Weekly Freight Report: December 19, 2025

This week’s freight landscape reveals a market at a crossroads. While spot market signals show early signs of tightening, manufacturers are preparing to raise prices rather than reshore, and U.S. rail freight continues its losing streak. Meanwhile, the Port of LA is defying headwinds to post one of its best years ever, and a billion-dollar milestone in de minimis collections signals a permanent shift in cross-border trade enforcement.

Geopolitical tensions add another layer of complexity—from China’s push for control of Panama Canal ports to stalled trade talks with Canada that may roll into the broader USMCA renegotiation.

Here’s what shippers need to know heading into 2026:

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Is the Spot Market Waking Up or Just Stretching?

Tender rejections have climbed above 10%—the highest in years—signaling tightening capacity. But with volumes stable rather than booming, experts say it’s too early to call a full recovery. Carriers should watch for sustained movement across all three key metrics: volume, rejections, and rates.

Despite Headwinds, Port of Los Angeles Nears 10M TEUs

Tariffs, trade uncertainty, and even a ship fire couldn’t slow down America’s busiest container port. The Port of LA is on track to exceed 10 million TEUs in 2025, putting it firmly in its top three years ever—all while operating without congestion or vessel backlogs.

China Demands Controlling Stake in Sale of Panama Canal Ports

Negotiations for the $22.8 billion sale of CK Hutchison’s global port network—including two facilities flanking the Panama Canal—have hit an impasse. Beijing is demanding that state-owned Cosco receive a controlling stake, turning the deal into a flashpoint in the U.S.-China trade war.

Sector Deals With Canada 'Unlikely' as USMCA Talks Loom

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is unlikely to reach a near-term deal with the U.S. on steel, aluminum, or softwood lumber tariffs. Instead, those negotiations will be folded into the broader USMCA review slated for next year.

Revenue from Low-Value Shipment Duties Crosses $1 Billion Mark: CBP

Since ending the de minimis exemption in May, CBP has collected over $1 billion in duties on 246 million low-cost shipments. Daily package volume has dropped from 4 million to 1 million, while seizures of unsafe goods have surged 82%

US Rail Freight Extends Weekly Losing Streak

U.S. rail traffic fell for the eighth consecutive week, down 1.4% year-over-year. However, year-to-date volume remains 1.7% ahead of 2024, suggesting a temporary slowdown rather than a structural decline.

Manufacturers Plan Price Hikes Over Reshoring to Combat Tariff Effects

According to ISM’s latest forecast, 86% of manufacturers plan to pass tariff-related cost increases onto customers, while only 36% are actively looking to reshore production. With trade uncertainty beginning to settle, industry leaders are showing “slight optimism” for 2026.

Weekly Freight Report: December 19, 2025

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