Radiant's Freight Market Update

This week: Chinese exports keep flowing despite the U.S.-China trade war; U.S. truck manufacturing gets boost with new tariff structure; Quebec’s patrol ban drastically cuts commercial vehicle interceptions.

Current Critical Industry Trends

Chinese exports keep flowing despite the U.S.-China trade war. Q3 shipments surpassed $100 billion, with rare earths and electronics keeping China influential. Trans-shipping via third countries softens tariff effects, and President Xi enters talks with renewed leverage.

U.S. truck manufacturing receives a lift under a new tariff structure. Imported trucks now face a 25% tariff unless assembled domestically. Engines, transmissions, and tires are included, while a production relief offset rewards U.S.-made components. Buses are subject to a 10% tariff.

Ocean

Global shipping reels as IMO postpones net-zero decision. The delay has exposed deep geopolitical divisions over climate goals, casting uncertainty on the industry’s decarbonization timeline.

Ports

Chinese ports show resilience as global trade rebalances. Shanghai and Ningbo led the recovery, posting over 11% growth from July to August. The strong performance underscores China’s dominance in global shipping, even as other regional ports report mixed results.

Port of Long Beach dips in September but stays strong year-to-date. Throughput slipped 3.9% as imports declined nearly 7%, yet overall 2025 volumes remain 6.8% higher than last year, reflecting steady trade momentum despite short-term fluctuations.

International

Logistics under fire as Russia disrupts Ukraine’s trade routes. Repeated strikes on rail lines and ports have slowed the movement of goods and disrupted grain exports. Officials warn that ongoing infrastructure damage could further reduce throughput as repair efforts face continuous setbacks.

Trucking

New federal rules are restricting CDLs and CLPs for non-U.S. residents. Several states have responded by halting or limiting issuance, requiring proof of lawful status, and enforcing stricter compliance measures to protect U.S. highways.

The ban on Quebec patrols has cut commercial vehicle interceptions by more than two-thirds. Traffic controllers say reintroducing patrols will require safety measures, including training and possible authorization to carry firearms.

Rail

Growth in minerals, metals, and chemicals helped U.S. rail traffic rise last week despite declines in grain, coal, and miscellaneous cargo. Total shipments reached 224,244 carloads and 273,610 intermodal units, contributing to a year-to-date increase of 2.7 percent.

Air

Tariff uncertainty is driving a rush of shipments from China to the U.S. Even as volumes shift toward Europe, North China routes remain under pressure with limited space for tech and e-commerce cargo.

Technology

A dry container fleet is being equipped with smart technology. The system provides real-time alerts on location, temperature, and security to safeguard cargo and improve efficiency. Upgraded sensors and longer device life aim to lower costs and boost ROI.

An autonomous driver tied for the top safety score in a commercial fleet evaluation. The driver earned near-perfect marks in inattentive, high-risk, and traffic violation categories. AI validation shows autonomous technology can enhance fleet safety and risk management.

Other

Nearly $850 billion in merchandise is expected to be returned this year. Free and fast returns are driving shopper expectations. U.S. retailers are modernizing reverse logistics and using AI to protect operations and improve customer experience.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

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.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

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.