At Spot, we understand the vital role that up-to-date information plays in navigating the dynamic logistics market. Each month, we bring you a comprehensive logistics market update. We dive into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the logistics sector. Join us as we empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions in this fast-paced industry.
Labor Market
- BLS will revise March 2025 employment down by 911k jobs (manufacturing ↓95k, wholesale trade ↓110k, professional/business services ↓158k).
- Jobless claims are higher than 2023–2024 but still better than 2014–2016.
Tariff Pressures by Country
- India: 25% emergency tariff on top of 25% existing , 87% of India’s exports to the U.S. are impacted tariffs.
- Brazil: 40% emergency tariff on top of 10% base.
- South Africa: Reciprocal tariffs 31%, metals/steel already facing 50%.
- Canada: 35% reciprocal tariffs, especially autos, steel, and inputs.
Tariff-Driven Cost Pressures
- Steel & aluminum tariffs increase van trailer prices ↑ 16–28%.
- Other heavy-duty trailers (flatbeds, dumps) ↑ 17–30%.
- Class 8 trucks & tractors ↑ 15–24%.
- Raw material costs overall ↑ 9–12%.
- Additional non-USMCA and reciprocal tariffs add 1–6% across segments.
- Rising material costs from tariffs are pushing up the price of both trucks and trailers. Fleets are cautious, waiting for clarity before committing to new purchases.
Current Market Signals
Regionally, produce and holiday shipping are creating localized tightness, but it isn’t enough to offset the broader softening.
Seasonal forces are visible. Reefer load-to-truck ratios are elevated (9.26 loads per truck) and flatbed volumes spiked (22.02 loads per truck) with construction, yet both sectors still saw rates fall by $0.03/mile. This shows how trend pressure is overpowering seasonal lifts.