This week, wildfires fueled by high winds and dry conditions continue to ravage the Los Angeles metro area, causing interstate closures and delays at LAX, while federal regulators propose new rules to close security gaps in U.S. rail exports to Canada and Mexico. The ILA and USMX have reached a tentative six-year contract agreement, averting a potential January 15 strike and balancing automation with job guarantees. In the shipping industry, record-breaking containership orders of 8.3 million TEUs signal a major fleet expansion through 2029, with Chinese shipyards dominating the market. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s trade surplus with the U.S. surged to a record $64.9 billion in 2024, highlighting shifts in global trade dynamics and raising potential scrutiny under President-elect Trump’s trade policies. Parcel shippers are adjusting to 2025 rate hikes from UPS, FedEx, and USPS, with opportunities to negotiate discounts despite rising surcharges. Read the full articles below.
Weekly Freight Report: January 10, 2025
January 10th, 2025
Deadly California Wildfires Close Interstates, May Disrupt Freight Across LA Area
Wildfires fueled by dry conditions and powerful winds are raging across the Los Angeles metro area, destroying thousands of structures, causing fatalities, and forcing interstate closures, while high winds are disrupting travel on highways and causing delays at LA International Airport.
ILA, USMX Reach Contract Agreement on Automation, Avoiding Port Strike
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a tentative six-year contract, balancing automation with job guarantees, averting a potential strike, and securing vital supply chain stability.
Trump Is Considering a National Economic Emergency Declaration to Allow for New Tariff Program
President-elect Donald Trump is considering declaring a national economic emergency under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) to implement broad tariffs aimed at reshaping global trade, sparking debate over its potential impact on U.S. manufacturing and international relations.
2025 Brings a Wave of Parcel Carrier Rate Hikes
Parcel shippers face 2025 rate hikes from UPS, FedEx, USPS, and others, but competitive pressures offer opportunities to negotiate discounts while navigating new surcharges and fees.
Record Containership Orderbook Signals Major Fleet Expansion Through 2029
The container shipping industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with a record-breaking 8.3 million TEU orderbook dominated by larger vessels, signaling a significant fleet expansion through 2029 and major shifts in global maritime trade dynamics.
CBP Looks to Close Security Gaps on Rail Exports to Canada, Mexico
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is proposing new rules requiring electronic rail export cargo data submission to address security gaps, enhance risk assessment, and enforce export regulations for shipments to Mexico and Canada.
Taiwan’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps to Record
Taiwan’s trade surplus with the U.S. hit a record $64.9 billion in 2024, driven by high-tech exports and decreasing reliance on China, potentially drawing scrutiny from President-elect Donald Trump’s trade agenda.
