Insights from September 2025
As Q4 approaches, the logistics industry continues to absorb new policy changes, pricing trends, and carrier developments. In September, ocean carriers unveiled new strategies for schedule reliability, rail freight saw gains, and the trucking market softened. Meanwhile, tariffs on wood products reemerged, and U.S. lawmakers advanced legislation to strengthen maritime oversight.
At MTA, we monitor these developments closely to help our clients anticipate risk and act with confidence. Here are five key takeaways from September’s logistics headlines.
1. Maersk & Hapag-Lloyd Reveal Dual Ocean Networks with High Reliability
Image from Press Release on www.maersk.com.
Two of the world’s largest ocean carriers, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, have announced the creation of two distinct service networks, both offering schedule reliability of over 90%. The move is part of a broader strategy to address ongoing concerns from shippers about reliability, port delays, and transit time variability.
While details of the service configurations are still unfolding, the initiative is designed to give BCOs more routing flexibility and access to dependable weekly sailings. Both carriers have committed to high-frequency loops, better port call management, and improved coordination on transshipment.
This evolution reflects growing pressure on carriers to differentiate themselves not just on rate, but on consistency and transparency — especially in high-volume trades like Asia–North America and Asia–Europe.
Transportation Takeaways:
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- Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are launching two networks with industry-leading reliability.
- Shippers may benefit from improved transit consistency and planning confidence.
- Carrier competition is shifting toward service quality, not just pricing.
Read the full press release HERE.
2. Rail and Intermodal Show Strength in August
U.S. rail traffic saw modest gains in August, according to data from the Association of American Railroads (AAR). Carload volumes were up 2.2% year-over-year, with intermodal volumes increasing 1.7%, suggesting some recovery in long-haul shipping as peak season approaches.
Growth was driven by shipments of chemicals, grain, and petroleum products, while intermodal improvements reflect stabilization in container flows after early-year disruptions. The data offers a positive signal for logistics planners looking for modal diversification opportunities amid trucking market constraints.
Rail carriers also continue to invest in network upgrades and digital tools, further improving service reliability. This is a trend that may attract more shippers to rail as fuel and labor dynamics remain uncertain in the trucking sector.
Transportation Takeaways:
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- Rail and intermodal volumes rose in August, signaling improved balance.
- Chemicals, grain, and containers drove the gains.
- Rail may offer stability amid truckload pricing and capacity volatility.
Check out the full Rail Industry Overview of September.
3. Spot Trucking Market Slips Again in August
The National Retail Federation (NRF) now projects that total U.S. import volumes in 2025 will be more than 5% lower than 2024. This outlook reflects a combination of rising tariffs, consumer spending plateaus, and shifts in global manufacturing decisions that continue to reverberate throughout the logistics industry.
While the start of the year showed signs of strength, the mid-year policy environment, particularly around China trade, has led many importers to pull back on volume forecasts. Some are diversifying suppliers or delaying inventory investments as cost uncertainty looms over the second half of the year.
This long-term dip could result in softer demand for containerized freight and downward pressure on ocean and intermodal rates in Q4. It also puts added importance on data-driven inventory planning to avoid overstocking during a cooling consumer cycle.
Transportation Takeaways:
- 2025 import volumes are expected to drop over 5% vs. 2024.
- Tariff uncertainty and slowing consumer demand are key drivers.
- Carriers and shippers should prepare for a softer Q4 freight market.
Read more from the NRF.
4.New Tariffs Hit Lumber, Timber, and Furniture Imports
President Trump imposed new tariffs on a range of imported wood products, including lumber, timber, plywood, and finished wooden furniture. A 10% base tariff was applied to raw materials, while finished goods face even higher rates — a move framed as necessary to protect U.S. forestry jobs and counter foreign dumping practices.
The policy is expected to drive up costs for furniture manufacturers and home goods retailers who depend on overseas suppliers. Logistics providers in those sectors should prepare for changes in shipment frequency, container volumes, and potential sourcing shifts as companies reevaluate cost structures.
Additionally, the tariffs may affect construction and housing-related logistics, as raw material costs ripple through the building supply chain.
Transportation Takeaways:
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- New tariffs target lumber, timber, and wooden furniture imports.
- Retail and construction sectors may adjust sourcing to manage increased costs.
- Freight forwarders should prepare for possible volume and routing changes.
You can read the full breakdown from the White House or a synopsis from Reuters.
5. FMC Reform Bill Advances in Congress
In a move aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight in ocean shipping, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advanced the Federal Maritime Commission Act of 2025. This legislation would reauthorize the FMC through 2028 and give the agency enhanced powers to collect data, investigate carrier practices, and respond more proactively to market disruptions.
The bill includes provisions to improve transparency in demurrage and detention billing, increase scrutiny over foreign-flag carriers, and establish clearer reporting requirements for service reliability. While the FMC has taken a more active role since the pandemic-era congestion crises, this legislation formalizes and extends its reach.
If signed into law, the new FMC authority could influence how ocean carriers operate, price, and report on their U.S. trades. This would add an additional layer of oversight to port activity and freight planning.
Transportation Takeaways:
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- FMC reauthorization bill expands investigative and oversight powers.
- Focus areas include demurrage practices, service reliability, and market fairness
- Carriers and BCOs may see tighter compliance requirements in ocean freight.
You can read the proposed legislation HERE or a brief synopsis from the Chamber of Shipping HERE.
Looking Ahead
September 2025 was a month of contrasts — with ocean and rail networks pushing for greater reliability, while the trucking market softened and tariffs returned to the conversation. The FMC’s expanded role and carrier transparency improvements signal growing momentum for stronger logistics governance.
At MTA, we help clients navigate these changes with agility and insight. Whether you’re adapting to new tariffs, modal shifts, or carrier developments, our team is ready to optimize your freight strategy for what’s next.
Looking to build your Q4 logistics plan? Contact MTA for a partner you can trust.
