Accelerating America's Trade Infrastructure Through Digital Cargo Connectivity
Kalé partners with port and airport authorities, state transportation departments, and federal agencies to help modernize America's trade gateways through digital cargo infrastructure. Our solutions improve cargo visibility, strengthen security, and support efficient, future-ready trade operations.
America Funds the Concrete. The Data Layer Rarely Makes the Application.
Between FY2022 and FY2025, federal discretionary programs invested more than $25 billion in port and airport infrastructure. During the same period, nearly 150 Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) awards distributed $2.71 billion—yet only one award explicitly included terminal software as a funded line item.
Ports are expanded. Terminals are built. Runways are extended. But the digital infrastructure that enables these investments to operate efficiently is often left out of funding applications—not because it is ineligible, but because it is rarely included in the project scope.
Global Scale
Trusted by 5,500+ clients across 50 countries, with active sales operations in 15 nations.
Engineering Power
Driven by 5 Development Centres across India (Thane, Mumbai, Pune, Rajkot, and Jamnagar), including a dedicated AI Excellence Centre in Pune focused on next-generation digital logistics.
When Digital Scope Is Included, It Gets Funded.
Digital infrastructure can secure funding when it is clearly defined as part of an infrastructure project—not as an afterthought, but as a core operational capability.
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A Texas logistics hub secured an $80 million federal INFRA grant for a "smart port" initiative that included 5G connectivity and real-time cargo tracking, demonstrating that digital capabilities are competitive when integrated into the project scope.
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A West Coast port received a Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) award that explicitly funded terminal operating software, reinforcing that digital operating systems are recognized as essential infrastructure investments.
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State programs are moving even faster. Several states have funded port digital interoperability initiatives and truck-management solutions through state infrastructure programs, often with shorter funding cycles than federal grant programs.
The planning documents being written now decide the next five years.
State freight plans are being updated across the country through the end of 2026, while the next federal infrastructure authorization will establish funding priorities for years to come. Digital cargo infrastructure is most likely to receive funding when it is included in these planning documents. The opportunity to influence those investments exists while those plans are still being developed.
The supporting evidence is already in front of policymakers. Kalé is a member of the Airforwarders Association, and Donna Mullins, who leads Kalé's government relations in North America, served on the working group that developed the association's infrastructure whitepaper. That advocacy contributed to Congress commissioning a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on airport cargo congestion.
The GAO's July 2025 report (GAO-25-107334) documented the need for investment, with more than two-thirds of stakeholders reporting challenges related to warehouses, truck staging areas, and roadway access. The report also concluded that federal air cargo data remains too limited to effectively support infrastructure planning.
The need has been documented. The funding opportunity is here. Now is the time to ensure digital cargo infrastructure is part of the plan.
Request a Briefing
Kalé provides briefings, operational insights, and industry expertise to government agencies, legislative staff, port and airport authorities, and other stakeholders on digital cargo infrastructure. Whether you are evaluating funding opportunities, updating transportation plans, or addressing a specific policy or operational challenge, our team can provide relevant data and practical guidance.
