The Drayage Dispatch: March 8-14, 2025

Weekly U.S. Drayage & Logistics News

March 8, 2025 - March 14, 2025

This week’s headlines were dominated by tariff and trade policy shifts across North America and Asia, with potential cost implications for drayage and intermodal operations. The chassis supply debate continues, while port congestion remains a concern for major U.S. gateways.

Drayage Rates Spot Market Average 

7-Days Ending March 13, 2025 

Data provided by 🔗 Drayage.com.

Linehaul does not include fuel surcharge. Rates include one-way miles 300 miles and below 

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Headlines & Key Takeaways

Tariffs Expected to Drive Up Truck Costs

The latest round of tariffs could increase Class 8 truck prices by up to $35,000, making new equipment less affordable for small carriers. 🔗 Trucking Dive

U.S. Proposes Port Fees on Chinese-Built Vessels

The U.S. administration is planning to impose high port entry fees on vessels owned or constructed by Chinese firms. The China Shipowners Association claims this violates WTO rules, while supply chain analysts warn of potential $30 billion in annual cost increases for U.S. shippers. 🔗 Reuters

Chassis Manufacturers Push for New Tariffs on Imports

U.S. chassis manufacturers are advocating for tariffs on imports from Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam, arguing that foreign subsidies create unfair competition. Proposed duties range from 32% to over 300%, which could increase chassis costs and further strain drayage capacity at major ports. 🔗Freight Waves

U.S. Container Imports Surge Amid Tariff Uncertainty

U.S. container import volumes rose 4.7% YoY in February, marking the second-highest February volume on record at 2.2 million TEUs. The surge is driven by consumer spending resilience and front-loading of shipments ahead of tariff deadlines, though ongoing trade tensions may dampen future volumes. 🔗 Reuters

Deep Dive: Drayage Market Shifts & Policy Updates

Savannah Solidifies Status as East Coast’s Fastest-Growing Port

The Port of Savannah is leading East Coast growth with a $4 billion investment plan to expand berth space, intermodal connectivity, and capacity.

• 5.6 million TEUs handled in 2024 (12.5% YoY increase).
• Savannah Container Terminal expansion to add 3 big-ship berths and 3.5M TEU capacity by 2030.
• Rail improvements via Mason Mega Rail and Blue Ridge Connector aim to cut truck miles and boost intermodal efficiency. 🔗 Grice | 🔗 WSAV

New York/New Jersey Sees Strong Start to 2025

• January container volumes up 10.3% YoY (378,168 TEUs).
• Third-highest January total on record, underscoring continued demand for East Coast intermodal freight. 🔗 Port Authority of NY/NJ | 🔗 FreightWaves

Empty Container Return Issues Persist at NY/NJ Terminals

Terminal inefficiencies at the Ports of NY/NJ continue to disrupt empty container returns, leading to increased wait times and rising operational costs for draymen.

• Growing frustration among drayage operators over limited return slots.
• Issue gaining traction on LinkedIn and industry forums. 🔗 Diamond Freight Distribution | 🔗 John Costine, Shore Logistics Group  | Bound Logistics  

HTA Challenges Port Appointment Restrictions

The Harbor Trucking Association (HTA) has petitioned the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to overturn restrictions on third-party appointment management software at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Some drayage carriers report 1-2 days of efficiency gains with scheduling tools, making this a high-stakes issue for port congestion and truck turn times. 🔗 HTA

Fuel & Market Data

Diesel Prices & Drayage Rates This Week

Source: EIA Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update

📈 Increase | 📉 Decrease | ➡️ No Change

Industry News Roundup

ATA Debunks Foreign Truck Driver Myths

Despite rumors, ATA confirms that the U.S. trucking workforce remains regulated, with no major influx of foreign drivers. 🔗 ATA Blog

Trump's Shipbuilding Plan Raises Industry Concerns

The proposed U.S. shipbuilding initiative could double U.S. export costs and reduce international port calls, leading to supply chain disruptions. 🔗 Reuters

Ocean Container Rates Dip Amid Tariff Volatility

Container shipping rates decline as uncertainty over new U.S. tariffs leads to fluctuations in intermodal freight demand. 🔗 FreightWaves | 🔗 JOC

Industry Events

Intermodal Association of Chicago – Annual News Report

Jason Hilsenbeck’s Intermodal News Report will cover key market developments, operational insights, and outlook for drayage and intermodal trucking in 2025. 🔗 Event Details