Radiant's Freight Market Update

This week: Tariffs announced by President Trump to take effect August 1; Port of Los Angeles sees record container volumes in July; Cobots take the floor as automation moves closer to humans.

Current Critical Industry Trends

Tariffs announced by President Trump are set to take effect August 1, with trading partners like Canada and the EU delaying retaliation. The move is already prompting supply chain shifts as importers work to manage costs and avoid disruption.

President Trump has threatened tariffs of up to 100% on Russian imports if no peace deal with Ukraine is reached within 50 days. The announcement creates uncertainty in transatlantic trade as importers reassess freight routes, customs strategies, and sourcing plans.

Ocean

Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have sunk two bulk carriers since July 9. One of the ships, the Greek-managed Eternity C, is among those lost, and search operations for missing crew have now ended. The growing threat is forcing carriers to reroute around Africa, driving up costs and complicating global shipping schedules.

Ports

Vancouver is moving forward with the $3.5 billion Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project to boost west coast container capacity by about one-third. The expansion is federally approved but faces legal challenges from environmental and Indigenous groups concerned about ecosystem impacts.

The Port of Los Angeles is seeing record container volumes in July as importers rush to beat new tariffs starting August 1. This surge is expected to lead to a drop in cargo from August through November as shipments are frontloaded. The National Retail Federation forecasts a double-digit percentage decline during this period.

International

China and Brazil move ahead with bold transcontinental rail vision. The Two-Ocean Railway will link Brazil’s east coast to Peru’s Pacific gateway Backed by a $1.3 billion port investment, it shortens China–Peru transit to 10 days.

Trucking

Freight class reset as NMFC introduces biggest change in decades. Out with commodity confusion and in with density-driven simplicity. Shippers who don’t adapt risk reclass charges and delivery delays.

Rail

Northern Manitoba trade route builds steam with port and rail upgrades. Churchill triples storage capacity and boosts rail service to remote communities. Federal and provincial investments position the region as a global trade link.

Air

Cargo operations soar at East Midlands with apron overhaul and Freeport boost. With new markings and stand layouts, the airport is ready to attract more widebody freighters. Plans include 18 new aircraft stands, 4 warehouse sites, and expanded service zones

Technology

Cobots take the floor as automation moves closer to humans. Modern warehouses now pair collaborative robots with traditional machines for smarter workflows. The balance of speed, safety, and precision is driving hybrid automation strategies.

Other

Tariffs turn up the pressure on the flavor supply chain. Starting Aug. 1, key spice imports face steep duties that may impact pricing and availability. With few domestic alternatives, costs are expected to hit consumers directly.

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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.