Leadership, enforcement, investment, data, and training all hit the throttle this week—and the supply chain is going to feel it. We kick off with Commissioner Dabella’s rapid move to FMC chair and why that shift matters: the chair sets priorities, drives enforcement tempo, and shapes the agency’s posture on competition and fairness. Pair that with an expanded ALJ bench and shippers, truckers, and carriers can expect faster case movement and clearer guidance that reduces uncertainty in contracts and operations.

We then unpack the FMC’s targeted investigation into chassis choice. After a landmark ruling against exclusive chassis designations in key markets, the commission is probing whether similar restrictions have crept into private service contracts. If you operate in LA–Long Beach, Savannah, Chicago, or Memphis—or if you’re a BCO, trucker, or chassis provider affected by split moves and availability—this is your moment to weigh in with specifics before the March 27 deadline. Real-world detail will shape real-world rules.

Data takes center stage as DOT’s FLOW initiative names a new executive board spanning ports, ocean carriers, retailers, and logistics pros. FLOW’s edge is early signal detection: anonymized purchase order visibility that helps stakeholders spot congestion and rebalance capacity before the pain shows up at the gate. On the infrastructure front, CMA CGM and Stonepeak launch United Ports LLC, a $2.4B joint venture that injects capital into ten terminals, including LA’s Phoenix Marine Services and Port Liberty terminals in New York and New Jersey—translating boardroom commitments into yard upgrades, better rail, and more predictable turns.

We also celebrate grit and readiness. The Coast Guard cutter Polar Star marked 50 years by breaking ice to free a luxury ship near Antarctica, underscoring the urgent need to recapitalize America’s icebreaking capability. Mariners get a long-overdue win with the NMC’s ASAP portal, bringing digital submissions and status tracking to credentialing. And talent takes a leap forward as Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s NEXIES program builds a training pipeline with Finland’s leaders in modular shipbuilding and robotics—knowledge that will flow straight into U.S. yards.

To cap it off, Michigan reveals a thoughtful, actionable maritime strategy that treats the Great Lakes as a modern marine highway. Intermodal investments, clean-energy ferries, workforce growth, innovation zones, and a smart balance with recreation form a roadmap other states can adapt. If momentum had a sound, it’s this week’s episode. If it had a purpose, it’s making the system fairer, faster, and future-proof. Enjoyed the breakdown? Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review to help more maritime pros find the show.

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