IANA Intermodal Expo 2026 · Long Beach

IANA Intermodal Expo:
Cargo crime, rail & autonomous freight

Intermodal was a blind spot in my coverage. Three days at the Long Beach Convention Center changed that: the rail infrastructure behind the ports, cargo security across the network, and autonomous systems moving beyond the demo.

Watch the recap

Reported by Blythe (Brumleve) Milligan, recording from IANA’s podcast booth between sessions.

Featured episode · September 22, 2026What I Learned at IANA Expo 2026: Cargo Crime, Rail and Autonomous Freight

What stood out on the floor

Cargo security follows the freight

Cargo crime does not stop at the rail yard gate. The recap connects ports, rail yards and highways with physical security, cyber risk and insurance. Safe truck parking belongs in that conversation, too: a shipment’s security can unravel when its driver has nowhere safe to stop.

Intermodal has to earn the shipper’s confidence

Winning back shippers starts with understanding how the network works. The Alameda Corridor made the hidden connection between the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and the inland rail network tangible. Reliability matters across the whole journey, not just one leg.

Autonomy is moving real loads

Yards, terminals and dedicated lanes are practical starting points, not futuristic talking points. GLĪD, Humble Robotics and Bot Auto are approaching different parts of that work. In Texas, Bot Auto is already hauling freight with fully driverless trucks.