Adcom's Freight Market Update: February 19, 2026
This week: A new cargo cost risk is emerging; Capacity expands in the Eastern Mediterranean; Congestion is tightening its grip.
Current Critical Industry Trends
A new cargo cost risk is emerging. The Trump administration’s Maritime Action Plan revives a proposal to charge foreign-built vessels a per-kilogram fee on imported cargo, a move carriers warn could raise landed costs and reshape global trade flows if enacted.
Fleet certainty is at stake. The Canadian Trucking Alliance cautioned that Canada pressing ahead with stricter greenhouse gas rules while the U.S. pulls back could strain manufacturers and carriers operating in an integrated North American freight market.
Ocean
Surcharge simplification is underway. Ocean Network Express (ONE) says its new cleanup initiative will reduce overlapping fees, support regulatory compliance, and deliver more predictable ocean freight pricing for customers worldwide.
Ports
Capacity expands in the Eastern Mediterranean. The launch of the Damietta Alliance Container Terminal strengthens transshipment connectivity between Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Levant trade lanes, supported by deepwater berths, high-capacity cranes, and planned intermodal links into Egypt’s key cargo markets.
Trade uncertainty is reshaping early-year flows. January TEUs at the Port of Los Angeles fell 12% from elevated 2025 levels, as importers pulled back following front-loaded shipments tied to tariff risk and steadier restocking patterns.
International
January delivered a warning signal for North American freight. Heavy-duty truck exports from Mexico to the U.S. dropped nearly 54%, as trade volatility and cost uncertainty weighed on fleet purchasing decisions, industry officials said.
Trucking
Congestion is tightening its grip on U.S. freight corridors. The American Transportation Research Institute ranked the I-294 and I-290/I-88 interchange in Chicago as the nation’s most congested truck bottleneck, with delays equivalent to 436,000 drivers sitting idle for a full year.
SAFE Act targets chameleon carriers. Industry groups are backing legislation to block unsafe operators from reopening under new identities. The bill strengthens FMCSA screening and enforcement to improve accountability and highway safety.
Rail
Proposed UP NS tie up redraws rail landscape. A combined carrier would lead most rail hauled commodities and post revenue 56% higher than its nearest rival. Debate continues over whether the deal boosts intermodal competition or concentrates market power.
Air
Frankfurt reclaims Europe’s cargo lead. European airport cargo rose 3.2% in 2025 as Frankfurt climbed 2% to 1.99m tonnes, overtaking Istanbul. Growth was fueled by strong China Europe trade and e commerce flows.
Labor dispute extends flight delays in Nairobi. Industrial action at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is continuing into a second day, affecting schedules and creating cargo backlogs. Perishable shipments are particularly exposed as airlines coordinate with authorities to restore normal operations.
Technology
AI fraud losses hit new highs. AI driven attacks rose 1,210% last year, driving estimated U.S. losses to $1 billion. Automated scams are now outpacing traditional fraud across contact centers and payment channels.
Other
Retail supply chains adapt to viral buying surges. As 71% of U.S. shoppers respond to viral trends, demand is becoming shorter lived and less predictable. Retailers are reworking fulfillment strategies to respond in hours rather than weeks.
_____________________________________
Want more like this? We've got you covered. Subscribe today!
As always, Adcom’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 Radiant can do for you. Contact us!