The depth and expansion investments at the Port of Charleston have paid off, with the South Carolina port recently welcoming the largest container ship ever to call. The Iris, with a capacity of 16,828 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), upended the last record holder by more than 800 TEUs. Barbara Melvin, president and CEO of SC Ports, highlighted Charleston’s deep harbor, upgraded cranes, and expanded turning basins as key advantages that improve supply chain efficiency.
With trade tensions picking up steam, businesses may feel the sting if the Trump administration decides to increase tariffs on the EU, but none more so than the pharmaceutical industry. It could face increased costs of up to $100 million daily.
The freight world is living in interesting times, and we at EKA Solutions are committed to keeping you updated with all the latest trends and updates across the industry. Continue reading to find out more in this edition of our newsletter.
The Port of Charleston welcomed the largest container ship in its history as the OOCL Iris, with a capacity of 16,828 TEUs, berthed at Wando Welch Terminal. This surpasses the CMA CGM Marco Polo, which carried 16,022 TEUs in 2021. SC Ports has spent the last few years heavily investing in infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels, including a harbor depth of 52 feet, the deepest on the U.S. East Coast.
Work is also underway to maintain a 54-foot berth depth at Wando Welch Terminal. The OOCL Iris, launched in December, is part of a fleet of 10 large ships ordered by the Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL). It will operate on the Trans-Pacific East Coast Express (ECX1) service, which includes stops in New York and Savannah before Charleston, its last U.S. destination. Nearly $3 billion is being invested in modernizing terminals, increasing cargo capacity, and improving rail connections.
The U.S. imported about $600 billion worth of goods from the European Union in 2024, with pharmaceuticals leading at $127 billion. However, with President Trump preparing to expand tariffs beyond metals, industries like pharmaceuticals and medical devices could face significant cost increases. Weight-loss drug ingredients, medical equipment, and vaccines are among the high-value imports that could be affected.
Trump has signaled plans for “reciprocal tariffs” on countries that impose duties on U.S. goods, potentially impacting sectors beyond medicine, including automobiles, alcohol, and luxury goods. While exemptions for certain industries have been discussed, Trump has stated no carve-outs will be made. This could mean a heavy financial toll for U.S. businesses as experts expect them to pay an extra $2.9 billion every week. Pharmaceuticals alone could face $100 million in new daily costs.
Truck freight volumes stayed flat in January, with the American Trucking Associations (ATA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index holding at 111.9, the same as in December. This marked a 0.3% increase compared to the previous year, the first year-over-year gain since August.
Despite winter storms, lower retail sales, and manufacturing slowdowns, tonnage did not decline further. ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello noted that disruptions, including California wildfires, could have affected volumes but viewed the stability as a positive sign. ATA compiles the index based on contract freight, using 2015 as the baseline of 100.
Poor industrial demand has been a major factor in the freight recession, with trucking carriers closely monitoring signs of recovery. Some companies saw small improvements at the end of 2024, but others are still waiting for a meaningful shift. Old Dominion reported stronger industrial freight than retail for the first time, although overall volumes remained down.
XPO noted improved customer sentiment, with more businesses expecting demand to pick up in 2025. ArcBest acknowledged weak industrial demand but expects an eventual rebound. Saia has yet to see any clear signs of improvement but is positioning itself for when conditions change. While optimism grows, trucking companies remain cautious about calling it a full recovery.
President Trump has postponed his plan to eliminate a trade rule that allows small shipments from China to bypass duties and customs inspections. His latest order keeps the de minimis provision in place until a system is set up to handle inspections and tariffs. The rule lets businesses import packages under $800 without taxes or customs checks and has become a key channel for retailers like Shein and Temu.
More than 1.35 billion shipments entered the U.S. this way in 2024. Trump’s initial suspension of the provision, tied to his 10% tariff on Chinese goods, caused confusion among e-commerce businesses and temporarily disrupted parcel shipments. Retailers and logistics companies have raised concerns about compliance costs, with some sellers on Temu implementing price hikes and removing products.
The freight world may be going through some interesting times, but that doesn’t mean you should live in uncertainty. With the right platform, you can quickly read the market and adjust. EKA Solutions will help you enhance security, streamline your transportation processes, and improve throughout.
At EKA Solutions, we leverage experts to build and run our robust platform, ensuring zero friction at every workflow step. Our innovative, cost-effective, user-friendly ecosystem for carriers, brokers, and shippers prioritizes transparency, efficiency, and robust capabilities. Connect with us today to see the difference.
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