ITS Logistics January Port Rail Ramp Index: President Trump’s Confirmed 25% Increase in Tariffs Could Create Another 2018 Front-Loading Surge

Port and Rail Operations - The Port of Vancouver is experiencing a 3-week backlog of containers awaiting rail transit, with challenges attributed to the Lunar New Year rush, a resolved November port strike, and a lack of rail equipment [1][2] - US West Coast port and rail ramp operations remain at an elevated status, with concerns about increased transpacific inventory front-loading [2] - The Port of Vancouver is expected to clear congestion by next month, but this plan could be impacted by the newly appointed Trump Administration's swift action to enforce tariffs [2] Tariff Impact - A 25% increase in tariffs for Canada and Mexico is expected to take effect as soon as February 1, 2025, following announcements from the incoming Trump Administration [1] - The uncertainty surrounding these tariff increases has led retailers to continue front-loading their imports, as noted by the National Retail Federation (NRF) [2] - Industry professionals should prepare for potential front-loading events similar to 2018, which could impact transpacific trade lanes from Asia into North America [4][8] Container Volume Trends - November's container imports increased by 14.7% year-over-year, with a slight 3% decline from October, totaling 2.17 million TEU (excluding finalized numbers from the Port of New York and New Jersey) [3] - December's projected volume exceeded forecasts by 19%, equating to 2.24 million TEU, leading the NRF to raise its full-year 2024 forecast to 25.6 million TEU [3] - The NRF expects a 10% year-over-year increase in container volumes for January and March 2025, with February expected to be softer due to the timing of the Lunar New Year [3] ITS Logistics Overview - ITS Logistics provides a full suite of network transportation solutions across North America, including drayage and intermodal services in 22 coastal ports and 30 rail ramps [4] - The company offers distribution and fulfillment services to 95% of the US population within two days, along with asset and asset-lite transportation solutions, omnichannel distribution, LTL, and outbound small parcel services [4] - ITS Logistics is one of North America's fastest-growing, asset-based modern 3PLs, ranking 19 in asset-lite freight brokerage and 12 in drayage and intermodal solutions [6]