Contents
Delivering Global Trade and Logistics Intelligence. Since 1827. April 6, 2026 • Vol 27 • Issue 4
JOC staff and Benson HE / Shutterstock. com
COLUMNS
4 A‘ shallow’ downcycle By Mark Szakonyi
13 The case for consolidation By Robbert van Trooijen
20 Two modes, one direction By Paul Tonsager
22 Limits of resilience By Lars Jensen
52 One tax too many By Jay Derr
54 Mastering( capacity) management By Peter Tirschwell
EVENTS 14 TPM26 Talk
EVERY ISSUE
6 Spotlight 50 By the Numbers 53 Classifieds
10 Cover Story More than scale
The merger of Hapag-Lloyd and Zim would inject competition into trades, if it’ s approved
SPECIAL REPORTS
16 Container Shipping Quarterly Opening line
Trans-Pacific contract talks are accelerating after Walmart signed
Recouping costs or generating revenue?
The Iran war has reignited the age-old fuel surcharge debate
32 Gulf Trade: Top Carriers and Ports‘ Beyond steel’
US Gulf ports are leaning into a project boom as breakbulk declines
DEPARTMENTS
26 Government‘ The fix is not in’
Regulators won’ t rubber-stamp the UP-NS deal, according to industry stakeholders
Predictable pivot
Potential new US tariffs are clouding sourcing strategies and peak season demand
29 Surface Transportation Northern parallels
Canada’ s‘ Driver Inc.’ crackdown could push trucking rates higher
Reset en route
Capacity cuts and fuel shocks are providing openings for trucking and rail
ADVERTORIALS
38 Jacksonville Trade and Logistics
46 Pacific Northwest Trade and Logistics
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