Radiant's Freight Market Update

This week: Flights to Cuba are being disrupted; Cross-border trade tensions are rising; A major terminal upgrade is underway in Mexico.

Current Critical Industry Trends

Flights to Cuba are being disrupted. Air Canada and WestJet are suspending or winding down service due to unreliable jet fuel supplies, with remaining flights relying on extra fuel loads or technical stops. The changes add cost and are likely to shift cargo through transshipment hubs such as Miami.

Cross-border trade tensions are rising. President Trump threatened to block the opening of the Canadian-funded Gordie Howe International Bridge, a key U.S.–Canada freight corridor, unless ownership terms are renegotiated. Any delay could disrupt future capacity at North America’s busiest trade crossing.

Ocean

Service coverage into West Africa is being enhanced. CMA CGM has reconfigured its WAX network into three loops, adding two new services to support growing demand and improve connectivity from Asia. The changes aim to deliver more consistent schedules and expanded regional access.

Ports

A major terminal upgrade is underway in Mexico. Hutchison Ports ICAVE is expanding its Veracruz facility with a new berth, additional cranes, and upgraded infrastructure. Once complete, the terminal will be able to handle three deep-draught vessels simultaneously, improving efficiency and throughput.

International

U.S. transborder freight slipped in November. Total trade with Canada and Mexico fell 4.7 per cent year-over-year to US$124.8 billion, driven by a 13.1 per cent drop with Canada, while U.S.–Mexico freight rose 2.9 per cent. Trucking remained dominant, moving US$83.7 billion in goods.

Paper export manifests are ending. Under CBP’s new rule, carriers must file electronic export data 24 hours before loading, with final details due two hours prior, allowing earlier risk assessment and avoiding costly returns. The shift also promises faster CBP processing and improved cargo security.

Trucking

Forestry logistics is embracing automation. Trials in Quebec’s harsh winter conditions showed autonomous trucks can safely and efficiently manage loaded and empty runs on unpaved, variable terrain. The project sets a foundation for broader adoption in remote forestry transport.

Rail

CSX invests $670M in fleet upgrade. A new agreement with Wabtec will deliver updated locomotives and rebuilds designed to improve efficiency and extend asset life. The move aligns with industry-wide efforts to boost reliability and control operating costs.

Air

Avianca cargo scales operations for Valentine’s surge. U.S. bound flower volumes climbed 6% year on year as the airline boosted freighter capacity and staffing. Miami and Los Angeles handled the bulk of nearly 320 seasonal flights.

Technology

Flexible infrastructure gains ground in logistics. Container-based units allow capacity and intelligence to move with freight instead of remaining tied to fixed facilities. Operators are using modular buildouts to improve agility and reduce disruption risk.

Other

Accessibility trends lift Heathrow assistance volumes. A 110% surge in assistance dog arrivals since 2021 has pushed annual throughput to 1,800. Heathrow is strengthening operational controls to support safe and compliant travel.

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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.