Industry Watch

🚢 U.S. Container Ports Put Pandemic in the Rearview
U.S. container ports are reporting smoother operations as congestion eases and throughput improves, signaling a shift away from pandemic-era disruptions. Demand trends and shifting trade patterns still require close monitoring, but overall reliability is improving for shippers. Read more →

CPG Named A Top Workplace for Women in Transportation

ContainerPort Group has once again been recognized as one of the Women In Trucking Association’s Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation. This honor reflects our ongoing commitment to a workplace where women succeed, contribute meaningfully, and advance in their careers. We are proud to stand with organizations working to expand opportunity and strengthen the future of the transportation industry.

Tariff & Trade Update

Major Southeast Asia Trade Pacts: New U.S. Reciprocal Agreements

On October 26, the U.S. announced new reciprocal trade agreements with Malaysia and Cambodia, along with framework agreements with Vietnam and Thailand. The series of deals expand market access for U.S. exporters and reinforce commitments to address non-tariff barriers across Southeast Asia.

Under the Malaysia agreement, the U.S. will maintain a 19% tariff on Malaysian imports, with certain goods eligible for zero percent, while Malaysia opens its market to U.S. agricultural and industrial exports.

The Vietnam framework removes tariffs on nearly all U.S. goods and strengthens commitments on digital trade, environmental standards, and intellectual property protections. Vietnam will continue facing a 20% reciprocal tariff rate on its exports to the U.S., with select goods receiving zero-tariff treatment.

Through the Cambodia agreement, tariffs on 100% of U.S. exports to Cambodia are eliminated, granting full duty-free access for American products. Cambodia also committed to reduce licensing barriers, recognize U.S. regulatory standards, protect intellectual property, and strengthen labor and environmental enforcement. The U.S. will maintain a 19% reciprocal tariff on Cambodian imports, with certain products qualifying for zero-percent treatment.

The Thailand framework anticipates the removal of tariffs on roughly 99% of U.S. industrial and agricultural goods while the U.S. continues its 19% reciprocal rate, identifying specific goods for zero-tariff status.

What it means for supply-chain pros:

• U.S. exporters may gain significant new access in Southeast Asia for machinery, food products, and critical materials, especially those included in Annex III.

• Importers and carriers should monitor which product lines receive zero percent tariff status because sourcing competitiveness in the region may shift quickly.

• Compliance attention will need to increase, since non-tariff requirements such as product standards and rules of origin remain highly relevant. 

CPG Gulf Region: Heavy-Haul Expertise

Shipping through the Gulf and need reliable drayage support at the port or rail head? CPG has the equipment, experience and on-the-ground presence to keep your freight moving through Texas. From specialized heavy-haul to secure storage and 24/7 coverage, we are built to handle the region’s toughest cargo needs.

• Seamless access to major marine terminals and rail ramps across the Gulf
• Private chassis pool available in all markets (20’, 40’, 45’)
• 160+ trucks powered by assets and independent contractors
• Secure storage options in every location
• Around-the-clock operational support

CPG has the capacity and expertise to keep your freight moving. Connect with our team to learn more.

Ocean Market Update

Drewry’s World Container Index increased 3% this week to $1,750 per FEU, reflecting continued carrier discipline on capacity and a moderate improvement in spot demand. The Shanghai–Los Angeles and Shanghai–New York trades are showing the strongest upward movement, while Asia–Europe rates remain comparatively stable after recent softening.

Carriers are continuing to rely on blank sailings and service reshuffling to support pricing through the remainder of Q4. With inventory replenishment accelerating for some importers ahead of the holiday period, shippers should expect a gradually firmer rate environment on key east-west lanes alongside improving schedule reliability trends.

Drayage & Intermodal Snapshot

As retailers finalize inventory positioning for the holidays, intermodal volumes remain resilient while drayage markets show pockets of tightening capacity, particularly around major coastal gateways. Container flow has steadied, but dwell times and chassis availability continue to vary by region. With shifting trade patterns and selective tariff relief influencing routing decisions, inland networks may see more variability in the weeks ahead.

Key themes to watch:

• Capacity pressure at ports as dray demand flexes around imports tied to late-season restocking.
• Equipment imbalance risks including selective chassis shortages as volumes shift between coasts.
• Rail service reliability improvements that could favor intermodal routing for cost control.
• Unpredictable demand cycles as consumers remain cautious and retailers avoid excess inventory.
• Policy-driven sourcing moves that may redirect freight closer to inland corridors and secondary gateways.

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