ports

Import Surge, Tight Capacity to Lift Drayage Costs

US importers face mounting pressure on inland transportation costs as surging container volumes collide with constrained capacity on rail and highway networks. Containerized imports climbed 6.6% in May to 2,428,758 teu, driven by retailers front-loading merchandise ahead of the back-to-school season and anticipated tariff increases. The National Retail Federation pegged June import growth at 6%. Rising over-the-road rates are pushing more freight onto rail networks, creating bottlenecks that slow train speeds and trigger congestion. While drayage markets have not yet tightened considerably, supply chain observers warn that peak season will intensify pricing pressure. Proposed tariffs targeting goods from origins with forced labor concerns could add up to 12% to import bills. Shippers should prepare for significant rate increases in container haulage before peak season arrives.