FedEx Fees, Trump Tariffs, and China’s Trade Shift: What Shippers Need to Know Now

The logistics world doesn’t hit pause—and neither can shippers. From pricing shifts that could impact your budget to global trade moves that could reshape sourcing strategies, staying informed is the first step to staying ahead. This week, we tracked the most impactful headlines that go beyond surface-level buzz—they reveal where risk is rising, where opportunities are emerging, and what decisions could shape the months ahead. Here’s what every shipper should be watching right now.

1. FedEx Reshapes Pickup Pricing for 2025

Beginning August 18, FedEx is overhauling its pickup fee structure, replacing flat-rate pricing with a tiered model based on pickup frequency and type. Scheduled pickups will now cost between $7.50 and $35.50 per week, with an added weekend fee. On-call pickups will shift to per-stop fees ranging from $9 to $22.75. Designed to streamline routes under FedEx’s Network 2.0 goals, the changes aim to reduce operational overlap—but they could create cost uncertainty for shippers that don’t consolidate their pickups.

[TL;DR] Key Takeaway:
Shippers must review pickup schedules and consolidate where possible to avoid higher fees under FedEx’s new structure.

2. Canada Forces Vote to End 18-Month Postal Standoff

In a dramatic move to end the long-standing dispute between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), the Canadian government is mandating a vote on the latest contract offer—bypassing union leadership. After 200+ bargaining sessions, declining volumes, and a 32-day strike, the government aims to stabilize a critical logistics channel ahead of the holiday season. The outcome could significantly impact cross-border parcel flows and service reliability.

[TL;DR] Key Takeaway:
A government-forced vote could end labor disruptions at Canada Post, offering potential relief for shippers relying on Canadian networks.

3. China’s Shrinking Imports Redefine Global Trade Balance

While China’s exports climb, its imports stagnate—creating a growing trade imbalance with major export markets like the U.S. and Europe. Domestic demand remains weak, and policies under President Xi continue to reduce reliance on foreign goods. With high-end imports dropping and China’s trade surplus nearing $1 trillion, foreign suppliers face growing barriers to market access.

[TL;DR] Key Takeaway:
Shippers exporting to China must reassess growth expectations and explore alternative markets amid declining import demand.

4. Trump Hints at New Auto Tariffs to Boost U.S. Manufacturing

Former President Trump is considering new tariff hikes on imported vehicles to further incentivize domestic production. With auto giants like GM and Hyundai already investing billions in U.S. operations, Trump argues that tariff pressure is working. But automakers warn of significant cost increases—Ford cited a $1.5 billion hit—raising concerns about price volatility and consumer impacts.

[TL;DR] Key Takeaway:
Shippers moving auto parts or vehicles should prepare for possible cost surges and re-evaluate supplier networks in light of tariff threats.

5. Union Pacific Offers New Protection Against Cargo Theft

Responding to rising thefts, Union Pacific is launching an optional liability program that lets shippers pay $100 per container for no-deductible coverage on high-value shipments. This new flat-fee structure gives customers budget predictability and more confidence in rail and intermodal shipping—especially for goods at high risk of in-transit theft.

[TL;DR] Key Takeaway:
Shippers hauling high-value goods should weigh the cost-benefit of Union Pacific’s new theft protection option to reduce exposure.

How Intelligent Audit Helps Shippers Respond

In an increasingly complex supply chain environment, Intelligent Audit equips shippers with the tools they need to adapt quickly and make informed decisions. With AI-powered Anomaly Detection, companies can catch costly errors or outliers in transportation spend that may arise from incorrect lane usage, mis-matched service selections, and carrier mistakes that would otherwise go unnoticed with even the best audit processes.  

Pricing changes, surcharges, and new fees can be modeled against your real-time shipment strategy with our suite of Self-Serve Modeling Tools to fully understand the impact of major carrier moves.  

Our Real-Time Visibility platform ensures that shippers maintain full insight into shipment progress—even amid labor disputes or unexpected disruptions—enabling faster, smarter decisions. And with our Lost & Damaged Claims Management solution, shippers can streamline the resolution process when theft or damage occurs, leveraging automation and data to improve outcomes and reduce administrative burden. Together, these tools provide the intelligence and control of shippers need to stay ahead in a volatile market.

Disruption doesn’t have to mean disorder. For shippers, the key is staying informed—and translating insights into action. Whether it's preparing for FedEx’s new fee structure, navigating labor shifts in Canada, or responding to changing global trade flows, the right intelligence makes the difference. With Intelligent Audit, shippers gain not just data, but direction—and the tools to move forward smarter. Get in touch with us!