SBA's Freight Market Update: January 8, 2026
This week: Cross-border e-commerce resets; Future of Venezuelan crude exports remain uncertain; Suez Canal traffic remains far below normal.
Current Critical Industry Trends
Cross-border e-commerce is being reset. Governments are rolling back de minimis exemptions and expanding pre-arrival data requirements, reshaping how low-value parcels move globally. The shift is pushing volume away from airfreight and forcing logistics networks to adapt.
The future of Venezuelan crude exports is far from certain. Even if sanctions ease, rehabilitating production and export infrastructure will require years of investment, slowing any near-term boost to tanker demand. That reality keeps freight flows and tanker operations under watch as global supply balances shift.
Ocean
A new ocean route opens between the U.S. East Coast and Oceania. The KEA service will offer weekly sailings starting February, linking ports in Philadelphia and Charleston to key hubs in Australia and New Zealand. The move strengthens transshipment ties with Europe and adds routing flexibility for shippers.
Suez Canal traffic remains far below normal. More than 100 days after the last Houthi attack, transits are still about 60% lower than pre-crisis levels, with container shipping down the most. Operators remain cautious, keeping most traffic routed around the Cape of Good Hope.
Ports
The Port of New York and New Jersey remains a critical U.S. trade hub. Loaded container volumes reached 5.52 million TEUs through November 2025, with November throughput exceeding 509,000 TEUs. Stable vehicle crossings and a new 33-year Maher Terminals lease point to sustained operational and infrastructure strength.
International
U.S. customs is preparing for a potential wave of tariff refunds. New automated systems aim to speed approvals as importers await a Supreme Court decision on Trump-era IEEPA levies. Some companies have already applied for early refunds.
Turkish eggs now have a faster path to market. DP World’s sea-based corridor ensures freshness across long-haul routes to the Middle East and U.S. retail networks. The weekly service is designed to expand with demand.
Trucking
USPS is enhancing its commercial trucking oversight. Non-domiciled CDL drivers not fully vetted will be removed from contracted operations, supporting safer and more efficient mail and package delivery. The agency serves over 170 million addresses nationwide.
Freight theft is no longer predictable or regional. Modern rings exploit load boards, forged instructions, and quick trailer swaps to steal cargo across multiple states. Leading logistics teams use shipment-level visibility and real-time alerts to intercept theft in progress.
Rail
Rail operators face stricter language compliance in the U.S. Federal regulators say clear communication is critical to safe rail operations, especially during emergencies and inspections. The updated enforcement framework underscores growing regulatory pressure on cross border freight movement.
Air
Modernization at Air Canada Cargo targets dwell time and visibility. Temperature-controlled expansion and AI-enabled processing at Toronto are aimed at accelerating transfers for time-sensitive shipments. From asset tracking to warehouse automation, the strategy supports scalable integration across its cargo network.
Air cargo braces for deeper compliance and security disruption. Freight operators entered 2025 on uncertain footing and ended the year weathering theft surges, federal screening updates, and digital growing pains. Looking ahead, proactive security investment and targeted tech deployment will separate the reactive from the ready.
Technology
China’s ports push berth automation further with vacuum mooring. Qingdao’s automated terminal now secures vessels in seconds using intelligent suction technology linked to real-time environmental controls. The gain in berth availability could translate into more than ten additional vessel calls per position each year.
Electric trucks now wirelessly charge while driving at highway speeds. Engineers delivered 190 kilowatts to a moving Class 8 truck on a quarter-mile U.S. highway test segment. The result shows dynamic charging can support heavy-duty freight without stopping or slowing down.
Other
The return season exposes cracks in fulfillment networks. As billions in goods boomerang through sorting centers and resale pipelines, each return adds new layers of cost and risk. With labor tight and value fading fast, speed and precision are now essential for recovery.
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As always, SBA’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 SBA can do for you. Contact us!