[WATCH] The State of Freight: From Tariffs to 2025 Trends

1.?Inside the Minds of Freight Experts: What’s Ahead for 2025

?Last week, our Co-founder and managing director Brian Oxley joined Lee Klaskow of 彭博资讯 and Scott Luton from Supply Chain Now for a deep dive into the State of Freight 2025. This wasn’t just another market update, it was a candid conversation filled with behind-the-scenes insights, industry-shaping trends, and practical strategies for staying ahead.

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What did we learn?

• Freight Recovery is Coming—But Slowly After two tough years, trucking volumes are expected to rebound, and rail earnings could rise by 12% in 2025. However, ocean freight rates remain volatile, with new capacity expected to reshape pricing.
• Tariffs, Strikes & Supply Chain Disruptions The uncertainty around new tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada is forcing businesses to act fast, while recent labor negotiations have helped avoid a major shipping crisis, for now.
• What the Smartest Shippers Are Doing Differently The most successful businesses in 2025 won’t just react to disruptions, they’ll stay nimble, diversify suppliers, and optimize transportation strategies before problems arise.

This conversation wasn’t about predicting the future, it was about preparing for it. Whether you’re moving goods across continents or optimizing your supply chain strategy, the full recording is packed with actionable takeaways.

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Watch the full discussion here.

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Are you navigating freight challenges in 2025? Let’s talk.

2.?Global Freight Watch: Key Insights You Need to Know

• Tariff updates & trade policy changes.?The U.S. administration is contemplating imposing a?25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico?starting February 1, citing concerns over illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking. Additionally, a?10% tariff on imports from China is under consideration. These potential tariffs could significantly impact trade flows and increase shipping costs.
• Red Sea disruptions & route adjustments.?Despite a recent ceasefire in Gaza, security concerns in the Red Sea persist, leading major shipping companies to continue rerouting vessels via the?Cape of Good Hope. This alternative route significantly extends transit times and increases fuel costs, keeping freight rates elevated.?
• Panama Canal & port congestion.?The?Panama Canal Authority announced modifications to its Transit Reservation System, effective since January 1, 2025, including adjustments to charges and the implementation of new tariffs. These changes may affect shipping schedules and costs for vessels transiting the canal.?
• Ocean freight – key lane updates.?The early?Lunar New Year on January 29, 2025, has led to a surge in export activity from major Chinese ports, causing congestion and increased transportation costs. Carriers are managing capacity through blank sailings and adjusting schedules, which may impact service reliability and space availability.?
• Air freight – market recovery & rates.?Global air cargo demand has shown strong growth, with volumes increasing by?11% year-over-year in December 2024?and average spot rates finishing the year?15% higher. This trend is expected to continue into 2025, driven by surging e-commerce volumes. However, capacity constraints may lead to elevated rates.?
• Potential labor disruptions & supply chain considerations.?A tentative six-year contract agreement has been reached between U.S. longshoremen and the U.S. Maritime Alliance, averting a potential strike that could have disrupted operations along the East and Gulf Coasts.?

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Navigating global trade requires agility, insight, and the right partners. Our team is here to keep you informed, help you anticipate challenges, and provide tailored solutions to keep your supply chain resilient and efficient. No matter what disruptions arise, you can count on our support every step of the way. For personalized guidance, reach out to our team—we’re always ready to help.?

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Panorama de la Cadena de Suministro Global: Insights Indispensables

• Actualización sobre aranceles y cambios en políticas commerciales.?La administración de EE. UU. está considerando imponer un?arancel del 25% a las importaciones de Canadá y México?a partir del 1 de febrero, citando preocupaciones sobre inmigración ilegal y el tráfico de fentanilo. Además, está en evaluación un?arancel del 10% a las importaciones de China. Estas posibles medidas podrían afectar significativamente los flujos comerciales y aumentar los costos de envío.?
• Disrupciones en el Mar Rojo y ajustes en las rutas marítimas.?A pesar de un reciente alto el fuego en Gaza, las preocupaciones de seguridad en el?Mar Rojo?persisten, lo que ha llevado a las principales navieras a seguir?desviando sus embarcaciones por el Cabo de Buena Esperanza. Esta ruta alternativa prolonga significativamente los tiempos de tránsito y aumenta los costos de combustible, manteniendo?las tarifas de flete elevadas.?
• Canal de Panamá y congestión portuaria.?La?Autoridad del Canal de Panamá?anunció?modificaciones en su Sistema de Reservas de Tránsito, vigentes desde el?1 de enero de 2025, incluyendo ajustes en las tarifas y la implementación de nuevos aranceles. Estos cambios podrían afectar?los horarios de envío y los costos para las embarcaciones que transiten por el canal.?
• Flete marítimo – Actualización de rutas clave.?El?A?o Nuevo Lunar anticipado, celebrado desde el?29 de enero de 2025, ha generado un?aumento en la actividad de exportación desde los principales puertos chinos, causando congestión y un incremento en los costos de transporte. Para gestionar la capacidad, las navieras han implementado?cancelaciones de salidas?y ajustes en los horarios, lo que podría afectar la?fiabilidad del servicio y la disponibilidad de espacio.?
• Flete aéreo – Recuperación del mercado y tarifas.?La demanda global de?carga aérea?ha mostrado un crecimiento sólido, con un?aumento del 11% en los volúmenes a?o tras a?o en diciembre de 2024, mientras que las tarifas promedio cerraron el a?o con un?incremento del 15%. Se espera que esta tendencia continúe en 2025, impulsada por el crecimiento del?comercio electrónico. Sin embargo, las limitaciones de capacidad podrían mantener las tarifas elevadas.?
• Posibles disrupciones laborales y consideraciones para la cadena de suministro.?Se ha alcanzado un?acuerdo tentativo de contrato por seis a?os?entre los?trabajadores portuarios de EE. UU. y la U.S. Maritime Alliance, evitando una posible huelga que habría afectado las operaciones en la?costa Este y la costa del Golfo.?

