Radiant's Freight Market Update

This week: Tariff tensions ease with 90-day pause but China faces steeper penalties; A new rail service connecting the Pacific Northwest to Chicago cuts travel time by three days; Emirates Courier Express now offers 'door-to-door' shipping.

Current Critical Industry Trends

Tariff tensions ease with 90-day pause but China faces steeper penalties. U.S. tariffs on China have jumped to 125% while most trading partners remain under a 10% flat rate. The EU has suspended its planned $23 billion in retaliatory duties, opting to mirror Washington’s pause. As negotiations take center stage, global businesses brace for potential shifts in trade policy and supply chain impact.

Ocean

Ocean shipping nears first global carbon tax as emissions debate heats up. Shipping now accounts for 3% of global emissions. Opponents argue new fees may burden U.S. consumers with higher prices.

Ports

Port of Long Beach sets sights on a greener decade of growth. Over $3.2 billion will be invested across rail, roads, and waterways. Zero-emission infrastructure alone will receive $220 million in funding.

Panama Canal port dispute heats up with audit findings and global tensions. Panama Ports accused of breaching contract and underpaying by hundreds of millions. A potential $19 billion BlackRock deal now faces regulatory delays.

International

Europe gets real on freight emissions with clear support for battery trucks. BETs are now cheaper to operate than diesel and outperform hydrogen on cost and efficiency. The average German truck trip is just 96 km highlighting regional electrification potential.

Trucking

Transportation agencies seek feedback to cut compliance red tape. DOT invites truckers and trade groups to identify ineffective or outdated regulations. Stakeholders have until May 5 to submit ideas for modernizing federal transportation policy.

Love’s Travel Stops has recently opened a new location in St. Clairsville, Ohio, offering 121 truck parking spots. The facility is expected to enhance freight and trucking operations in the area by providing much-needed parking and amenities for drivers.

Rail

A three-year contract has been approved for Canadian National train service employees. The agreement includes a 3% annual raise and will remain in effect through the end of 2026. The issue was sent to arbitration, where both sides ultimately reached a final agreement.

A new rail service connecting the Pacific Northwest to Chicago cuts travel time by three days. This collaboration, a joint effort between BNSF Railway, the Northwest Seaport Alliance, and Norfolk Southern, was developed in response to growing customer demand for faster, more efficient transportation solutions.

Air

Emirates Courier Express now offers 'door-to-door' shipping. This service transports packages directly from origin to destination, minimizing delays, reducing handling, and cutting delivery times. During testing, some shipments reached their destination in under 48 hours.

Technology

Technology presents both opportunities and challenges for the freight industry. A recent study shows that many freight companies feel they are not fully equipped with the technology they need. Another key takeaway from the study highlights a growing demand for customized transportation management systems.

Other

Offshore charging could provide a green solution for idling vessels at the Panama Canal. Each year, over 14,000 vessels pass through the canal, and offshore charging technology is being developed as part of ongoing efforts toward decarbonization.

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The Radiant Network's supply chain and logistics updates provide valuable insights on freight trends, customs regulations, global news, economics, tech, and more. The Radiant Network includes the brands Radiant World Trade Services, Radiant Global Logistics, Radiant Canada, Radiant Road & Rail, Adcom, Airgroup, SBA, and Distribution By Air.

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Radiant World Trade Services is a part of Radiant Logistics, Inc. (NYSE American: RLGT), a publicly traded third-party logistics company that provides technology-enabled global transportation and value-added logistics solutions to a diverse account base. They offer comprehensive services including freight forwarding, truck and rail brokerage, warehouse and distribution, customs brokerage, order fulfillment, inventory management, and technology services. Radiant has an extensive network of offices throughout North America and other key markets worldwide.