How the 2025 Tariffs Are Affecting Freight Operations in an Already Uncertain Market

On April 2, 2025, the United States introduced a new wave of tariffs affecting a wide range of imported goods. While some countries, including Canada and Mexico, received partial exemptions, the overall impact is already felt across the cross-border freight and logistics industry.

These 2025 tariffs on imported goods have introduced new layers of complexity for freight brokers, trucking companies, and shippers—especially those moving automotive parts, electronics, and other tariff-sensitive freight.  With supply chains in flux and pricing models under pressure, many businesses are hitting a pause, reassessing plans, and waiting for clarity.

Across the industry, conversations point to a shared theme: uncertainty. Routes are being reconsidered, agreements are delayed, and for many operators, planning has become more reactive than strategic.

Freight Market Update: Stabilizing, But Not Recovered

The tariff measures of 2025 come at a time when the freight market is beginning to show tentative signs of stabilization after a prolonged downturn in 2023 and early 2024:

• Q4 2024 shipment volumes were down 15.7% year-over-year; by January 2025, the decrease had eased to 8.2%.
• Spot rates increased by 12% year-over-year last quarter, indicating early signs of rate firming.
• Some capacity has exited the market, which helps balance supply with stagnant demand.

However, cost pressures continue. Insurance, maintenance, and financing remain elevated. Diesel prices, while down from previous highs, still sit roughly 20% above pre-pandemic levels.

Impact of Tariffs on Cross-Border Freight and Logistics

For transportation providers, particularly cross-border carriers and 3PLs, the latest tariffs on freight introduce additional uncertainty in several ways:

• Operational Delays: Increased documentation and customs scrutiny may affect transit times and shipment reliability.
• Cost Pressure: Tariffs may influence the cost of imported equipment or inputs for U.S.-based shippers and logistics companies.
• Customer Hesitation: Shippers may delay decisions or shift volumes based on how tariffs affect their supply chains.
• Lane Realignment: Some companies may adjust routing or sourcing to avoid newly tariffed lanes or regions.

The net result is a more complex planning environment, where forecasting becomes harder and decision cycles shorter.

Freight Strategy in 2025: Optimization Over Expansion

The smartest operators aren’t trying to predict the future. They’re planning for volatility.

That means shifting the playbook:

• Running lean: Reducing overhead and manual labor without sacrificing visibility or service.
• Shorter planning cycles: Moving from annual forecasts to monthly reviews and agile adjustments.
• Selective investment: Choosing tools that streamline the core business and eliminate low-value work.
• Profit-first operations: Doubling down on lane profitability, not just volume.

Whether you’re a 10-person brokerage or a midsize asset carrier, the theme is the same: fewer assumptions, more adaptability.

Looking Ahead: Building for Resilience

With new trade measures in place and broader economic signals still mixed, freight operators are approaching 2025 with a cautious but focused mindset. Investments that offer near-term efficiency, reduce exposure to volatility, and provide flexibility are likely to be prioritized.

While the effects of 2025’s tariffs on logistics and trucking will take time to fully materialize, the businesses investing in operational clarity today are more likely to navigate disruption with confidence.

FAQ: Tariffs and Freight in 2025

Q: How are the 2025 tariffs affecting freight operations?

A: The new U.S. tariffs are increasing customs complexity, creating potential delays in cross-border shipments, and introducing cost uncertainty for freight operators moving imported goods.

Q: What types of freight are most affected by tariffs?

A: Automotive parts, electronics, industrial machinery, and other import-dependent freight are likely to be the most impacted by the 2025 tariffs.

Q: How can freight companies adapt to tariff volatility?

A: By running lean operations, investing in flexible planning tools, and focusing on margin management, carriers and brokers can better navigate the unpredictability introduced by new trade policies.

A Note on Technology

While not the focus of this article, it’s worth noting that companies are also evaluating how transportation management systems (TMS) can support agility during uncertain times. Modular platforms that offer automation and flexible deployment options are increasingly part of how operators plan for volatility. TMS.ai was built for moments like this. Modular. AI-native. ROI-focused.

Learn more at TMS.ai.