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Global Trade & US Policy
Trump to raise canada tariffs by 10% after trade talks halted
President Donald Trump announced plans to raise tariffs on Canadian imports by 10%, days after suspending trade talks following an Ontario government ad criticizing U.S. tariffs. The ad used excerpts from a 1987 Ronald Reagan speech, prompting Trump to accuse Canada of interference. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada remains ready to resume discussions, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford paused the ad campaign to ease tensions.
What shippers need to know about potential tariff refunds
The White House may need to refund billions in tariff revenue if the Supreme Court overturns President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The Nov. 5 hearing follows lower court rulings against the levies, which could impact over $100 billion in duties. Experts warn the refund process would be complex and unprecedented. Importers should monitor liquidation status, keep documentation, and consider extensions or protests as the case moves forward.
Ocean, Air, Rail & Road
Ocean Shipping Faces New Costs, Capacity Shifts, and Competitive Realignment
Ocean carriers are navigating a turbulent landscape as new U.S. port fees hit Chinese-built and Chinese-operated vessels, costing major players like Cosco, OOCL, and ACL tens of millions in their first weeks. At the same time, MSC is expanding its reach with a new U.S.–Africa service, while Asia–Europe spot rates remain below long-term contracts despite capacity cuts.
Trans-Pacific air cargo to be driven by ‘vertical’ markets: forwarders
Freight forwarders say the trans-Pacific air cargo market is unlikely to see a traditional peak season this year as U.S. tariffs and the end of duty-free imports weigh on demand. Still, growth remains strong in sectors like perishables and semiconductor shipments tied to AI infrastructure. Kuehne + Nagel and Hellmann Worldwide Logistics report expanding high-tech volumes from Southeast Asia, while lower ocean freight rates further limit seasonal air cargo surges.
Knight-Swift combining LTL subsidiaries to form one carrier under ACT brand
Knight-Swift will consolidate its three less-than-truckload carriers — AAA Cooper Transportation, Midwest Motor Express, and Dependable Highway Express — under the ACT brand starting Jan. 1. The move follows full back-office integration and marks a step toward building a national LTL network. The segment’s revenue rose 21.5% year over year in Q3 to $340.5 million, driven by the 2024 DHE acquisition, though the company reported a small operating loss due to rebranding costs.
Old Dominion Freight Line plans 4.9% rate increase
Old Dominion Freight Line will implement a 4.9% general rate increase on Nov. 3 to help offset rising costs for real estate, equipment, technology, and labor. The change affects the carrier’s standard LTL, cubic capacity, and fuel-related tariffs, with adjustments varying by lane and distance. It marks Old Dominion’s first GRI since December and follows a similar move by ArcBest in August. Despite soft freight conditions, analysts expect upcoming rate hikes to have limited impact on shippers.
Trucking industry faces economic and safety strains
A new FreightWaves analysis argues that the American Trucking Associations’ push to address a so-called driver shortage has weakened both industry economics and safety standards. Policies easing licensing and training requirements have brought an influx of inexperienced drivers, contributing to oversupply and financial pressure across the freight sector. Family-owned carriers have struggled to compete, and experts say the industry needs stronger labor and safety standards rather than more drivers.
Last Mile & Parcel Freight
FedEx, UPS pricing tweaks set up ground shipping rates for record 2025
Ground shipping rates rose 31.2% above 2018 levels in Q3 2025, marking a record year for delivery costs, according to the TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index. Rates are expected to climb further in Q4 as peak season surcharges and dimensional pricing changes take effect. While costs increased year over year, they dipped slightly from Q2 due to a smaller share of residential deliveries, which typically carry higher surcharges.
How UPS, FedEx and DHL Express handle customs hangups post-de minimis
With the U.S. ending its de minimis exemption for sub-$800 imports, some shipments face customs delays or disposal due to missing data. UPS and FedEx may return or dispose of unclaimed packages, while DHL returns them to origin. Experts advise shippers to ensure accurate documentation and consider using customs brokers or non-resident importer status to prevent clearance issues.
Independent parcel carriers continue network, tech investments
Alternative last-mile carriers are ramping up investment and expansion as competition with FedEx and UPS intensifies. Veho added new markets and named Neel Madhvani chief product officer to enhance e-commerce delivery customization. SpeedX is expanding its U.S. footprint to reach 15,000 ZIP codes by early 2026, while Gofo partnered with Cirro E-commerce and opened major hubs in Newark and Los Angeles. These moves reflect ongoing efforts to win share in a crowded parcel market with slowing demand.
Innovation
Macy’s employs warehouse robots to speed up deliveries
Macy’s launched a $640 million, 2.5 million-square-foot fulfillment center in North Carolina — its largest and most automated facility yet. Using robotics from AutoStore and Knapp, coordinated by Manhattan Associates software, the warehouse fulfills orders in less than a day and consolidates shipments to reduce costs. The investment is part of Macy’s broader supply chain overhaul to improve delivery speed and boost sales.
