Radiant's Freight Market Update
Stay up-to-date on the latest global supply chain and logistics news with Radiant's weekly updates.
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This week: Supply chain experts warn of disruptions if CBP reduces processing; Tariff refund program faces renewed uncertainty; 30% of global container shipments travel empty.
Current Critical Industry Trends
Supply chain experts warn that proposed reductions in CBP processing in sanctuary cities could force freight through alternate gateways, creating additional operational challenges for shippers and forwarders.
Tariff refund processing faces uncertainty following the Trump administration’s decision to appeal a recent court ruling. An estimated $166 billion in refunds remains unresolved.
Ocean
New analysis reveals that 30% of global container shipments travel empty to offset global trade imbalances. The practice consumes capacity and increases costs across the supply chain.
Ports
Growth in South Carolina’s automotive sector is driving additional RoRo investments at the Port of Charleston, expanding capacity to support future vehicle imports and exports.
International
New proposed tariffs could reach 12.5% for some countries following the results of a forced labor investigation. The measures could reshape sourcing decisions and increase costs for importers relying on affected markets.
Trucking
The Canada Truck Operators Association (CTOA) is urging policymakers to include small carriers in trucking reform discussions, arguing they are disproportionately impacted by rising operating costs and regulatory changes.
The Texas Supreme Court ruled that companies hiring independent contractors are generally not liable for the contractor’s actions, a decision that could influence future shipper liability cases.
Rail
GoExpress, a new UK rail logistics venture, is testing a high-speed middle-mile model designed to move time-critical freight between major cities outside peak passenger periods.
Regulatory and industry scrutiny continues to surround the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, with questions focused on competition, market concentration, and network impacts.
Air
Asia-Pacific air cargo demand increased 4.1% year over year, supported by stockpiling activity ahead of anticipated cost increases.
Technology
Public Safety Canada is warning about the security and privacy risks of connected vehicle technologies, noting that data collected through foreign-owned systems may be stored outside Canada.
Texas Ports handled over $100 billion in data center-related imports in 2025, reflecting the growing logistics footprint of AI and digital infrastructure investments.
Other
Brazil, Norway and the Netherlands have released the first viability study for green shipping corridors in the South Atlantic. The three routes studied would have net-zero emissions, but the biggest bottleneck of the project is coordination among the three countries.