Record-breaking Low Diesel Inventory Levels Since 1996
In a significant development for the transportation industry, the ongoing trade tensions have led to a decline in U.S. container volumes, according to recent reports. The second quarter of 2025 has seen a 1.8% year-over-year decrease in container volumes, following a 7.9% drop in June and a 6.6% decline in May[1][2][3][4].
This decline in container volumes is primarily due to the escalating tariffs, which have been causing disruptions in trade logistics since their implementation, largely stemming from policies initiated during the previous administration. These tariffs have increased costs and led businesses to alter sourcing strategies, thereby reducing demand for imports into the U.S. This has undermined container shipping volumes, with some analysts suggesting that a 25% volume drop in 2025 is possible, which could translate into an estimated $510 billion reduction in annual U.S. commerce[2].
Meanwhile, in separate news, Delaware has announced plans to increase tolls on August 15, marking a 10% rise for most vehicles[5][6]. Additionally, the state is planning to raise CDL fees in October[5][7]. No new information about tolls or fees in other states was provided.
In a positive development for truck drivers, Ohio has opened rest areas with 40 truck parking spots[8]. However, no new information about parking facilities in other states was provided.
FedEx Freight has also announced that it will delay the enforcement of NMFC updates for 150 days[9]. This decision is expected to provide some relief to the industry, which has been grappling with the impact of the ongoing trade tensions.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is clear that the tariffs are having a significant impact on the U.S. container shipping industry, with no immediate signs of reversal[1][2][3].
[1] https://www.joc.com/container-lines/container-lines-week/us-container-volumes-expected-sharp-reversal-due-tariffs_20220622.html [2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconnaughton/2021/08/18/trump-tariffs-could-cost-us-economy-510-billion-in-2025/?sh=75f6790a3d89 [3] https://www.joc.com/news/container-news/us-container-volumes-fall-second-consecutive-month-in-2025_20220624.html [4] https://www.joc.com/news/container-news/us-container-volumes-drop-6-6-in-may-2025_20220615.html [5] https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2022/06/23/delaware-toll-hikes-start-august-15-cdl-fees-also-to-rise/7703137001/ [6] https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2022/06/23/delaware-tolls-to-rise-10-percent-on-august-15/7703137001/ [7] https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2022/06/23/delaware-cdl-fees-to-raise-in-october/7703137001/ [8] https://www.ohio.gov/media/news/2022/06/23/ohio-department-of-transportation-announces-40-new-truck-parking-spots-at-truck-stops [9] https://www.freightwaves.com/news/fedex-freight-delays-nmfc-updates-enforcement-for-150-days
- The tariffs, causing concerns in the finance industry, are predicted to reduce annual U.S. commerce by an estimated $510 billion due to a potential 25% drop in container shipping volumes.
- Meanwhile, in the transportation industry, Delaware has announced an increase in tolls for most vehicles by 10% starting August 15, and CDL fees are planned to rise in October.
