4/28/25

Tariffs have led to a 45% drop in container bookings from China and a one-third decline in vessel arrivals at the Port of Los Angeles, prompting warnings from retailers about potential empty shelves and rising consumer prices.  The trucking industry is experiencing reduced demand as retailers delay shipments and rely on existing inventory, with economists predicting decreased freight volumes and increased operational costs due to higher prices for imported commercial truck and trailer parts.  (ABC News) 

4/25/25

Port of Philadelphia handles 20% of the nation’s food imports of 5.1 billion pounds of fresh fruit in 2023, valued at $3.1 billion. Despite substantial investments in infrastructure, including dredging the Delaware River and expanding cold storage facilities, the port’s growth faces challenges due to U.S. trade tariffs.  U.S. transportation companies may see a decline in freight and logistics activity at the Port of Philadelphia, potentially leading to job losses and reduced revenue in the supply chain sector. (Fresh Plaza)

4/23/25

Following President Trump’s announcement to reduce the 145% tariff on Chinese imports after meetings with CEOs from Walmart, Target, and Home Depot, businesses are cautiously optimistic but remain strategic in their planning. While the tariff reduction offers short-term relief, cold chain companies are maintaining contingency plans to navigate ongoing trade uncertainties and potential retaliatory measures from China.  (Supermarket News)

4/21/25

U.S. financial markets experienced significant volatility following President’s renewed public criticism of Federal Reserve Chair and urged immediate interest rate cuts, despite ongoing inflation concerns. This rhetoric intensified investor anxiety, leading to substantial market declines today. The market’s reaction underscores concerns about the Federal Reserve’s independence and the potential economic implications of the administration’s trade policies. (CNN)

4/16/25

Federal Reserve Chair warned that the President’s tariffs are likely to lead to higher inflation and increased unemployment. His remarks contributed to a significant market downturn, with major indices falling sharply as investors reacted to concerns about potential stagflation.  The tariffs have led to cost increase on refrigerated trailers and is complicating long-term planning for fleets. (CNN)

4/13/25

New tariffs on semiconductors and electronics—especially those sourced from China—could significantly affect refrigerated trailers, which rely on electronic control units (ECUs), temperature monitoring systems, GPS tracking, and other sensor-based tech.  If tariffs increase component costs, manufacturers will raise prices on new trailers and or delay production lines. (Reuters)

4/9/25

The tariffs on Chinese imports, which have increased to 104%, are expected to significantly impact the U.S. economy. The S&P 500 has lost nearly $6 trillion in value since the tariffs were announced, marking the deepest four-day loss since the index's creation. (AP News)

4/3/25

The tariffs will significantly raise the cost of imported goods, with a universal 10% tariff and additional country-specific tariffs, such as 34% on Chinese imports. This increase in costs is expected to affect importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers, leading to higher prices for everyday food and beverage items. (Forbes)

4/2/25

The new tariffs are expected to significantly increase costs for the food industry, with transportation expenses rising by up to 15%. This increase in costs will likely lead to higher prices for food products, affecting both retailers and consumers. (Fleet Owner)

3/28/25

In February, U.S. trailer orders dropped by 17% from January, totaling just under 18,200 units. This decline reflects a 13% decrease compared to February 2024, highlighting the significant impact of tariff ambiguity on the transportation industry. (ACT)

2/1/25

The new tariffs could increase transportation costs by up to 15%, significantly impacting the logistics and trucking sectors. Additionally, these tariffs are expected to cause a 10% rise in operational expenses for transportation companies. (AP News)