AI is capturing logistics expertise faster than most companies realize. Here is what port drayage carriers and shippers should understand about the shift.

Artificial intelligence tools have moved from novelty to daily infrastructure across the transportation and logistics industry. Route optimization, dispatch automation, load matching, predictive maintenance, and documentation workflows are all areas where AI is now embedded in how freight moves. Most carriers and shippers view this as straightforward productivity progress. But a deeper question is starting to surface: when AI learns from your team, who actually owns what it learned?

A recent Wall Street Journal piece raised this question in the context of corporate workplaces, and the answer it arrived at applies just as directly to the port drayage and trucking world. The expertise your team builds over years of working a terminal, managing chassis shortages, anticipating demurrage windows, and solving problems that never appear in a manual is being absorbed by the platforms you use. And in many cases, it is becoming the platform’s asset, not yours.

The Expertise Problem in Port Logistics

In drayage, institutional knowledge is a real competitive advantage. Knowing when Norfolk International Terminal gate queues back up, which chassis pools run short after a large vessel call, how to sequence container pulls to avoid detention, or which contacts to call when a container goes on hold are not skills you find in a textbook. They are built through experience, relationships, and years of working the Port of Virginia.

When that knowledge gets entered into an AI-assisted dispatch system, a load management platform, or a customer communication tool, the system records it. It learns from the patterns your team creates. The prompts, the decisions, the workarounds, and the successful approaches all feed back into the platform’s model. Over time, the system becomes more capable, not because it was programmed with your expertise, but because your team taught it.

This is useful in the short term. But as the WSJ piece points out, it raises a legitimate long-term question for anyone whose value is tied to what they know.

What This Means for Carriers

For trucking companies and drayage carriers, the practical implications fall into two areas.

The first is workforce. Experienced drivers and dispatchers carry terminal-specific knowledge that takes years to develop. When AI tools absorb that knowledge through daily use, the value of an individual’s expertise within the organization shifts. The system can surface answers that once required a phone call to the right person. That is efficient, but it changes the relationship between experienced employees and the companies that employ them. Carriers who are building a culture of retention need to think carefully about how they are capturing and deploying institutional knowledge, and whether their team understands what is happening.

The second is vendor dependency. If your routing decisions, dispatch logic, and customer communication patterns are all being learned by a third-party platform, the cost of switching that platform rises over time. The tool knows how your operation works. Walking away from it means starting over on the learning curve your team already paid to build. This is worth considering when evaluating technology contracts and long-term platform commitments.

What This Means for Shippers and 3PLs

For shippers, BCOs, and third-party logistics providers (3PLs) managing freight through the Port of Virginia, the question is slightly different but equally relevant. When you work with a carrier who uses AI-assisted tools for scheduling, tracking, and communication, the patterns of your freight, your preferences, your exceptions, and your escalation behaviors are all potentially being learned by that system.

That is not inherently a problem. Better pattern recognition can mean better service. But it is worth understanding what data your carriers are capturing about your freight operations, how it is being used, and whether it is contributing to a platform that benefits your operation specifically or a general model that benefits the platform’s entire customer base.

The Human Expertise That AI Cannot Absorb

There is a boundary to what AI platforms can learn from transactional data, and it matters for how carriers and shippers should think about their teams.

Relationship-based problem solving at the Port of Virginia does not fully translate into system data. Knowing the right contact to call at Virginia International Gateway when a container is misdirected, understanding the informal communication that happens between terminal staff and experienced drivers, or being trusted enough to get a situation prioritized during a congested vessel call period are capabilities that come from human relationships built over time. They generate outcomes in the real world, but they do not generate data inputs that a platform can learn from in any meaningful way.

This is one reason Century Express Virginia has placed consistent emphasis on driver retention and team continuity since 2007. The relationships our team has built at NIT, VIG, and throughout the Port of Virginia community are not replicated by any software tool. They are the product of years of showing up, doing the work, and building trust with the people who operate the terminals. Our port drayage capability is built on that foundation, and so is everything we offer in rail drayage, refrigerated drayage, hazmat drayage, and specialized freight.

