Radiant's Freight Market Update

This week: Canadian Ports hit by labor strikes, halting container movement and rail services; Boeing workers end seven-week strike with new contract; Automated cargo corridor planned in Japan.

Current Critical Industry Trends

Canadian Ports hit by labor strikes, halting container movement and rail services. Labor strikes at Montreal and BC ports are hitting hard, stalling nearly half of Canada’s container movement and causing widespread disruptions. In response the Maritime Employers Association has suspended salary guarantees for Montreal’s longshoremen, while the BC lockout has ships stranded offshore. Rail operators CN and CPKC have also paused key route, adding to the backlog. With no end to the strikes in sight, carriers are working around the clock to reroute vessels, waive fees and handle mounting delays.

Ocean

Central America invests in alternatives to the Panama Canal. Climate concerns are driving new cross-isthmus rail and highway projects, including Mexico’s $3 billion Tehuantepec line. Ports in Panama, El Salvador, and Guatemala are expanding to boost trade and regional connectivity, positioning Central America as a key logistics hub.

Ports

Typhoon Kong-Rey throws Asian Ports into chaos. Asia’s major ports are feeling the pinch after Typhoon Kong-Rey, with delays stretching into days for hundreds of vessels. As congestion builds, carriers might face tough choices on freight rates in an already slow season.

Trucking

I-26 in Tennessee has finally reopened after being closed due to damage in September. One lane is now open in each direction, easing some of the traffic disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene. Due to space restrictions the road remains closed to loads over 12 feet wide.

Kamloops, BC tries a truck free downtown in new pilot program. The aim is to see how a truck free downtown operates. Kamloops will keep heavy trucks off Lansdowne and Seymour streets for six months. City staff will track the results, hoping the trial gives them fresh ideas for future traffic planning.

Rail

Ohio’s rail system gets a major lift with $36 million in federal grants. Ohio is set to enhance its rail network with five projects on safety and efficiency. Thanks to a combination of federal and local funding, upgrades like expanded yards and smoother crossing are in the works.

Air

Boeing workers end seven-week strike with new contract. Boeing’s West Coast machinists accepted a new contract, ending a costly strike that disrupted jet production. The agreement, with 59% support, includes a 38% pay increase over four years and a commitment to build Boeing’s next plane in Seattle.

Canada and Australia strengthen air travel and trade connections. A freshly expanded air travel deal brings greater access and convenience, allowing airlines to optimize routes and strengthen links. This means smoother travel for passengers and a stronger logistics network for businesses across both nations.

International

Chinese E-Commerce giants expand US warehousing to speed up deliveries. Chinese logistics companies are leasing millions of square feet in American warehouses to meet rising demand and brace for new tariffs. This expansion is changing how goods flow across the Pacific.

Technology

Automated cargo corridor planned in Japan. The 'conveyor belt road' will provide dedicated space for 24-hour unmanned cargo transportation. The corridor will also reduce carbon emissions associated with the transportation of goods across the country.

The Clean Corridor Coalition has been awarded nearly $250 million to add 24 electric truck charging sites. Four states will participate in a regional charging network for electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks along Interstate 95.

Other

Retailers are adopting “returnless” refund policies to offset associated costs. Last year, over $740 billion worth of merchandise was returned in the U.S., marking an increase over previous years. Retailers use algorithms to assess various factors, including shipping costs, when deciding whether to offer this type of return.

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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.