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Enfrentar los desafíos del comercio global requiere agilidad, conocimiento y los socios adecuados. Nuestro equipo te mantendrá informado, te ayudará a anticipar cambios y te ofrecerá soluciones para que tu cadena de suministro siga siendo eficiente y resistente. Sin importar las interrupciones, puedes contar con nuestro apoyo en cada paso. Para asesoramiento personalizado, contacta a nuestro equipo—siempre estamos listos para ayudarte.

3. Turning Compassion Into Action: Supporting California, Valencia, and Ukraine

?Disasters don’t end when the headlines fade. The wildfires in California, the devastating floods in Valencia, and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine continue to impact lives, businesses, and entire communities. At Vector Global Logistics, we believe in turning compassion into action—and we invite you to join us.

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Missed last week’s conversations? Watch the recordings!

• California wildfires – A personal perspective Last week, Kristi Porter, our CMO, and our friend Scott Luton from Supply Chain Now had a special conversation with Jenise S. of Gifts for Good? ,?who shared her firsthand experience of the Los Angeles wildfires and the urgent need for support. Watch the recording here.
• Leveraging Logistics for Valencia We also hosted an important discussion on Valencia’s recovery efforts, focusing on how logistics can play a role in rebuilding after devastating floods. Watch the recording here.

Join Us for Leveraging Logistics for Ukraine – February 4th at 11 AM ET Our next call will focus on Ukraine’s ongoing humanitarian needs. We’ll reflect on past efforts, discuss current challenges, and explore ways to provide meaningful support. Register here.

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If your organization requires logistical assistance to deliver aid, we’re here to help.

4. Streamline Your Supply Chain with Smarter Solutions

In today’s fast-paced world, managing a supply chain requires more than traditional methods—it demands intelligent, tech-driven solutions. With advanced AI and innovative digital platforms, logistics can become simpler, faster, and more efficient, giving you the control and transparency you need to stay ahead.

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Here’s how technology transforms your logistics experience:

• Real-Time Visibility: Gain instant insights into your shipments at every stage of the journey.
• Faster Deliveries: Dynamic route optimization ensures your cargo takes the quickest, most efficient path.
• Predictive Insights: AI anticipates potential disruptions, helping you avoid costly delays.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Automated processes streamline documentation and inventory management, saving time and reducing costs.

Empower your business with the tools to navigate complex supply chains effortlessly. Ready to see the difference technology can make? Reach out today to explore how smarter logistics can drive your success.

5. A Must-Read for 2025: Key Challenges That Will Shape Business and Logistics

?As we step into 2025, business leaders are facing a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by geopolitical shifts, AI integration, climate imperatives, and workforce challenges. Understanding these dynamics is critical, not just for CEOs, but for anyone in logistics and supply chain management.?

That’s why we highly recommend BCG’s latest article, “Five Dynamics That Will Test CEOs in 2025.” This insightful piece breaks down the most pressing forces shaping the global business environment, including:

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• Trade & Geopolitical Shifts – Rising tariffs and shifting trade policies will impact global supply chains.
• AI & Automation – Businesses must move from AI experimentation to real-world impact.
• Growth Strategies – The balance between cost management and sustainable expansion.
• Climate Challenges – The increasing risks of climate inaction on global operations.
• Workplace Culture – Navigating polarization and workforce expectations.

With logistics and freight forwarding at the heart of global commerce, these insights are particularly relevant for supply chain professionals looking to stay ahead. Read the full article here. and let us know—which of these five dynamics will impact your business the most in 2025?

Catch up on recent episodes of our Logistics With Purpose? podcast:

?Empowering Women: Marissa Fayer's Mission for Health Equity with HERhealthEQ

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Dive Into Purpose: Miami’s B Corp Ocaquatics Swim School Making an Impact

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Leveraging Logistics for Valencia: Panel Session with Logistics Experts

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