Top supply chain risks and trends to follow in 2026

Explore how tariff changes, key supply shortages and volatile logistics capacity will test network resilience in this roundup of deep dives from Supply Chain Dive.

By Phil Neuffer • Jan. 30, 2026

5 logistics trends to watch in 2026

Stabilizing market dynamics for shippers could be curtailed by overcapacity and network complexity risks, logistics experts said.

By Kelly Stroh , Max Garland • Jan. 29, 2026

5 supply chain management trends to watch in 2026

Following a year jam-packed with uncertainty, retailers and manufacturers will prioritize cost optimization amid a fragmenting global economic picture. 

By Phil Neuffer • Jan. 8, 2026

Tariffs, strikes and tragedies: How 2025 transformed supply chains

Supply chains faced tumult, with changes to U.S. trade policies and labor unrest contributing to a mosaic of uncertainty. Here is a visual look at the busy year.

By Kelly Stroh , Max Garland , Phil Neuffer , Antone Gonsalves , Edwin Lopez , Shaun Lucas • Dec. 22, 2025

Compete or complement? Trucking foresees mixed intermodal impact from merger of rail giants

Winners and losers will emerge in road transport as Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern join forces, according to industry experts.

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 9, 2025

BNSF, CSX boost intermodal speed, launch new lanes

The rail partnership offers faster schedules from Los Angeles to destinations including Northwest Ohio and Philadelphia.

By Kelly Stroh • Dec. 3, 2025

Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern merger approved by shareholders

The voting results mark a key milestone in the combination process, Norfolk Southern CEO Mark George said.

By Max Garland • Nov. 14, 2025

UP-NS merger: Rigorous STB review a must, lawmakers say

Eighteen U.S. senators signed a letter to the agency warning the combination could weaken competition, raise rates and hurt the agricultural supply chain.

By Phil Neuffer • Nov. 5, 2025

UP, NS say a merger will cut carload transit times. Shippers aren’t convinced.

Carload trip duration and equipment utilization haven’t improved meaningfully despite several other mergers in the last few decades, one expert said.

By Bill Stephens • Oct. 24, 2025

Top supply chain conferences to keep on your radar in 2026

This year’s trade shows will showcase resilience strategies, technology adoption and talent development as companies contend with tariff volatility and other challenges.

By Kelly Stroh • Updated Jan. 30, 2026

Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern: Shippers flag merger concerns

The Rail Customer Coalition tells the Surface Transportation Board that fewer rail options could force shippers to pay more for poorer service.

By Antone Gonsalves • Sept. 23, 2025

Union Pacific adds 15 focus sites to network

Twelve of the large-scale development areas are located on short-line railroads.

By Kelly Stroh • Sept. 22, 2025

CSX, CN agree to develop intermodal service into Tennessee

The offering will transport international containers from Canada’s West Coast gateways through Memphis directly to Nashville.

By Alejandra Carranza • Sept. 18, 2025

UP, NS intermodal service to connect western, southern markets

The railroad service aims to offer truck-competitive transit times for multiple industries, including automotive and consumer goods.

By Alejandra Carranza • Sept. 16, 2025

UP-NS merger: Boosting supply chains with Lincoln’s vision

A coast-to-coast, single-line railroad would eliminate the inefficiency of interchanges, writes Seton Hall University Assistant Professor Danielle Zanzalari.

By Danielle Zanzalari • Sept. 15, 2025

How a transcontinental railroad could speed up intermodal transfers

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern say their $85 billion combination would reduce crosstown truck transfers in Chicago that add cost, complexity and transit time.

By Bill Stephens • Sept. 10, 2025

Tariff strategies, economic clouds: What to know for the rest of 2025

Industry experts discussed commodity markets and logistics changes at Supply Chain Dive’s annual outlook event.

By Kelly Stroh • Aug. 19, 2025

The wrong track: Why the STB should reject rail’s latest power grab

A merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern would exacerbate existing issues like declining service standards, writes Alliance for Chemical Distribution CEO Eric Byer.

By Eric Byer • Aug. 11, 2025

Schneider starts early peak season surcharges for intermodal

The carrier is starting similar conversations with truckload customers about higher shipping costs.

By Alejandra Carranza • Aug. 4, 2025

De minimis’ end may boost intermodal cross-border activity

Meanwhile, the eradication of the exemption for shipments from China and Hong Kong is roiling the air cargo sector, according to industry experts.

By Kelly Stroh • July 30, 2025

Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern agree to merge

The two companies aim to close the transaction in early 2027, bringing together 50,000 route miles to form “the first transcontinental railroad” in the U.S.

By Phil Neuffer • July 29, 2025

Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern confirm merger talks

“There are no assurances that we'll reach an agreement, but we are talking,” UP CEO Jim Vena said.

By Kelly Stroh • July 24, 2025

BNSF launches expedited Los Angeles-to-Houston rail service

The railway operator can cut transport times for shippers by as much as 48 hours using the new service, according to a spokesperson.

By Alejandra Carranza • July 24, 2025

Top supply chain conferences to keep on your radar in 2025

As the first half of the year wraps up, here’s a look at the remaining trade shows focused on adopting technology innovations, navigating logistics risks and securing new talent.

By Kelly Stroh • Updated June 30, 2025

CPKC to remedy service disruptions impacting dwell times, switches

While the railroad stated it’s “too early to offer firm predications” for a full return to service, it expects operations to be fixed by mid-July.

By Kelly Stroh • June 27, 2025