HOUSTON — Ports in the United States have a historic opportunity to upgrade aging infrastructure with billions of dollars in federal funding that will prepare facilities for years’ worth of expected growth in freight movement and ready them for a future where many are targeting eventual carbon-neutral operations.

The coronavirus vaccine rollout required rapid adjustment by cold chain companies that continues to influence technologies and operations more than a year later.

Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.’s strategy of expanding its real estate footprint is helping the carrier add capacity, a company executive said April 5 in an exclusive interview with Transport Topics.

The Logistics Managers’ Index, a measure of U.S. supply chain pressures, rose to a record.

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co. agreed to buy the African transport and logistics business of Bollore SA for 5.7 billion euros ($6.3 billion) including debt.

FedEx Logistics Inc. opened its new global headquarters in Memphis, Tenn., on April 5.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. launched a program April 4 to help customers offset the carbon footprint of their supply chain.

The Panama Canal Authority proposed a comprehensive restructuring of its toll system April 1 that would increase rates charged on cargo such as vehicles, oil and gas, and soybeans that cross the waterway as ocean shippers rake in record profits.

With the largest infusion of direct federal infrastructure spending set to begin, port leaders from around the country say they’re ready to begin rebuilding and upgrading their facilities to keep up with a record number of cargo containers moving through ports.

The rise in fuel prices is slowing a decline in spot rates while also potentially suppressing base revenue for some carriers, experts said.