The newly imposed tariffs in 2025 are shaking up the freight and logistics industry across the U.S. While these trade actions aim to protect American manufacturing, they’re also triggering rapid shifts in supply chains, shipping volumes, and operational strategies. Here’s a look at what freight professionals need to know right now.
Pre-Tariff Import Surge: The Calm Before the Storm
Just before the new tariffs hit, importers rushed to bring goods into the U.S., hoping to avoid steep costs. This created a temporary spike in freight demand, particularly at ports in New York and along the East Coast. Truckers and warehouse operators scrambled to handle the surge but many in the industry are now bracing for what follows: a sharp drop in import volumes. Freight professionals have seen this pattern before. Once tariffs are in place, volumes often fall off fast, leaving carriers with excess capacity and uncertain revenue.
Plunge in Trans-Pacific Container Bookings
Ocean container bookings from China to the U.S. are down roughly 25% year-over-year as of early April 2025. This steep decline is a direct result of the administration’s latest tariff package, which includes a 125% duty on Chinese imports. This decline will hit intermodal and drayage providers especially hard. Logistics companies serving the West Coast ports and transloading hubs must prepare for lighter volumes in the months ahead.
Rising Costs and Strategic Paralysis
The uncertainty surrounding tariff policy is making it harder for businesses to plan. Many are unsure whether to absorb costs, pass them to customers, or look for alternative suppliers. This has led to what industry leaders call “decision paralysis,” where logistics plans are put on hold and freight flows stall. At the same time, trucking companies are dealing with higher operating costs, including tariffs on imported truck parts and equipment. Even though diesel prices have dipped, margins remain squeezed across much of the industry.
Warehousing Trends Shift as Companies Stockpile Inventory
To sidestep tariffs, some Chinese e-commerce sellers are leasing massive warehouse space in the U.S., stockpiling goods ahead of future tariff hikes. This is altering warehousing demand and changing distribution patterns especially for fulfillment operations near major population centers.
If you’re in warehousing or final-mile delivery, this trend could bring new opportunities but it also means adapting to customers who are now more focused on tariff timing than steady inventory flows.
The Risk of a Prolonged Freight Recession
Industry analysts warn that 2025 tariffs could deepen the ongoing freight recession. With declining import volumes, rising costs, and an unpredictable policy environment, many freight and logistics companies may face continued financial stress. To stay competitive, companies will need to double down on flexibility, explore nearshoring or regional sourcing opportunities, and monitor trade developments closely.
Navigating the New Normal
The 2025 tariff wave is the latest reminder that freight markets are highly sensitive to global policy. For brokers, carriers, and logistics providers, success now means staying agile, informed, and ready to pivot as conditions evolve. Whether it’s shifting capacity, rerouting lanes, or advising customers on sourcing alternatives, freight professionals are once again on the front lines of global trade disruption.
