SBA's Freight Market Update: December 18, 2025
This week: Severe floods disrupt Washington and B.C. freight routes; Governments crack down on parcel loopholes; Air cargo moves just got more flexible.
Current Critical Industry Trends
Severe floods disrupt Washington and B.C. freight routes. Rivers have surged past flood stage across western Washington and Vancouver, B.C., closing routes including SR 167 and U.S. 2 and disrupting operations in the Fraser Valley. Power outages, road collapses, and cleanup efforts are impacting distribution centers, ports, and terminals on both sides of the border.
Governments crack down on small parcel loopholes. The EU will scrap its €150 de minimis threshold in July 2026, adding a flat €3 fee to all low-value imports. This follows the U.S., where President Trump ended the $800 exemption earlier this year. Both moves aim to tighten customs oversight and modernize cross-border parcel flows.
Ocean
A tanker blockade redraws Venezuelan oil trade flows. President Trump has launched what he calls a total and complete blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, backed by a stronger U.S. naval presence in the Caribbean. With only about 40% of the dark fleet currently sanctioned, enforcement will be key to its impact.
Ports
Shanghai’s shipping surge reveals deeper supply chain exposure. With 46 million TEUs moved in just 10 months, Shanghai continues to outpace China’s economic growth by nearly double. While this highlights the port’s global dominance, it also exposes how concentrated volumes have become at a few mega hubs.
Port Everglades sets new record and outlines bold growth plans. Driven by strong global trade ties, the port surpassed 1 million TEUs and moved nearly 132 million barrels of fuel in FY2025. As a critical energy and logistics hub for South Florida, it continues to power growth across key industries.
International
Geopolitical risks are shaping global semiconductor supply chains. Leaders are investing in diversification and flexibility to stay resilient amid trade and tariff pressures. Rising AI and data center demand keeps growth expectations high for 2026.
Trucking
Truckers finally have a dedicated caucus in Congress. Representatives will work with industry groups to address training, highway safety, and policy issues that impact the movement of goods. Advocacy groups see it as a key step to protect drivers and keep supply chains running efficiently.
Rail
Union Pacific has expanded its Casa Grande yard in Arizona. The upgrade adds tracks, a powered switch, and upgraded signaling to handle more traffic. Improved yard capacity will reduce bottlenecks and support faster rail and intermodal freight flows.
Air
Air cargo moves just got more flexible. A UN convention now recognizes negotiable air waybills, letting goods be sold or used as collateral while airborne. Forwarders say it will simplify transactions, support digitalization, and boost efficiency across global air logistics.
Technology
CARM remains a pain point. System glitches and long registration timelines are forcing manual workarounds that delay trucks and complicate broker coordination.
Other
Dangerous goods are raising the bar. As volumes grow and rules tighten, logistics providers are strengthening training, documentation, and handling controls to reduce risk. Strong dangerous goods practices now signal broader supply chain discipline and resilience.
Tariffs, AI and centralization will shape supply chains in 2026. Logistics teams must build flexibility into routing, sourcing and control towers as trade volatility continues and AI becomes embedded in planning and execution.
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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!