US Cargo Volume Set for “Cliff Event” in May or June
While the latest tariffs and counter-tariffs are making headlines, it’s worth taking a little time to glean some general information about the future of shipping in the US. In short, it’s set to fall off a cliff, likely in May but possibly as late as June.
Thanks to cargo frontloading, China-US shipments were way up in March. That’s set to change fast, however. The most informed prediction comes from the latest issue of ITS Logistics’ Port Rail Ramp Index. Citing a steep country-wide decline in new freight orders, the index says cargo operators can expect to see a “cliff event similar to the impacts felt during the immediate COVID response.”
The ripple effects are already being anticipated this month by truckers a little farther down the supply chain: In April this year, scheduled bookings for truck delivery or pick-up have fallen 41% from the previous month, which marks a 35% drop from April 2024, according to the Lodestar.