A Practical Note on AI Adoption in Logistics

AI tools are worth using. The efficiency gains in dispatch coordination, documentation management, and predictive maintenance are real, and carriers who ignore them will fall behind. The point is not to avoid the technology. It is to adopt it with clear eyes about what is being exchanged.

Your team’s expertise is a meaningful input into any AI system you use. Treating that input as valuable, understanding what happens to it contractually, and ensuring your workforce understands the dynamic are reasonable steps for any carrier or logistics operation to take before signing long-term platform agreements.

For shippers and 3PLs evaluating carriers, asking how your freight data will be used and whether your operational patterns will be shared or siloed within a platform is a fair question during the procurement process.

The logistics industry is moving fast on AI adoption, and the Port of Virginia market is no exception. Century Express Virginia will continue tracking how these tools affect port operations, carrier relationships, and the workforce that keeps freight moving through Hampton Roads. If you have questions about how we operate or want to discuss your freight needs, contact our team at (757) 494-9200 or visit our contact page.

On February 13, 2026, the White House released America’s Maritime Action Plan, a comprehensive national strategy to rebuild and expand the nation’s maritime strength NatLawReview. For importers, exporters, beneficial cargo owners (BCOs), and third-party logistics providers (3PLs) moving cargo through the Port of Virginia, this plan is worth paying attention to. While much of it focuses on long-term shipbuilding and workforce goals, several of its proposals could directly affect port operations, shipping costs, and supply chain decisions in the months and years ahead.

What Is the Maritime Action Plan?

The plan was released in response to Executive Order 14269, “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance,” signed on April 9, 2025, and outlines a federal implementation framework for combined agency actions on U.S. shipbuilding, port infrastructure, and workforce development Norton Rose Fulbright.

The MAP identifies major gaps in domestic shipbuilding, a diminished U.S.-flagged fleet, and an eroded maritime workforce as core national security and economic vulnerabilities NatLawReview. The plan calls for a whole-of-government approach across multiple federal agencies, with a legislative package expected to follow the publication of the FY2027 budget request.

At its core, the plan has four focus areas: rebuilding domestic shipbuilding capacity, reforming maritime workforce training, strengthening trade policy and federal procurement, and enhancing national security through a larger U.S.-flagged commercial fleet.

The Proposed Fee on Foreign-Built Vessels

The proposal most relevant to cargo owners and logistics providers is the one that could affect shipping costs at every major U.S. port, including the Port of Virginia.

The plan recommends establishing a universal infrastructure or security fee on all foreign-built commercial vessels calling at U.S. ports, assessed at one cent per kilogram of imported tonnage. The stated rationale is that this fee would yield roughly $66 billion in revenue over ten years, with a higher rate of 25 cents per kilogram potentially yielding close to $1.5 trillion Norton Rose Fulbright.

The plan does not include concrete deliverables or impose any obligations on industry participants at this time Norton Rose Fulbright. Implementation would likely require additional Congressional or administrative action. That said, shippers who moved cargo during the USTR Section 301 fee discussions in 2025 understand how quickly proposed fees can move toward implementation, and how disruptive the uncertainty alone can be to supply chain planning.

Importers and exporters using the Port of Virginia should monitor this proposal closely. If enacted in any form, the fee structure could shift carrier routing decisions, affect freight rates, and create new cost variables for BCOs and 3PLs managing containerized cargo through Hampton Roads terminals.

Port Infrastructure Investment

Not all of the plan’s implications are cost related. The plan calls for actions including incentivizing investment in U.S. shipyards, improving procurement processes, establishing Maritime Prosperity Zones, expanding mariner credentialing programs, and creating a new Strategic Commercial Fleet Blankromegr.

On the infrastructure side, the plan encourages modernization of commercial shipyards and port facilities. For ports like the Port of Virginia, which has already invested significantly in expanding capacity at Virginia International Gateway (VIG) and Norfolk International Terminal (NIT), federal investment signals could support continued infrastructure development that benefits carriers and cargo owners alike.

