For the Week of September 7, 2026:
This Week:
- U.S. drayage capacity tightens as peak season pressures converge
- Importers face greater scrutiny over customs compliance and shipment data
- Ocean carriers build increasingly specialized global networks
- President Trump threatens trade restrictions tied to Federal Reserve interest rates
- U.S. diesel prices reach a record high amid global supply disruptions
U.S. Drayage Capacity Shows Signs of Strain
Pressure is building across the U.S. drayage market as peak season volumes, tighter trucking capacity, equipment constraints, and longer terminal dwell times converge. The National Drayage Spot Market Index is up 8.2% year over year, while import containers are averaging six to seven days of dwell time at ports, with some terminals reaching as high as 14 days.
Los Angeles and Long Beach saw container dwell times reach their highest level in more than 15 months in August, while congestion and elevated volumes are also appearing in markets including Houston, Chicago, Memphis, Savannah, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Low water levels and transit restrictions at the Panama Canal could add another layer of pressure.
JMR Takeaway: Importers should build additional time into inland transportation planning and ensure they have reliable drayage capacity as peak season pressures continue.
Importers Face Greater Customs Scrutiny
Importers are being urged to strengthen visibility into their transactions before cargo is shipped as CBP increasingly uses technology and data analysis to identify changes across an importer’s entry history. Customs clearance does not necessarily mean an entry has been fully accepted, and CBP can continue reviewing entries during the liquidation process.
That scrutiny is particularly important as tariff changes lead companies to adjust suppliers, sourcing routes, declared values, and countries of origin. Importers should have documentation supporting purchase orders, invoices, quantities, origin, classification, and other transaction details, while also maintaining oversight of the information provided to their customs brokers.
JMR Takeaway: Customs compliance should begin before a shipment leaves its origin, with importers maintaining clear documentation and visibility into the information supporting each entry.
Ocean Carriers Build More Specialized Networks
Major container shipping alliances are increasingly differentiating their networks instead of competing directly across the same port pairs. Sea-Intelligence found that 54% of transpacific port-pair connections are served by only one carrier grouping, increasing to 65% on Asia-Europe trades.
The analysis also found significant differences in regional strategies. On the transpacific, Premier Alliance heavily favors the West Coast for its unique connections, while MSC, Ocean Alliance, and Gemini lean toward the East Coast. The increasing specialization can give carriers differentiated service offerings, but it may also leave shippers with fewer direct alternatives on certain routes.
JMR Takeaway: As carrier networks become more specialized, shippers should evaluate routing options based on more than rates alone, including direct connectivity, schedule reliability, and available alternatives.
Trump Raises Prospect of New Trade Restrictions
President Donald Trump said on September 4 that he could stop trading with countries where the United States has a trade deficit if the Federal Reserve does not lower interest rates. The statement followed stronger-than-expected August employment data and came as Trump continued publicly calling for lower rates.
The comments did not include details on which countries could be affected, how such restrictions would be implemented, or whether a formal policy is being developed. For importers, the statement adds another potential source of uncertainty around U.S. trade policy and international sourcing.
JMR Takeaway: No new trade restriction was announced, but importers should continue monitoring policy developments that could affect sourcing strategies, tariffs, or market access.
U.S. Diesel Prices Reach Record High
Average U.S. diesel prices reached a record $5.82 per gallon on September 3 as global supply disruptions intensified. Prices have remained above $5 per gallon since mid-July, with tight global distillate supplies and disruptions affecting major sources of diesel exports.
U.S. inventories are also historically low heading into a period when agricultural activity and colder weather typically increase distillate demand. East Coast inventories fell to a record-low 19.3 million barrels for the week ending August 28, increasing concerns about continued pricing pressure. Higher diesel costs can flow directly into trucking, agriculture, and other transportation-intensive industries.
JMR Takeaway: Elevated diesel prices could place additional upward pressure on domestic transportation costs at a time when trucking and drayage capacity are already tightening.
Stay Ahead of Supply Chain Changes
As supply chain conditions continue to evolve, understanding the impact on your operations is critical. For immediate questions or guidance, contact our team.
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