Hapag-Lloyd Acquires ZIM for $4.2B; AGs Fight Rail Merger; Gas Tax Cap Proposed | Morning Minute episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 17, 2026 · 2 MIN

Hapag-Lloyd Acquires ZIM for $4.2B; AGs Fight Rail Merger; Gas Tax Cap Proposed | Morning Minute

from FreightWaves NOW · host FreightWaves

In this episode, we cover the major consolidation in ocean shipping as Hapag-Lloyd agrees to acquire ZIM Integrated Shipping Services in a deal valued at $4.2 billion. This acquisition includes the creation of a new entity to manage security-critical vessels and is expected to be finalized by the end of the year. We also discuss the growing political opposition to the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. A coalition of attorneys general is calling on the Department of Justice to intervene in the deal, arguing that the creation of a rail behemoth will harm competition and drive up costs. Finally, we look at new federal legislation that aims to bring relief to truckers by capping state fuel taxes at 50 cents per gallon. States like California and Pennsylvania that do not comply could face significant cuts to their federal highway funding if the bill passes. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Hapag-Lloyd Acquires ZIM for $4.2B; AGs Fight Rail Merger; Gas Tax Cap Proposed | Morning Minute

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