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Global Trade & Economy
Trade volatility pushes LA port towards new record
The Port of Los Angeles handled 848,431 TEUs in October, keeping it on pace to potentially surpass 10 million TEUs for the year, an achievement unmatched by any Western Hemisphere port. Through the first 10 months, volumes reached 8.66 million TEUs, up 2 percent year over year. Softening volumes are expected in the final months of the year due to earlier frontloading and tariff driven trade shifts that are pushing some empty traffic toward Canadian ports.
US lands framework trade deals with Switzerland, 5 other trading partners
The United States has reached new framework trade deals that would cap Switzerland’s 39 percent tariff at 15 percent and extend selective duty exemptions to Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and Guatemala. The agreements aim to strengthen Western Hemisphere supply chains and follow recent pacts with Asian partners. Switzerland and Liechtenstein also plan to drop most duties on U.S. industrial goods and invest more than 200 billion dollars in the U.S. over five years once finalized.
US ports seek to expand FTZs for breakbulk cargo
Importers are increasingly using foreign trade zones and bonded warehouses to delay or reduce tariffs, driving high utilization and expansion efforts at ports like New Orleans and Indiana. Interest is especially strong for breakbulk and project cargo, though federal shutdown delays have created a backlog in FTZ application reviews.
DCSA broadens reach with identity exchange for shipping industry
The Digital Container Shipping Association has rolled out Identity Exchange, a paid identity verification tool that helps carriers, forwarders and shippers validate business partners and support electronic bill of lading adoption. Early users report high match rates and reduced manual checks as DCSA expands into digital infrastructure.
Trucking, Rail & Air
Low truckload rates putting pressure on traditional RFP process
Shrinking contract rates and heavy labor demands are exposing inefficiencies in the traditional RFP process, where brokers and shippers often lack visibility into each other’s networks. New tech platforms aim to streamline bid work, but inconsistent templates and poor data quality still make RFPs slow, manual and margin-draining.
Trucking employment down in Sept from August, mostly flat over 12 mos
U.S. trucking employment fell by 6,800 jobs in September, one of the steepest monthly losses since Yellow’s 2022 closure. Warehouse jobs also continued their decline, reaching the lowest level since 2021. Record high wages in both sectors highlight tightening labor conditions even as overall payrolls contract.
FMCSA’s tighter bond enforcement looms over freight brokers in 2026
Beginning January 16, 2026, FMCSA will strictly enforce the 75,000 dollar broker bond and quickly suspend brokers who fall below the threshold. Thousands of BMC 85 trusts will no longer qualify under new cash only rules, pushing brokers to secure new financial arrangements. Pressure from rising spot rates and thinner margins puts debt heavy and mid sized brokers at elevated risk of failure.
Black Friday demand tightens trans-Pacific air cargo capacity, elevates rates
Air freight space from Asia is tightening as Black Friday demand overlaps with strong high tech and e commerce shipments, especially from Vietnam and Thailand, pushing rates as high as 8.50 dollars per kilogram. Chinese e commerce volumes remain strong and continue to lift trans Pacific rates as forwarders work to secure limited capacity.
BNSF, CSX launch faster cross-country intermodal service
BNSF and CSX have launched faster intermodal services from Southern California to major Ohio Valley and Northeast markets, cutting transit times by more than a day on nine lanes. The upgraded offering uses expedited trains and a streamlined connection in Ohio to help divert more freight from truck to rail.
Parcel & Final Mile
2025 holiday shipping deadlines: What FedEx, UPS and USPS recommend
FedEx, UPS and the U.S. Postal Service have published their recommended send-by dates for packages to arrive by Christmas Eve, helping shippers plan ahead for the 2025 peak season. Deadlines vary by carrier, service level and origin–destination pair, and many services pause on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. With on-time holiday delivery more critical than ever, shippers are encouraged to review each carrier’s guidelines early to avoid delays during the annual surge.
USPS prepares 2026 rate hikes for Ground Advantage, other services
The U.S. Postal Service will raise prices across its shipping services on January 18, 2026, with planned average increases of 7.8 percent for Ground Advantage, 6 percent for Parcel Select, 6.6 percent for Priority Mail and 5.1 percent for Priority Mail Express. The hikes, which exceed some upcoming FedEx and UPS rate changes, are part of USPS efforts to strengthen financial performance as losses climb, including a 9 billion dollar net loss in fiscal 2025. Analysts note the new structure favors heavier, short-distance parcels, while USPS attributes its revenue gains to Ground Advantage growth and strategic pricing adjustments.
UPS compensates for lost use of grounded MD-11 cargo jets
After the fatal MD-11 crash and grounding, UPS added lift from Cargojet, Amerijet, ABX Air, and ATI while routing more parcels through its ground network. USPS is experiencing temporary delays, and a damaged UPS Supply Chain Solutions building near the crash site remains closed for safety assessments. UPS will only reactivate aircraft once each one passes FAA inspections and any necessary corrective actions.
FedEx network restructure boosts agility amid shifting trade landscape
FedEx’s redesigned network is increasing operational flexibility as tariffs, trade shifts, and capacity constraints reshape global logistics. The company is prioritizing high value B2B freight, expanding AI driven customs tools, and continuing to merge its Express and Ground networks. Stronger focus on high tech and healthcare freight, combined with new Amazon volume, is expected to support profitability.
Walmart e-commerce sales rise 27% as shoppers opt for same-day delivery
Walmart’s Q3 revenue reached 179.5 billion, driven by a 27 percent global e-commerce increase and strong store-fulfilled delivery momentum. Automation and AI-powered delivery estimates are improving speed and lowering fulfillment costs. The retailer plans to move its stock listing to Nasdaq as it aligns more closely with tech-driven growth sectors.
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