Maritime Industry Briefing: Cargo Security, Rail Freight, and Industry Outlook

## Cargo Security: More Than Just Security Guards Cargo theft remains a major challenge for the maritime and logistics industries, and a new white paper from FreightWaves highlights the limitations of relying solely on security guards for protection. The report '7 Reasons Security Guards Aren't Enough Protection' argues that cargo thieves often target vulnerable areas like parked trailers, dark terminals, and blind spots where guards may not be present. 'Cargo theft doesn't start on the highway. It starts in your yard,' the report states. The paper provides practical guidance for trucking companies, 3PLs, and shippers on enhancing security measures beyond just hiring guards, such as using advanced surveillance, access control, and layered defense strategies. ## Rail Freight Trends Show Intermodal Lagging The latest rail freight data from the Association of American Railroads shows intermodal volumes trailing carload traffic on U.S. railroads. According to FreightWaves, this intermodal lag indicates potential softness in the broader freight market. Intermodal - the movement of freight in shipping containers or truck trailers by multiple modes of transportation - has been a bright spot for rail in recent years. However, the latest figures suggest shippers may be pulling back on intermodal utilization amid economic uncertainty. ## Looking Ahead to 2026 A new 'State of the Industry' report from FreightWaves, produced in partnership with Ryder, provides a long-term outlook for the trucking, maritime, and intermodal sectors. The March 2026 report offers in-depth analysis of capacity, volumes, and rates across these key transportation modes. While the full report is not publicly available, the preview indicates it will deliver a comprehensive view of the market forces and trends expected to shape the maritime industry over the next several years. Insights from this type of forward-looking industry analysis can help logistics providers, shippers, and other stakeholders prepare for the challenges and opportunities on the horizon.