We're starting to see the seasonal spike in imports that we expect around the holidays, but volumes are significantly higher than last year.
December imports are trending nearly 15% higher year-over-year!
PROJECTED IMPORT VOLUME 📈
As we look to the future, U.S. ports are expected to sustain volumes, with shippers working to transport goods in anticipation of potential holiday disruptions. The National Retail Federation (NRF) projects that containerized imports will remain strong in the early months of 2025.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers (OOIDA) Foundation echoes this optimism in its November report.
Freight volumes remain flat, but stabilizing capacity and rising rates lay the groundwork for an upcycle:
- Inventory levels are improving.
- Operating costs are stabilizing.
- Seasonal patterns—like holiday demand—are finally returning.
At Taimen Transport, we recognize the importance of staying ahead of these trends to help our customers navigate this evolving environment seamlessly.
TARIFF IMPACTS
Facing the threat of potential strikes by East and Gulf Coast dockworkers and anticipated tariff increases under the incoming Trump administration, retailers are expediting their import schedules. Jonathan Gold, Vice President of the NRF, stressed the urgency, warning that a combination of strikes and tariff hikes could harm the economy. To mitigate these risks, retailers are frontloading shipments to minimize potential disruptions.
Contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) are set to expire on January 15, 2025, with both sides still at an impasse over automation issues.