of a web of information that helps shippers weigh service levels and inventory carrying costs against rate levels. </p></div>

Data generated within logistics software vendors is part of a web of information that helps shippers weigh service levels and inventory carrying costs against rate levels.

Tech vendors ready themselves to help importers wage cost reduction war

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>The push to launch futures contracts for container shipping has gained momentum in recent years given the seemingly never-ending volatility and disruption in the market.</p></div>

The push to launch futures contracts for container shipping has gained momentum in recent years given the seemingly never-ending volatility and disruption in the market.

Intercontinental Exchange to launch container freight futures in April

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>The average price for a gallon of diesel fuel rose 96 cents for the week ending March 9, according to the Energy Information Administration, the biggest seven-day spike since the agency began releasing the data in 1994. </p></div>

The average price for a gallon of diesel fuel rose 96 cents for the week ending March 9, according to the Energy Information Administration, the biggest seven-day spike since the agency began releasing the data in 1994.

Elevated US trucking rates get new boost from diesel gains amid Middle East war 

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>While the White House has signaled support and Republicans hold a majority on the US Surface Transportation Board, opposition has surfaced that has many believing the $85 billion merger is not necessarily a done deal.  </p></div>

While the White House has signaled support and Republicans hold a majority on the US Surface Transportation Board, opposition has surfaced that has many believing the $85 billion merger is not necessarily a done deal.

Industry stakeholders don’t see regulators rubber-stamping UP-NS deal

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>The Trump administration’s move against non-English-speaking drivers and non-domiciled commercial driver’s license holders could hit the drayage sector, but only after it trickles down from other parts of the trucking industry, experts say.</p></div>

The Trump administration’s move against non-English-speaking drivers and non-domiciled commercial driver’s license holders could hit the drayage sector, but only after it trickles down from other parts of the trucking industry, experts say.

TPM26: US trucking crackdown likely to have delayed impact on drayage sector

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Those who would be affected by the proposed $85 billion transaction either directly or indirectly had plenty to say about the matter during the first TPM26 conference since the deal was announced. </p></div>

Those who would be affected by the proposed $85 billion transaction either directly or indirectly had plenty to say about the matter during the first TPM26 conference since the deal was announced.

TPM26: Stakeholders put UP-NS merger proposal under the microscope

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Ocean carriers are investing in their own terminals as new lease terms and rising costs in New York and New Jersey incentivize them to move cargo away from state-run facilities, potentially changing port service and schedules.</p></div>

Ocean carriers are investing in their own terminals as new lease terms and rising costs in New York and New Jersey incentivize them to move cargo away from state-run facilities, potentially changing port service and schedules.

<div class="phx-topic"><p>US ports are undergoing significant changes as ocean carriers invest heavily in marine terminals, while landlord port authorities like New York and New Jersey impose new lease terms and shift maintenance costs to terminal operators. Rising berth and labor costs are incentivizing ocean carriers to prioritize their own terminals, potentially disadvantaging state-run port authorities and altering service and scheduling dynamics.</p><p></p><div class="wrapper-narrow"><dynamic-object type="brightcove" resource-id="6390803641112"></dynamic-object></div></div>

US ports are undergoing significant changes as ocean carriers invest heavily in marine terminals, while landlord port authorities like New York and New Jersey impose new lease terms and shift maintenance costs to terminal operators. Rising berth and labor costs are incentivizing ocean carriers to prioritize their own terminals, potentially disadvantaging state-run port authorities and altering service and scheduling dynamics.

US port shifts favor ocean carrier terminals amid rising costs

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Valentina Jordan, CEO of software provider Nauta, joins TPM Today to explain why data and infrastructure are more important to logistics technology buyers than digital workers.</p></div>

Valentina Jordan, CEO of software provider Nauta, joins TPM Today to explain why data and infrastructure are more important to logistics technology buyers than digital workers.