Improved port infrastructure means faster vessel handling, reduced congestion, and more predictable turn times for port drayage operations. For shippers who depend on reliable container availability and efficient terminal access, that matters.

Workforce Development and What It Means for Drayage

A significant portion of the Maritime Action Plan addresses workforce development across the maritime and logistics sectors. The plan calls for expanding mariner credentialing programs, creating a Maritime Security Trust Fund, and strengthening workforce pipelines through community colleges, apprenticeships, and military-to-mariner transition programs Blankromegr.

For the drayage industry, driver availability and retention remain ongoing challenges. Carriers who have built stable driver relationships over time are better positioned to maintain service levels regardless of broader workforce pressures. Century Express Virginia has maintained some of the lowest driver turnover rates in the Hampton Roads region, which reflects a long-standing commitment to driver welfare that predates the current policy conversation.

Shippers evaluating their drayage partners should factor workforce stability into that decision. A carrier who retains experienced drivers operates more predictably than one with constant turnover, particularly when container volumes fluctuate or terminal conditions change. Learn more about driving opportunities with Century Express Virginia on our Drivers page.

What Shippers Should Do Now

The Maritime Action Plan is a policy framework, not an immediate operational mandate. But it signals a meaningful shift in how the federal government intends to engage with the maritime and logistics sectors over the next several years. For shippers using the Port of Virginia, a few practical considerations are worth acting on now.

Stay informed on the proposed vessel fee. Whether it is implemented at the proposed rate or modified through the legislative process, any fee structure affecting foreign-built vessels at U.S. ports will ripple through freight costs. Work with your freight forwarder or 3PL to model potential cost scenarios.

Review your carrier relationships. Trade policy uncertainty and infrastructure transitions tend to reward shippers who have stable, experienced carrier partners in place. Carriers with deep terminal relationships at NIT and VIG, established permits for heavy cargo and specialized equipment, and reliable capacity for refrigerated, rail, and hazmat drayage are better positioned to absorb disruption than those operating with thinner capabilities.

Consider your storage and flexibility options. When policy changes create port congestion or rate volatility, having access to yard storage near your terminal keeps you from absorbing demurrage while you wait for conditions to stabilize. Century Express Virginia operates yard facilities in both Norfolk and Portsmouth, giving customers staging options close to the terminals they use most.

Century Express Virginia Is Watching This Closely

The team at Century Express Virginia has operated at the Port of Virginia since 2007. Policy changes at the federal level that affect port operations, shipping costs, and carrier requirements are not abstract. They affect the day-to-day work of moving cargo efficiently through NIT, VIG, and the broader Hampton Roads region.

We will continue monitoring developments related to the Maritime Action Plan and sharing updates that are relevant to our customers. If you have questions about how current or upcoming policy changes may affect your freight operation, contact the Century Express Virginia team today at (757) 494-9200 or visit our contact page.

Virginia defense manufacturing is entering a period of significant expansion. Bipartisan federal initiatives, strategic partnerships with allied nations, and renewed investment in shipbuilding and advanced production are converging to create unprecedented opportunities across the commonwealth. For businesses operating within the maritime and logistics ecosystem, these developments signal a shifting landscape that will require reliable supply chain support, experienced freight partners, and a commitment to operational excellence.

At Century Express Virginia, we follow these trends closely because they directly affect the businesses and industries we serve. As a trusted logistics partner at the Port of Virginia since 2007, we understand that growth in defense manufacturing will translate into increased cargo volumes, new shipping requirements, and heightened demand for dependable drayage and freight services throughout the Hampton Roads region and beyond.

This article examines the forces driving Virginia’s defense manufacturing growth, the regional assets that position the commonwealth for success, and what this expansion means for logistics providers and supply chain professionals.

Federal Investment Is Accelerating Defense Production

The United States is making substantial investments to rebuild and strengthen its defense and commercial maritime industrial base. Federal spending under the National Defense Industrial Strategy, the Maritime Action Plan, and the AUKUS partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States is directing billions of dollars toward shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, and related industries.

