Adcom's Freight Market Update: May 15, 2025
This week: Trade ceasefire offers supply chain breather without full clarity; Canada Post pauses union talks amid impasse warnings; Experts say reliable delivery beats speed for e-commerce satisfaction.
Current Critical Industry Trends
Trade ceasefire offers supply chain breather without full clarity. Shipping carriers expect a short-term booking spike in the trans-Pacific lane. Retailers still face planning challenges as duties remain on many goods. Financial markets reacted with a surge, though strategic restrictions persist. Analysts call the deal fragile and stress the need for permanent solutions.
Canada Post pauses union talks amid impasse warnings. The union says Canada Post has ignored key proposals like weekend delivery. An inquiry report is expected by May 15, with current contracts ending May 22. Canada Post says the break is to prepare more complete counteroffers. Tensions rise as both parties trade blame ahead of a potential work stoppage.
Ocean
Grain drives surge in seaway traffic as 2025 shipping season gains momentum. Marine cargo hit 4.5 million tons by April end, up 3.7% year over year. Grain shipments rose by 23% and potash by 43%, led by Thunder Bay’s expanding role.
Ports
Dominican Republic set to become regional cargo hub with expansion. DP World plans to invest $760 million to scale operations and meet growing demand. Caucedo Port already ranks in Latin America’s top 15 and moves 60% of the country’s trade.
Port of Montreal holds steady with resilient 2024 performance. Cargo volumes rose 0.2% to 35 million tonnes despite economic headwinds. Net earnings reached $22.6 million and emissions fell 13% year over year.
International
China and Brazil strengthen trade pact in third presidential meeting. Lula and Xi pledged to resist protectionism and support multilateralism. Roughly $4.8 billion in Chinese investment will flow into Brazil following the visit.
Trucking
The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) is welcoming Prime Minister Carney’s new cabinet ministers. The CTA urges action on trade barriers, outdated regulations, and the underground economy threatening industry productivity. President Stephen Laskowski called for leadership to tackle key issues, including taxes, border security, and GHG regulations, to drive meaningful reform.
Rail
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) is pushing the U.S. DOT to update outdated regulations and embrace innovation. In its comments, AAR criticized the crew staffing mandate and called for performance-based rules to support tech advancements. The move aims to reduce regulatory burdens while keeping railroads safe, efficient and competitive.
Air
The nation’s air traffic controller shortage is drawing attention in Washington, D.C. A new bipartisan House bill aims to expand training, boost recruitment, and strengthen retention efforts. With 2,300 fewer certified controllers than needed, lawmakers and industry groups call the legislation a critical step toward improving aviation safety and efficiency.
Facing surging demand across Europe, Etihad Cargo has restructured its commercial team. The region is now divided into five focused zones to strengthen market control and improve customer response. This realignment is accompanied by a major capacity boost, adding 860 tonnes of weekly lift.
Technology
Adoption of humanoid robots will remain limited through 2032, according to a new report. High costs, limited dexterity, and engineering challenges continue to slow deployment, though shipments are projected to exceed 40,000 units by the end of the decade. Standardization and maturing supply chains could unlock broader adoption over the long term.
Other
Experts say reliable delivery beats speed for e-commerce satisfaction. At the recent “State of E-commerce Delivery” event, logistics leaders emphasized that on-time delivery and clear tracking matter more than rapid shipping, especially for bulky items. Technology that improves inventory and delivery transparency is becoming essential to meet rising consumer expectations.
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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!