Adcom's Freight Market Update: November 20, 2025
This week: New trade deals are reshaping tariffs across global markets; A key safety rule for commercial drivers is now on hold; AI dash cam technology proves effective in boosting fleet safety.
Current Critical Industry Trends
New trade deals are reshaping tariffs across key global markets. The U.S. announced new framework agreements with Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala that lower select duties and open additional access for U.S. goods.
A key safety rule for commercial drivers is now on hold. The U.S. Court of Appeals paused the FMCSA’s emergency ban on non-domiciled CDLs, prompting U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to defend the rule as critical to highway safety. The court will review challenges while states and carriers watch for impacts on licensing.
Ocean
The Red Sea remains a cautious zone for container lines. Even with a reduction in attacks, analysts predict ocean shipping will return slowly to the Suez Canal to avoid sudden disruptions. Shippers could face significant impacts on service reliability if capacity returns too quickly.
Ports
Khalifa Port will get a major capacity boost as CMA CGM and AD Ports invest $115 million in expansion. The terminal’s phase two will lift throughput by almost 50%, extend quay length, and increase yard space to meet surging container volumes.
International
Most European cargo owners expect supply chain disruptions to last at least two more years. Companies are diversifying suppliers, strengthening logistics partnerships, and exploring alternative trade routes to manage geopolitical risks.
China is rapidly shifting from diesel to electric trucks. The move is reshaping heavy transport and global fuel demand. Battery-powered trucks now account for more than 20% of new sales. Analysts say the transition is cutting diesel use and positioning China to lead the global electric truck market.
Trucking
Truck driver jobs in Canada rose faster than the overall labor market in October. Employment in the broader trucking and logistics sector, however, fell. The unemployment rate for drivers edged up to 4.5%, with THRC noting growing competition for positions despite seasonal gains.
Truck trade moderates in September as U.S. cross‑border flows ease. Shipments fell 9.2% year-on-year, led by declines in Mexico-bound freight. High-value commodities like vehicles and mineral fuels continued to anchor overall trade.
Rail
October sees modest dip in intermodal volumes amid economic cooling. IANA reports a 2% year-on-year decline as trailers fall sharply and ISO containers continue to slip. Experts point to reduced inbound shipments and soft consumer demand as contributing factors.
Air
Hong Kong Air Cargo strengthens East Midlands as a growing Asian trade gateway. Its inaugural charter flight adds to a wave of new carriers that helped lift the airport’s cargo throughput by 11.4% this year. East Midlands is now preparing runway-side expansion space to support rising demand and future freighter capacity.
Technology
AI dash cam technology proves highly effective in boosting fleet safety. Fleets using dual-facing systems saw rapid reductions in crashes and harsh events, supported by real-time alerts and automated coaching. Canadian drivers posted some of the safest results globally, with AI tools helping refine performance even further.
Other
Warehouses turn to simple efficiency wins alongside rising automation budgets. Teams are discovering that reducing paperwork, tightening slotting, and improving pack stations can unlock major time savings. These low-lift steps keep operations moving as automation projects scale across the industry.
Cargo theft concerns rise as fleets and consumers feel the impact. New Geotab data shows 38% of fleets are more worried than last year and consumers are seeing higher prices tied to growing losses. With theft spiking during peak season, the push for smarter tracking and stronger security is accelerating across the supply chain.
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As always, Adcom’s team is here to help. Our expert teams are ready to answer any questions you may have or give advice for managing the current logistics environment. Additionally, if you need help moving freight or gaining visibility and control over your supply chain, we’d happily discuss what Radiant can do for you. Contact us!