The recent announcement to establish a new class of battleships for the U.S. Navy further underscores the federal government’s commitment to revitalizing the nation’s shipbuilding and ship repair capabilities. These initiatives are not limited to a single administration. Bipartisan support spanning multiple years has created a sustained push to enhance defense manufacturing capacity, and Virginia stands at the center of this effort.

For logistics providers, this federal investment creates a ripple effect. Increased production requires raw materials, components, and specialized equipment to move efficiently through ports, rail yards, and highway networks. It also demands reliable outbound freight solutions to deliver finished products to military installations, contractors, and end users. The companies that support this supply chain must be prepared to handle higher volumes, tighter schedules, and cargo that requires specialized handling.

Why Virginia Is Positioned to Lead

Virginia holds a unique position in the national defense manufacturing landscape. The commonwealth combines strategic geographic advantages, an established industrial base, a skilled workforce, and deep connections to the federal government and military operations.

Hampton Roads as the Maritime Center of Gravity

Hampton Roads is the nation’s maritime and naval center of gravity. The region is home to the world’s largest naval base, Naval Station Norfolk, along with major shipbuilding operations at HII-Newport News Shipbuilding. More than 350 companies support multiple repair yards, and a concentration of military installations creates constant demand for defense-related goods and services.

The Port of Virginia sits at the heart of this ecosystem. As one of the busiest and most efficient ports on the East Coast, it provides the infrastructure necessary to support large-scale manufacturing and distribution operations. The port’s deep channels, modern terminals, and strong inland connectivity make it an ideal gateway for both inbound materials and outbound finished products.

Century Express Virginia operates within this environment every day. Our team provides port drayage, rail drayage, transloading, and yard storage services that help businesses move cargo through the Port of Virginia efficiently and reliably. As defense manufacturing grows, so does the need for logistics partners who understand the complexities of port operations and can deliver consistent results.

A Workforce Ready for Advanced Manufacturing

Virginia’s workforce is another critical asset. The commonwealth has invested heavily in workforce development systems, including the Regional Maritime Training System, which prepares workers for careers in shipbuilding, maritime operations, and advanced manufacturing. Programs like GO Virginia have encouraged regional collaboration, aligning educational institutions, employers, and economic development organizations around shared goals.

Defense contractors and manufacturers require a skilled labor pool to meet production demands. Virginia’s commitment to workforce training means that companies locating or expanding in the region can access talent capable of supporting complex manufacturing processes. This workforce readiness also extends to the logistics sector, where trained drivers, dispatchers, and operations professionals are essential to keeping freight moving.

Headquarters for Major Defense Companies

Virginia is home to the headquarters of most major defense companies in the United States. This concentration of corporate leadership creates strong relationships between industry, government, and the military. It also means that decision-makers are close to the action, enabling faster coordination and more responsive supply chain planning.

When defense contracts are awarded and production timelines accelerate, having headquarters and manufacturing operations in the same region reduces friction. Logistics providers benefit from this proximity because it allows for closer collaboration with shippers and more accurate forecasting of freight volumes and requirements.

The Need for a Unified Statewide Strategy

While Virginia possesses remarkable assets, the commonwealth’s defense and maritime resources are not yet fully aligned under a unified statewide strategy. Industry leaders and regional organizations have called for a coordinated approach that brings together state agencies, private sector partners, and local governments to capture the full potential of federal investment.

A focused strategy would help Virginia compete more effectively with other states along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts that are aggressively pursuing defense manufacturing opportunities. States that align their resources, streamline permitting and regulatory processes, and actively market their capabilities to federal agencies and prime contractors will be better positioned to attract investment and jobs.

For the logistics industry, a unified strategy could mean clearer communication about infrastructure priorities, better coordination between port and rail operations, and increased investment in the transportation networks that support manufacturing growth. Century Express Virginia supports efforts to strengthen Virginia’s competitive position because a thriving defense manufacturing sector benefits every link in the supply chain.

