Radiant's Freight Market Update: October 2, 2025
This week: U.S. federal shutdown puts supply chains at risk; New wave of tariffs rattles trucking and furniture industries; Canada Post faces fierce backlash over reform plans.
Current Critical Industry Trends
U.S. federal shutdown puts supply chains at risk. Mass federal layoffs are imminent, which could slow processing at customs, regulatory agencies, and other critical services. Companies should review contingency plans and adjust schedules to reduce potential delays.
New wave of tariffs rattles trucking and furniture industries. President Trump has confirmed a 25% tariff on all heavy-duty trucks made outside the U.S. The furniture sector will also face sweeping duties starting Oct. 14 on couches, cabinets and wood. Prices for new trucks could surge past $224,000, creating ripple effects across fleets. Wood product tariffs will rise again on Jan. 1, hitting 50% for some categories.
Canada Post faces fierce backlash over reform plans. Striking workers say the cuts risk privatization and public safety. Proposed changes include fewer deliveries and post office shutdowns. Minister Lightbound defends the move as a way to reduce losses.
Ocean
Panama Canal streamlines booking with bold new LoTSA model. Slot allocations drop from 4 to 3 per day for better balance and flow. Two 6-month cycles let carriers plan with market conditions in mind.
Ports
China warns of maritime pushback if U.S. port fees proceed. Premier Li Qiang’s new policy outlines countermeasures against unfair treatment. The October 14 deadline has sparked uncertainty among global shippers.
International
Indonesia becomes Canada’s newest trade gateway in Asia. The CEPA will slash tariffs and expand cross-border trade flows. New opportunities emerge in clean energy and critical minerals. Prime Minister Carney calls it a generational win for Canadian business.
Trucking
The DOT has declared a national emergency over noncitizen CDL issuance. States must pause non-domiciled license issuance until they meet new federal rules, or risk losing funding. California faces the toughest penalties, with $160 million at stake, while other states including Texas, Colorado, and Pennsylvania are under scrutiny.
British Columbia limits independent operators to one truck. Relief drivers can be used for no more than 90 days. The Supreme Court upheld these rules, which affect operators who previously ran multiple trucks and relied on full-time replacements. The reforms aim to ensure IOs personally drive most of the time and protect access to limited truck tags.
Rail
Driverless platform wagon testing moves into its next phase in the U.S. Parallel Systems aims to start commercial operations in 2026. Its technology integrates with existing rail systems like Union Pacific’s PTC. Shippers are showing strong demand for faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly transport solutions.
Air
Air cargo demand grew over 4% year on year in August, continuing six months of growth. Capacity rose slightly faster than demand in some regions, keeping load factors steady, while jet fuel prices remained lower, supporting ongoing cost efficiency for carriers.
Technology
Truck traffic at Southern Ontario crossings was disrupted by a system outage. CBSA says processing has resumed, but industry groups warn repeated IT failures are costing millions, slowing shipments, and highlighting the need for urgent investment in border infrastructure.
Other
Demand for smarter packaging is on the rise. Market forecasts show warehouse automation expanding more quickly than manufacturing, supported by e-commerce demand and new technologies like drones and robotics.
Whiskey heist shows freight theft is booming. A $1M liquor haul exposes vulnerabilities in supply chains and highlights how fraudulent carriers slip through safeguards. The DOT is seeking public feedback, while industry voices push for audits and swift action to close double-brokering loopholes.
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As always, Radiant’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!
About Radiant Logistics, Inc.
Radiant Logistics, Inc. (www.radiantdelivers.com) is a comprehensive North American provider of third-party logistics and multimodal transportation services. Through its comprehensive service offering, Radiant provides domestic and international freight forwarding services, truck and rail brokerage services and other value-added supply chain management services, including customs brokerage, order fulfillment, inventory management and warehousing to a diversified account base including manufacturers, distributors and retailers using a network of independent carriers and international agents positioned strategically around the world.