Industry Watch

🚢 Ocean rates remain under pressure as carriers navigate a capacity squeeze. Carriers have been aggressively pulling capacity through blank sailings and service cuts in an effort to stabilize pricing, but demand has not recovered enough to absorb the available space. The result is a “capacity conundrum” where rate levels face upward pressure from reduced sailings, yet the broader market remains too soft to sustain meaningful increases. This tension is likely to continue shaping carrier behavior through the winter scheduling period. Read more →

🚛 Lawmakers introduce a bill to standardize English-language requirements for CDL testing. The proposal would require FMCSA to develop a single nationwide English-proficiency standard for all CDL applicants and renewals, replacing today’s mix of state-by-state rules and aiming to improve safety through more consistent communication, signage comprehension, and document handling. Read more →

🌐 FedEx CEO warns that global supply-chain shocks are becoming the “new normal.” With trade flows shifting rapidly and more business moving into regional configurations, he says carriers must act fast to reposition capacity, as “once it changes, it’s difficult to go back.” Read more →

Tariff & Trade Update

US–China Relations Show a Measured Cooling

China has taken several steps to ease trade frictions with the United States, including pausing mutual port fees, lifting restrictions on critical minerals and delaying the rollout of reciprocal tariffs. These actions provide a temporary reduction in cost volatility across trans-Pacific lanes and give importers a short window to rebalance landed-cost expectations.

Even so, core strategic tensions between the two countries remain unchanged. The current environment represents a cooling period rather than a reset, and sourcing decisions will continue to be shaped by broader geopolitical dynamics.

IEEPA Tariffs Under Supreme Court Review

The Supreme Court is weighing whether the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) grants the administration the authority to impose tariffs without explicit direction from Congress. Early questions from the justices show skepticism toward the current interpretation.

A ruling against the administration could trigger challenges to existing duties and open the possibility of refunds for importers with affected entries. However, the administration has made clear it plans to preserve tariff authority through other measures such as Sections 232 and 301, meaning tariff exposure is unlikely to disappear, only to shift.

What Importers Should Do Now

Given the potential for retroactive adjustments, importers should prepare ahead of the decision by:

• Compiling shipment-level details for entries impacted by IEEPA-based tariffs
• Documenting liquidation dates to map refund eligibility
• Organizing records so teams can respond quickly if the Court limits the use of IEEPA

Strategic Outlook for 2026

The combination of diplomatic easing and legal uncertainty underscores the need for flexible planning. Conditions on key Asia–U.S. lanes may stabilize in the near term, but regulatory risks remain.

Supply chain teams should revisit routing and sourcing assumptions, coordinate closely with customs partners, and maintain strong alignment between logistics, compliance, and finance to stay ahead of potential policy shifts.

Ocean Market Update

Drewry’s World Container Index held steady at $1,850 per FEU, reflecting a balance between softening Transpacific rates and slight increases on Asia–Europe lanes.

Transpacific Trends

Spot rates on the Transpacific headhaul continued to ease for the second straight week:

• Shanghai → New York fell 10% to $2,920 per FEU
• Shanghai → Los Angeles slipped 7% to $2,170 per FEU

Market Outlook

Drewry’s Container Forecaster indicates that the overall supply–demand balance is expected to weaken over the coming quarters, especially if normal Suez Canal transits resume. This could put renewed downward pressure on rates across major East–West trades.

ContainerPort Group is Proudly Sponsoring TPM26!
Meet Us on the Promenade Deck

The countdown to the industry's biggest event is on. ContainerPort Group is proud to sponsor TPM26, taking place March 1–4, and we are ready to connect on the Promenade Deck.

Join us to explore how CPG’s nationwide drayage network supports importers, exporters, and logistics partners with safe, reliable, and scalable capacity. Our custom container space is built for strong conversations, new connections, and a look at what is ahead for drayage in 2026.

📍 Location: Promenade Deck, TPM26
📅 Dates: March 1–4, 2026

🦃Happy Thanksgiving from CPG!

As we enter the holiday week, we want to extend our gratitude to the customers, partners, and supply chain teams who trust us to keep their freight moving. Your collaboration and support keep our network strong through one of the busiest times of the year.

We’re also thankful for the drivers, dispatchers, terminal teams, and logistics professionals who work tirelessly to maintain safe, reliable operations across every market we serve.

From all of us at ContainerPort Group, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and a safe, restful holiday weekend.

Thanks for Staying Connected!

 

Connect with us on LinkedIn for further industry and company updates, we’re here to guide you through what’s next in transportation and logistics. 10-4!