What Defense Manufacturing Growth Means for Logistics

Expanding Virginia defense manufacturing will create new demands on the logistics ecosystem. Businesses that move freight through the Port of Virginia and across the Hampton Roads region should prepare for several developments.

Increased Cargo Volumes

As production ramps up, the volume of inbound raw materials, components, and equipment will rise. Steel, aluminum, electronics, specialized machinery, and other inputs will flow through the port and require efficient handling, storage, and delivery to manufacturing facilities. Outbound shipments of finished products, spare parts, and supplies will also increase.

Logistics providers must have the capacity, equipment, and operational flexibility to handle these higher volumes without sacrificing reliability or service quality. At Century Express Virginia, we maintain a diverse fleet and experienced team capable of scaling with customer needs.

Specialized Handling Requirements

Defense manufacturing often involves cargo that requires specialized handling. Oversized components, heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and temperature-sensitive goods may all be part of the supply chain. Logistics partners must have the expertise and equipment to manage these shipments safely and in compliance with all regulations.

Century Express Virginia offers hazmat drayage, heavy cargo permitting, refrigerated drayage, and specialized equipment services designed to meet the needs of shippers with complex freight requirements. Our experience handling diverse cargo types positions us to support defense-related supply chains.

Tighter Schedules and Higher Stakes

Defense contracts often come with strict deadlines and significant consequences for delays. When a shipyard needs a critical component to keep production on schedule, there is no room for error. Logistics providers must deliver precision and consistency to meet these expectations.

Reliability has always been central to our approach at Century Express Virginia. We understand that our customers depend on us to keep their supply chains moving, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our team works closely with port personnel, terminal operators, and customers to coordinate shipments and minimize delays.

Stronger Partnerships Across the Supply Chain

Growth in defense manufacturing will require stronger partnerships between shippers, logistics providers, ports, and rail operators. No single company can manage the complexity of a large-scale supply chain alone. Success depends on collaboration, communication, and a shared commitment to performance.

Century Express Virginia has built lasting relationships within the Port of Virginia community over nearly two decades of operation. We leverage these connections to help our customers navigate challenges and achieve their goals. As the defense manufacturing sector grows, these partnerships will become even more valuable.

Regional Investment Is Already Underway

Regions across Virginia are already investing heavily in maritime and defense production. Hampton Roads has seen tens of millions of dollars in state and federal funding directed toward infrastructure improvements, workforce training, and business development. The Hampton Roads Alliance recently released a Regional Investment Playbook focused on defense, maritime, energy, aerospace, and logistics, providing a coordinated plan for capturing growth opportunities.

These investments are creating momentum that benefits the entire logistics ecosystem. Improved infrastructure means faster freight movement. Expanded workforce training means more qualified workers. Coordinated economic development means a more attractive environment for businesses considering Virginia as a location for manufacturing or distribution operations.

Century Express Virginia is proud to be part of this regional ecosystem. We contribute to the success of businesses throughout Hampton Roads by providing dependable logistics services that keep cargo moving efficiently. As investment continues and the defense manufacturing sector expands, we remain committed to supporting our customers and the broader regional economy.

Looking Ahead

Virginia defense manufacturing is poised for substantial growth in the coming years. Federal investment, strategic partnerships, and the commonwealth’s natural advantages are combining to create a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Businesses that position themselves to support this growth will benefit from increased demand, stronger partnerships, and a more dynamic regional economy.

For logistics providers, the message is clear. The companies that invest in capacity, expertise, and relationships today will be best prepared to serve the defense manufacturing sector tomorrow. Century Express Virginia is ready to meet this moment. With decades of combined experience, a commitment to service excellence, and deep roots in the Port of Virginia community, our team is prepared to help customers navigate the opportunities ahead.

If your business is involved in defense manufacturing, shipbuilding, or related industries and you need a logistics partner who understands the demands of this sector, Century Express Virginia is here to help. Contact our team to discuss your freight requirements and learn how we can support your supply chain.