Logistics Pulse

In this episode, we break down how the latest U.S.–China trade talks in Madrid could reshape global freight. From the fragile tariff truce and the proposed TikTok ownership shift to China’s antitrust probe of Nvidia, we explain how these developments may drive container rate spikes, disrupt supply chains, and force shippers to rethink sourcing strategies ahead of the November deadline. You’ll also...

Trump’s tariffs are now in legal limbo after a federal appeals court ruled most of them unlawful. With a Supreme Court showdown looming, businesses face massive uncertainty: will duties be rolled back, refunds issued, or new tariffs imposed under different laws? In this episode, we unpack what’s at stake for global trade and supply chains Why the court ruling challenges presidential power over tar...

On August 18, 2025, expanded Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum officially took effect, covering over 400 additional product categories and more than $320 billion in annual imports. From automotive components and home appliances to industrial equipment and coatings, these changes are reshaping sourcing strategies, trade flows, and compliance requirements across the supply chain. In this epi...

For years, the de minimis rule allowed over $188B worth of low-value goods to enter the U.S. duty-free, fueling fast, affordable cross-border e-commerce. That era is coming to an end. In this episode, we break down: What the de minimis rule enabled, and why it’s being rolled back How new customs enforcement is reshaping global shipping and fulfillment The impact on carriers, platforms, and DTC bra...

This week, we dive into one of the most complex freight markets in recent memory. Ocean freight rates are soaring amid geopolitical risk, canal issues, and surging import demand, while the domestic trucking sector is facing stagnant demand, high costs, and shrinking margins.

Discover how Mothership is redefining local freight logistics with automation and driver self-service. In this episode, we explore the tech that empowers carriers to manage wait times, adjust arrival windows, and schedule redeliveries right in-app—without support intervention. Learn how these tools reduce friction, improve transparency, and cut costs for both carriers and shippers. We also dive in...

Big changes are coming August 1st: the US is set to impose 25% tariffs on key imports from Japan and South Korea, transforming trade relations with two of its closest allies. In this episode, we unpack what this really means: The strategy behind reciprocal tariffs on allies Potential supply chain disruptions for critical goods The economic risks and leverage on both sides Concrete planning tips fo...

President Trump’s sweeping spending and tax bill narrowly passed the Senate; now it heads back to the House for a final showdown before the July 4th deadline.  In this episode, we unpack the high-stakes political developments and what they really mean for freight, logistics, and supply chain professionals. From tax cuts and deficit impacts to tariff strategy and military spending priorities, we br...

Ceasefire or not, global shipping is still in survival mode. On this episode of Logistics Pulse, we unpack the unseen risks shaping freight decisions right now, from unstable trade routes to delayed deliveries, and why surface-level rate trends can be misleading. We cover: Why shippers can’t rely on historical transit times How to build flexibility into contracts and fulfillment networks What supp...

Autonomous trucks and warehouse robots get all the attention, but the real AI revolution in supply chains is happening behind the scenes. In this episode of Logistics Pulse, we explore how workflow automation is delivering faster and more measurable ROI than high-profile hardware investments. We break down how AI is helping shippers avoid costly billing errors by flagging missing accessorials befo...

President Trump says the U.S.-China trade deal is “done,” but what does that really mean for global freight and domestic supply chains? We break down the real impact of the recently announced trade framework from London. With tariffs locked at a cumulative 55% on most Chinese imports, we unpack how this deal is shaping sourcing decisions, port congestion, freight volumes, and inventory planning. W...

In this episode, we explore how vertical integration can help businesses protect themselves from rising tariffs and trade uncertainty. Featuring real-world insights and a deep dive into Canada Goose’s supply chain strategy, we break down how relocating or internalizing production within the USMCA region can offer significant cost savings, resilience, and agility. Learn how to evaluate tariff expos...

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 just passed the House, and it’s poised to reshape the logistics landscape. In this episode, we break down exactly what the bill means for freight and supply chain operators. From 100% bonus depreciation on trucks and warehouses to the repeal of the $800 de minimis threshold on imports, this legislation combines aggressive incentives with rising costs. We cove...