<div class="phx-topic"><p>Everyone wants a "digital worker." VCs are pouring billions into the AI gold rush. The industry is obsessed with the shiny new tool, but the real value lies in the work nobody wants to talk about: the boring, grueling, unsexy work of fixing the data underneath.</p><p>Join Eric Johnson sits down with Valentina Jordan (CEO, Nauta) to discuss why logistics tech buyers need to stop chasing agents and start fixing their foundation.</p><p>• Why the “Gold Rush” funding model is pushing products that shippers aren’t ready for.</p><p>• Why data infrastructure—not digital workers—is the actual key to automation.</p><p>• Where shippers go wrong when evaluating supply chain tech in a hyped-up market.</p><p>This episode was streamed live on February 16, 2026 on <a href="https://letstalksupplychain.com/tpm-today/">TPM Today</a>.</p><p></p><div class="wrapper-full"><dynamic-object type="youtube" resource-id="UAwQIZNUopE"></dynamic-object></div></div>

Everyone wants a "digital worker." VCs are pouring billions into the AI gold rush. The industry is obsessed with the shiny new tool, but the real value lies in the work nobody wants to talk about: the boring, grueling, unsexy work of fixing the data underneath. Join Eric Johnson sits down with Valentina Jordan (CEO, Nauta) to discuss why logistics tech buyers need to stop chasing agents and start fixing their foundation. • Why the “Gold Rush” funding model is pushing products that shippers aren’t ready for. • Why data infrastructure—not digital workers—is the actual key to automation. • Where shippers go wrong when evaluating supply chain tech in a hyped-up market. This episode was streamed live on February 16, 2026 on TPM Today .

TPM TODAY | Why the AI agent companies in logistics have it wrong

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>Technology has promised much over the past 20 years, but it hasn’t really changed the core functions of most logistics practitioners.  The era of AI is undoubtedly upon us, and with it, the potential to change how cargo movement is managed.</p></div>

Technology has promised much over the past 20 years, but it hasn’t really changed the core functions of most logistics practitioners. The era of AI is undoubtedly upon us, and with it, the potential to change how cargo movement is managed.

<div class="phx-topic"><p>Technology has promised much over the past 20 years, but it hasn’t really changed the core functions of most logistics practitioners, whether it’s cargo owners managing transportation, or 3PLs assisting those cargo owners. But the era of AI is undoubtedly upon us, and with it, the potential to change not just the ease with which cargo movement is managed, but how it’s managed.</p><p></p><div class="wrapper-narrow"><dynamic-object type="brightcove" resource-id="6388681988112"></dynamic-object></div></div>

Technology has promised much over the past 20 years, but it hasn’t really changed the core functions of most logistics practitioners, whether it’s cargo owners managing transportation, or 3PLs assisting those cargo owners. But the era of AI is undoubtedly upon us, and with it, the potential to change not just the ease with which cargo movement is managed, but how it’s managed.

Logistics world awaiting true disruption

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Video

<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper"><p>The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could begin dredging the Savannah River navigation channel to a target depth of 47 feet as soon as the second half of this year, said Curtis Foltz, executive director of the Georgia Ports Authority.</p></div>

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could begin dredging the Savannah River navigation channel to a target depth of 47 feet as soon as the second half of this year, said Curtis Foltz, executive director of the Georgia Ports Authority.

<div class="phx-topic"><p>The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could begin dredging the Savannah River navigation channel to a target depth of 47 feet as soon as the second half of this year, said Curtis Foltz, executive director of the Georgia Ports Authority.</p><p>The Army Corps, <a href="http://www.joc.com/port-news/savannah-river-dredging-gets-green-flag_20121030.html">which signed off last fall</a> on the Record of Decision for SHEP, the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, is poised to begin the necessary environmental mitigation along the Savannah River and could begin dredging as soon as the second half, Foltz said.</p><p>SHEP, which will be completed by mid-2016, a year after the Panama Canal opens its new locks to post-Panamax ships, will put Savannah ahead of its competitors among ports in the U.S. Southeast, Charleston and Jacksonville, which also are pursuing harbor deepening projects.</p><p>But Foltz said his major concern is not staying ahead of competing ports, but rather that the U.S. is falling behind other countries in the race to build critical port projects that will enable it to stay competitive in global trade.</p><p>“Every time I travel to Europe or China, I see the major port projects that they are building that will put them ahead of us,” he said in an interview with the JOC. “Our government hasn’t fully funded the maintenance of our harbors for a decade.”</p><p>He was referring to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which collects about $1.5 billion annually through the Harbor Maintenance Tax, of which only about half is used for harbor dredging. Congress siphons off about $700 million a year to fund the nation’s deficit and for other programs.</p><p>“We’ve got the funds, so why don’t we use it?” Foltz said.</p><p>In addition, Foltz called for Washington to enact a unified port policy that would allocate resources for port infrastructure projects, including deepening and maintenance, but also including improving road access to major ports. “We’re falling behind other countries, and we need to catch up,” he said.</p><div class="wrapper-full"><dynamic-object type="youtube" resource-id="LkMt_01S0YA"></dynamic-object></div></div>

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