Weekly Drayage & Intermodal Logistics News

March 15-21, 2025

Port ownership shakeups, tariff tensions, and surging import volumes dominated this week’s drayage and intermodal headlines. As China and the U.S. trade new economic jabs, importers continue to expedite shipments, tightening capacity and impacting dray rates nationwide. Meanwhile, U.S. ports and rail networks are seeing increased scrutiny and investment, with market watchers closely tracking shifts in container volumes, truck tonnage, and intermodal flows. Below, we break down the latest drayage rate trends, policy updates, and market movers shaping the drayage landscape.

Headlines & Key Takeaways

Walmart Expands Brokerage Operations to Compete with Amazon

Walmart is aggressively scaling its freight brokerage arm, leveraging its vast supply chain network to offer competitive rates and capacity to external shippers. The retail giant’s strategy includes expanding digital freight matching capabilities, improving carrier partnerships, and undercutting competitors like Amazon by capitalizing on its existing logistics infrastructure. Industry analysts suggest Walmart’s move could reshape the brokerage landscape, driving new competition and efficiency across middle-mile freight markets. 🔗Freightwaves

EU Delays Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods

The European Union announced it is postponing planned retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports until mid-April, providing temporary relief for U.S. exporters and supply chain stakeholders.  🔗 Supply Chain Dive

Empty Container Congestion in Southern California

Echoing complaints at terminals in New York and New Jersey, Los Angeles-Long Beach terminals are dealing with growing piles of empty containers after January’s import surge. Chassis shortages and limited return slots are compounding congestion, increasing costs and truck turn times. 🔗 JOC

Truckload & Intermodal Rates Stagnant, No Clear Recovery Yet

Latest insights from Ari Ashe at Journal of Commerce show contract truckload and intermodal rates remain flat, with shifts staying within ±1%. Tender acceptance stays strong, but brokers and carriers continue chasing freight. While the market is more balanced, it hasn’t swung back in favor of carriers. Carriers are hoping for momentum, but as spot rates and the "freight recession" linger, it’s clear recovery isn't here—yet. 🔗Truckload 🔗Intermodal vs. Truckload 

Market Rates, Fuel, & Data

Drayage Rates: 7-Day Spot Rate Average

Week ending March 20, 2025

Data provided by 🔗 Drayage.com. Rates include round-trip miles 300 miles and below - Line-haul includes fuel surcharge.

Our Thoughts:

Spot quote volumes and rates surged this week in Charleston and Savannah, driven by the arrival of the first post-Chinese New Year vessels. Additionally, larger vessels on certain services—such as OOCL’s upsized ships calling at the Port of Savannah.

Weekly EIA Diesel Prices

Source: EIA Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update

Industry Data

• Port of Los Angeles: February cargo volumes remained strong, highlighting resilience amid tariff uncertainties. 🔗 AJOT
• US Freight Index: Port and rail ramp activity shows strong Southeast gains, with intermodal cooling slightly in Southern California. 🔗 ITS Logistics Index 🔗 Railway Age
• ATA: Truck Tonnage Index Spikes in February: The American Trucking Associations reported a 3% rise in February truck tonnage, driven by January backlog catch-up and front-loaded import volumes tied to tariff concerns. 🔗 ATA

Deep Dive: Drayage Market Shifts & Policy Updates

Beijing Unhappy Over BlackRock Panama Ports Deal

China has expressed strong dissatisfaction over BlackRock’s $1.2 billion acquisition of Panama port operator concessions from CK Hutchison. Beijing reportedly views the sale as a national security concern, given Panama’s strategic location for global shipping routes. CK Hutchison shares fell sharply following China's disapproval. Read our initial post on the BlackRock Deal. 🔗 WSJ

Walmart Confronted by China Over Tariff Response

Chinese officials summoned Walmart representatives after reports surfaced that the retailer’s suppliers were raising complaints over the company's handling of Trump-era tariffs. Walmart’s internal compliance measures and sourcing shifts have come under scrutiny as China pushes back against perceived overreactions to tariff pressures. 🔗 WSJ

Importers Face “Life on the Edge” Amid Tariff Rush

Importers continue to fast-track shipments to beat looming tariff deadlines, creating logistical bottlenecks and rate volatility. Many shippers report holding excess inventory and booking space months in advance to avoid additional duties, while ocean carriers are adjusting schedules to keep up. 🔗 WSJ

Retailers Weigh In on Tariff Challenges

A new survey of 25 retail leaders reveals widespread concern over U.S. tariffs on Chinese and North American goods. Many retailers are reassessing supply chains, renegotiating contracts, and urging policymakers to consider the long-term impact on consumer costs. 🔗 Supply Chain Dive

Industry News Roundup

SC Ports Expand Offerings to Boost Efficiency

South Carolina Ports has announced enhanced offerings aimed at improving drayage flow and terminal capacity, including new chassis pools and expanded gate hours at key terminals. The move is designed to support the state’s growing export and intermodal markets. 🔗 Post & Courier

Norfolk Southern’s Port Rail Acquisition Faces STB Scrutiny

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) announced that Norfolk Southern’s proposed takeover of a key port rail line will undergo further review due to competitive concerns. Stakeholders have raised questions about the deal’s potential impact on regional intermodal service and rail competition. 🔗 Progressive Railroading

Just for Fun

Tugboat Journey Highlights U.S. Maritime Legacy

The SS United States completed a historic tow from Philadelphia to Mobile, Alabama, marking a symbolic moment for U.S. shipbuilding and port infrastructure enthusiasts. 🔗 1819 News