In this episode, we explore how rising tariffs and labor shortages are accelerating America’s push to bring manufacturing home. But it’s not policy alone making it happen—it’s automation. From AI-powered freight routing to robotic factory floors, automation is transforming sourcing, production, warehousing, and delivery.   We break down how automation: Cuts labor costs and boosts supply chain resi...

On May 12, the U.S. and China agreed to a 90-day pause on steep tariffs, lowering duties on imports and offering businesses a rare chance to regroup. U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods dropped from 145% to 30%, and China reduced its own from 125% to 10%. In this episode, we walk through three strategies companies can use during the truce: Accelerate imports to capture short-term savings Shift sourcing...

What do 145% tariffs, a high-stakes meeting in Switzerland, and a 45% recession forecast have in common? This week’s Logistics Pulse episode. We break down what the latest US-China trade talks could mean for global commerce, from potential tariff rollbacks to long-term policy shifts. You’ll hear:- What Treasury Secretary Bessent and Trade Rep Greer are really after in Switzerland- Why Goldman Sach...

Tariff engineering isn’t a loophole. It’s a powerful strategy that global brands use to reduce import duties through thoughtful product design, smart HTS classification, and deliberate logistics planning. In this episode, we unpack how companies like Columbia Sportswear save millions by rethinking everything from shirt pockets to packaging configurations. With the 2025 U.S.-China tariffs in full e...

President Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods have forced U.S. importers to rethink and reconfigure their supply chains, especially with no clear end in sight for the elevated tariff rates. We explore the strategies major shippers are using to avoid higher costs and consider whether they are sustainable as the summer shipping peak approaches. Mothership founder and CEO Aaron Peck shares insights...

The de minimis exemption allows foreign shipments valued at $800 or less to enter the U.S. without paying duties, tariffs or other taxes, and with minimal review and paperwork. Some companies, such as the e-commerce giants Shein and Temu, have built their entire business models around the rule, which critics have called an unfair tax loophole. We break down whether the de minimis exemption will su...

President Donald Trump paused reciprocal tariffs on more than 180 countries and economies this week, but hiked tariffs on Chinese imports up to 125%. We break down how U.S.-China tariffs are changing supply chains, impacting freight costs and putting pressure on business logistics across industries like electronics, cars, packaging materials and everyday consumer goods. We explore how companies ha...

Shipping nationwide LTL is challenging. Moving freight across the country comes with logistical hurdles, high costs, increased risks of cargo damage or theft due to frequent handling, and limited visibility into shipment locations. It's enough to throw a wrench into even the most sophisticated supply chains. We reveal how some savvy businesses are cutting transit times in half and reducing cos...

Last-mile and final-mile logistics are the most crucial steps in the supply chain, but they are often also the most complex and costly to manage. We break down everything you need to know about last-mile delivery and final-mile logistics . Learn about the key challenges businesses face and discover how shippers are bringing down logistics costs, planning more efficient delivery routes and achievin...

President Donald Trump has ramped up tariffs on imported goods from China, challenging a resolution to the growing trade tensions. We dig into how major retailers and corporations have adjusted their global supply chains in response to the expanding U.S.-China trade conflict . We unpack Walmart and other big-box retailers' strategies and negotiating tactics to keep prices low for U.S. consumer...

Less than one month in office, Howard Lutnick, the 41st United States Secretary of Commerce, has already impacted the U.S. economy and global trade. We explore Secretary Lutnick's background on Wall Street as chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and why President Donald Trump picked Lutnick to join his administration . We also break down President Trump and Secretary Lutnick's America-Fir...

In a joint session of Congress this week, President Donald Trump shared his economic policy, including the  increasing use of tariffs . On the same day, the U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% tax on China. We look at how  Trump's   tariffs have already started to change the North American supply chain. We also break down how the trucking and freigh...