This week’s headlines were dominated by tariff and trade policy shifts across North America and Asia, with potential cost implications for drayage and intermodal operations. The chassis supply debate continues, while port congestion remains a concern for major U.S. gateways.
The latest round of tariffs could increase Class 8 truck prices by up to $35,000, making new equipment less affordable for small carriers. 🔗 Trucking Dive
U.S. Proposes Port Fees on Chinese-Built Vessels
The U.S. administration is planning to impose high port entry fees on vessels owned or constructed by Chinese firms. The China Shipowners Association claims this violates WTO rules, while supply chain analysts warn of potential $30 billion in annual cost increases for U.S. shippers. 🔗 Reuters
Chassis Manufacturers Push for New Tariffs on Imports
U.S. chassis manufacturers are advocating for tariffs on imports from Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam, arguing that foreign subsidies create unfair competition. Proposed duties range from 32% to over 300%, which could increase chassis costs and further strain drayage capacity at major ports. 🔗Freight Waves
U.S. Container Imports Surge Amid Tariff Uncertainty
U.S. container import volumes rose 4.7% YoY in February, marking the second-highest February volume on record at 2.2 million TEUs. The surge is driven by consumer spending resilience and front-loading of shipments ahead of tariff deadlines, though ongoing trade tensions may dampen future volumes. 🔗 Reuters
Deep Dive: Drayage Market Shifts & Policy Updates
Savannah Solidifies Status as East Coast’s Fastest-Growing Port
The Port of Savannah is leading East Coast growth with a $4 billion investment plan to expand berth space, intermodal connectivity, and capacity.
5.6 million TEUs handled in 2024 (12.5% YoY increase).
Savannah Container Terminal expansion to add 3 big-ship berths and 3.5M TEU capacity by 2030.
Rail improvements via Mason Mega Rail and Blue Ridge Connector aim to cut truck miles and boost intermodal efficiency. 🔗 Grice | 🔗 WSAV
New York/New Jersey Sees Strong Start to 2025
January container volumes up 10.3% YoY (378,168 TEUs).
Third-highest January total on record, underscoring continued demand for East Coast intermodal freight. 🔗Port Authority of NY/NJ | 🔗 FreightWaves
Empty Container Return Issues Persist at NY/NJ Terminals
Terminal inefficiencies at the Ports of NY/NJ continue to disrupt empty container returns, leading to increased wait times and rising operational costs for draymen.
Growing frustration among drayage operators over limited return slots.
The Harbor Trucking Association (HTA) has petitioned the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to overturn restrictions on third-party appointment management software at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Some drayage carriers report 1-2 days of efficiency gains with scheduling tools, making this a high-stakes issue for port congestion and truck turn times. 🔗 HTA
Despite rumors, ATA confirms that the U.S. trucking workforce remains regulated, with no major influx of foreign drivers. 🔗 ATA Blog
Trump's Shipbuilding Plan Raises Industry Concerns
The proposed U.S. shipbuilding initiative could double U.S. export costs and reduce international port calls, leading to supply chain disruptions. 🔗Reuters
Ocean Container Rates Dip Amid Tariff Volatility
Container shipping rates decline as uncertainty over new U.S. tariffs leads to fluctuations in intermodal freight demand. 🔗 FreightWaves | 🔗 JOC
Industry Events
Intermodal Association of Chicago – Annual News Report
Jason Hilsenbeck’s Intermodal News Report will cover key market developments, operational insights, and outlook for drayage and intermodal trucking in 2025. 🔗 Event Details
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