From fee suspensions that could temporarily lower ocean freight costs to rate hikes that make parcel shipping more expensive than ever, the industry continues to shift under the pressure of trade policy, pricing, and capacity changes.

We’ve pulled together the stories that matter most to shippers, and what they mean for your business.

The Top 5 News Stories This Week

1. US–China Port Fee Suspension Brings Temporary Cost Relief

In a surprise move, the United States and China have agreed to a one-year suspension of reciprocal port service fees on vessels linked to the other country, effective November 10, 2025. These fees, introduced earlier this year amid trade tensions, had already started disrupting cargo flows and raising trans-Pacific freight costs.

What It Means for Shippers‍

If you buy or sell products that come from overseas, especially from China, shipping costs may go down slightly for the next year. It’s a short-term break that could help keep prices steadier during the holiday season and into 2026. Use this window to renegotiate carrier contracts and lock in more favorable rates before the suspension expires.

2. FedEx and UPS Rate Hikes Push Ground Shipping Costs to Record Highs

Major carriers FedEx and UPS have implemented new pricing adjustments that push ground delivery rates to their highest levels on record, well above the 2018 baselines. The increases stem from a mix of general rate hikes, added surcharges, and new dimensional rounding rules that inflate billed package weights.

What It Means for Shippers‍

Single-carrier strategies are becoming financially unsustainable. Multi-carrier logistics and smart routing technology are now essential to contain parcel costs. Businesses should audit invoices closely, model future spend with analytics, and use automation to dynamically select the lowest-cost carrier on every shipment.

3. More Trucking Companies Are Shutting Down

A growing number of small and mid-sized trucking companies in North America are going out of business. The past year has been tough, with high fuel prices and not enough profitable shipments to keep smaller fleets running.

What It Means for Shippers‍

For now, this might not change much, trucking rates are still fairly steady. But if this trend continues, there could be fewer trucks available to move goods next year, which might cause delays or higher prices for products that rely on trucking. Strengthen carrier partnerships, secure contracted capacity, and invest in fulfillment efficiency tools that can adapt quickly when trucking rates rise again.

4. Big Freight Companies Are Charging More for Smaller Shipments

Even though demand is down, major trucking companies that handle partial loads (known as “LTL” or Less-Than-Truckload shipping) are still doing well by being strict with pricing. They’re focusing on profits instead of volume, meaning they’re not lowering rates just to fill their trucks.

What It Means for Shippers‍

Businesses that ship smaller quantities might find it harder to get cheap rates. To save money, some may start combining orders or shipping less often, which could slow down delivery times for customers.

5. Cargo Ships Are Skipping Routes to Keep Prices High

Many large ocean shipping companies are canceling some of their planned sailings, a move called “blank sailings.” They do this to control how many ships are available, which helps keep shipping prices from dropping too low during the busy holiday season.

What It Means for Shippers‍

Plan for longer lead times and potential capacity constraints on eastbound trans-Pacific routes. Use visibility tools to track carrier schedules and build inventory buffers where possible. Expect higher peak-season surcharges as carriers balance capacity against profitability.

The Bottom Line

Even though there’s some short-term relief from the U.S.–China fee suspension, shipping costs are still rising in other areas, especially for ground deliveries and smaller freight shipments. Meanwhile, fewer trucking companies and canceled ship routes could create more delivery slowdowns in the months ahead.

For shoppers and businesses alike, the key takeaway is simple:
Plan ahead, expect some delays, and don’t be surprised if shipping fees keep climbing into 2026.