Radiant's Freight Market Update

This week: Winter weather risk across eastern half of U.S; Driver capacity returns to the spotlight; Major upgrades complete at Port Saint John.

Current Critical Industry Trends

Winter weather risk is rising across the eastern half of the U.S. Heavy snow and ice from Texas and the Mid-South to the Northeast could disrupt trucking, rail, barge, and air cargo, tightening capacity and extending transit times.

Driver capacity returns to the spotlight. Trucking groups warn limits on non-domiciled CDLs may sideline thousands of legally authorized drivers, adding workforce pressure across the freight industry.

Ocean

Routing uncertainty is back for Asia to Europe trades. CMA CGM has shifted three major services back to the Cape of Good Hope after briefly testing a return to the Suez Canal.

A new Shanghai–Peru route combining sea freight and postal clearance offers a more cost-effective option for cross-border e-commerce. The service improves supply reliability and expands consumer access to Chinese goods.

Ports

Major upgrades are complete at Port Saint John. Expanded berths, deeper channels, and enhanced intermodal space have increased throughput fourfold, strengthening Canada’s trade gateway.

International

India and UAE accelerate trade goals with LNG and defense deals. The $200 billion trade target now rests on expanded energy flows and mutual access to key markets. New partnerships in emerging tech and military coordination point to growing geopolitical alignment.

EU lawmakers slow Mercosur trade pact over treaty concerns. The agreement cannot advance until Europe’s highest court rules its legality, despite strong backing from industrial and agricultural exporters. The pause underscores how regulatory risk can disrupt even long-anticipated trade frameworks.

Trucking

Tennessee CMV bill advances with steep employer penalties. The legislation imposes Class A misdemeanors and automatic liability in cases involving unauthorized drivers. Civil fines, mandatory ICE notification, and voided contract clauses are also included.

Rail

Union Pacific merger bid hits regulatory pause. The Surface Transportation Board rejected the initial filing over missing market projections and incomplete disclosure. Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern must revise the application before the review proceeds.

U.S. freight rail faces structural slowdown. Flat carload volumes and a weakening intermodal sector highlight ongoing demand issues. Experts say real improvement will take years, despite temporary gains and merger speculation.

Air

Cold chain investment reshapes Canada’s cargo map. Toronto Pearson’s scale and Montreal’s speed are attracting distinct segments of pharmaceutical demand in early 2026. This dual-gateway dynamic is positioning Canada as a strategic alternative for high-value, time-sensitive cargo.

Technology

DETANGLE project mobilizes to support EU cyber resilience efforts. Uniting 15 organizations across Europe, the effort aims to standardize compliance approaches and streamline reporting. Critical supply chain sectors will gain access to practical solutions for managing threats and regulatory burdens.

Other

Manitoba signs multi-partner deal to reinforce national trade networks. The federal government and key logistics leaders will integrate Arctic, rail, air, and inland port assets to streamline Canadian exports. The initiative positions Manitoba at the center of trade expansion and long-term supply chain resilience.

Cross-border wildlife transfer showcases complex air charter capabilities. A 50-ton mission involving exotic species and veterinary teams was completed on short notice, with Air Charter Service facilitating every step from Thai export compliance to final delivery in India.

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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.