The domestic shipping industry could soon see recent tariffs impacting trucking. Over the last week, the Trump Administration announced tariffs on dozens of US trade partners. These include a 25% levy on certain Brazilian imports and a 50% levy on specific Canadian imports. Trump also announced a 10-12% tariff on 60 US trading partners following an investigation into goods produced with “forced Labor”. The president introduced these tariffs following the expiration of the Section 122 tariffs on July 22, 2026. While the levies will directly impact international shipping, they will also affect domestic freight movement. This article will explain the impact that the tariffs will have on trucking and how to prepare during this time.
How Do The Recent Tariffs Impact Trucking?
The levies significantly impact the trucking industry because they affect both domestic and international shipping. When an import enters the US, trucking is typically responsible for moving the goods to the final destination. This is known as drayage, where a carrier moves goods over short distances, including from a port to another location. A major impact is that tariffs have increased the cost of drayage. This could raise the price of trucking equipment and increase overall operational costs. Smaller fleets that cannot keep up with the expenses could potentially go bankrupt. Similarly, a 50% levy on Canadian goods raised the cost of cross-border shipping, which led to reduced cross-border freight volume.
How Can You Protect Your Cargo During This Time?
Shippers should understand how to protect their shipment from tariffs due to the impact that it can have. When deciding on shipping, shippers must understand the different levies and the effect they may have on their shipment. They can do this by being current with regulations and reading news articles. Being in touch with various carrier companies can help find ideal rates. If the goods are coming from a country impacted by the tariffs, importing from countries less affected by tariffs can lower the cost to ship domestically. Taxes may have a positive effect by bringing production back to the US and creating new opportunities for domestic shipping.
As tariffs remain persistent, it is essential to protect your shipment. Failure to do so can lead to disruptions that can result in delays and monetary loss. Another way to protect your cargo is to speak to a freight broker like A1 Freight Solutions. We are a freight brokering company that coordinates the movement of goods domestically. A1 does this by connecting you to a network of carriers that can move your cargo anywhere in the US. We also offer various services, including documentation, finding rates, transport coordination, consultation, and more. Speak to our brokers at info@a1fsinc.com or 786-375-9420 to get a quote for moving your goods to the final destination.