Radiant's Freight Market Update

This week: Trade tensions escalate as China strikes back with new tariffs and Google probe; ILA workers eye wage increase as contract heads for final vote; Changes to LTL freight classifications are coming.

Current Critical Industry Trends

Trade tensions escalate as China strikes back with new tariffs and Google probe. In response to the U.S. imposing a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, China has announced a 15% tariff on U.S. coal and LNG, along with a 10% tariff on crude oil and agricultural machinery. Meanwhile, Canada and Mexico secured a 30-day tariff postponement as they negotiate a broader trade deal.

Ocean

LNG shipping hits rock bottom: spot rates turn negative in the Atlantic. LNG freight rates in the Atlantic have fallen to record lows, with some ship types now in negative territory. The oversupply of modern vessels and declining European demand continue to pressure rates, raising concerns about long-term market stability.

Ports

ILA workers eye wage increase as contract heads for final vote. With a 62% wage hike and job security measures on the table, the ILA is moving toward ratifying a new longshore contract. If approved, 25,000 workers could see their first enhanced paychecks by early March.

International

Billions in sales drive shadow fleet expansion, raising alarm. A recent probe tracks over 230 tanker sales worth $6.3 billion, exposing how vessels quickly change names and flags to evade sanctions. With shadow fleet numbers soaring, concerns over safety, environmental risks, and global trade integrity continue to grow.

Trucking

Changes to LTL freight classifications are coming. The public comment period will open after details are expected to be released on February 6. Additionally, a public meeting will be held on March 3 for further feedback.

Arizona has installed real-time parking availability signage. Electronic signs along Interstate 10 will inform truckers about the number of available spaces at upcoming rest stops. These signs are part of a broader initiative to expand truck parking throughout the state.

Walmart Canada sells trucking business to Canada Cartage. Canada Cartage will now operate Walmart’s Canadian fleet, handling deliveries to over 400 stores. This move aligns with Walmart’s broader supply chain strategy, following the sale of its intermodal assets in 2024.

Rail

Global quartz suppliers have been reconnected to rail service, with CSX officials confirming that freight cars are once again rolling through Spruce Pine. The railroad had been under repair since sustaining damage during Hurricane Helene.

Air

Lufthansa Cargo is adding routes to Poland, looking to increase its focus on demand in Central and Eastern Europe. The flights will be launched on April 3rd, with a twice-weekly service.

Technology

Volvo strengthens autonomous trucking with Waabi partnership. Volvo Autonomous Solutions partners with AI leader Waabi to enhance self-driving capabilities in freight transport. The collaboration will see Volvo’s autonomous trucks equipped with Waabi’s AI-powered virtual driver

Smart containers offer a high-tech solution to smuggling & cargo theft, with $700 million lost annually to cargo theft and transnational smuggling networks growing, innovations like laser-sensor tracking and motion detection could redefine container security.

Other

The USPS had an interesting start to the week, with embargoes put in place and then quickly lifted. Hours after halting packages from China and Hong Kong, the USPS reversed its decision and announced it would once again accept packages from these countries.

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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.