FedEx 2.0, Trump Tariffs, and the Trucking Slump: What Shippers Must Know

Imagine prepping your supply chain for a much-needed rebound—only to watch the winds shift again. From surprise tariff escalations to a freight market that just can’t find its footing, the logistics landscape remains anything but stable. As summer heats up, so does the pressure on shippers to navigate uncertainty with clarity. This week’s top headlines paint a vivid picture of the decisions, disruptions, and directional shifts that could impact your operations in the months ahead. Here are the five stories shaping shipper strategy right now.  

1. FedEx Network 2.0: A $2B Bet on Efficiency

FedEx is reshaping its U.S. delivery network through "Network 2.0," consolidating Express and Ground operations. As of May 31, 100 stations have closed, and 290 have merged—streamlining customer pickups and reducing overlap. The revamped model, already live in Canada, is expected to save $2 billion by 2027 and manage 2.5 million of FedEx’s 13.8 million daily shipments. The integration aims to improve reliability and eliminate the need for separate pickups.

[TL; DR] Key Takeaway:
FedEx’s consolidation strategy is all about cost-cutting and service simplification—shippers should prepare for changes in service coverage and pickup scheduling.

2. Tariffs are Back—And so is the Uncertainty

The Trump administration is set to end a 90-day global tariff pause by July 9, with new levies of 20% to 50% on countries without signed deals. Canada faces retaliation over its digital tax, and although a tentative U.S.–China agreement offers some relief, overall volatility remains. These unilateral moves are proceeding without formal agreements, adding pressure to global supply chains.

[TL; DR] Key Takeaway:
Prepare for tariff volatility to return—again. New duties could hit sourcing strategies and costs overnight, with ripple effects across the globe.

3. Truckers Braced for a Comeback—And Got a Trade War Instead

U.S. truck carriers hoping for a 2025 recovery are instead grappling with stagnation driven by trade uncertainty. The Cass Freight Index showed a 4% year-over-year decline in May, with spot rates down 9% and truck orders falling 45%. Excess inventory from preemptive stocking has clogged warehouses, while manufacturing shrinks and carriers delay investment.

[TL; DR] Key Takeaway:
Tariff aftershocks are disrupting freight demand and investment—shippers should expect softer capacity and reevaluate transportation budgets.

4. Canada Post Labor Vote Could Reshape Delivery Expectations

Over 50,000 Canada Post workers are voting on two contract offers that could expand seven-day parcel delivery and add part-time weekend couriers. The proposals also introduce dynamic routing and load leveling, designed to improve service and efficiency. But union leaders warn the changes could harm full-time jobs and seniority protections, making the outcome uncertain.

[TL; DR] Key Takeaway:
Canadian delivery timelines could shift—depending on the vote outcome. Expanded delivery and routing changes may impact cross-border logistics planning.

5. McKinsey: How to Lead Through Tariff Turbulence

McKinsey advises executives to establish “geopolitical nerve centers” to manage rising trade-control risks. Recommendations include scenario modeling, supply chain vulnerability analysis, and aligning cost structures with shifting tariffs. Strategic responses range from downsizing exposure to resetting entire sourcing strategies.

[TL; DR] Key Takeaway:
Shippers must proactively model tariff impacts and stay agile—reactionary strategies won’t cut it in this volatile trade environment.

Smart Decisions Start with Smarter Data

As global trade shifts, networks consolidate, and freight demand fluctuates, one thing is clear—shippers need clarity, not guesswork. Intelligent Audit gives you the tools to turn disruption into opportunity, from scenario modeling and actionable insights to accurate parcel and freight audits that protect your margins. When the landscape changes, stay ahead with data-driven decisions that deliver.

Ready to make smarter shipping decisions? Let’s talk.

‍