FEDEX PROFITS SEEN HIT AS U.S. ENDS DE MINIMIS TREATMENT FOR LOW‑VALUE IMPORTS
Analysts expect the elimination of duty‑free treatment on most sub‑$800 parcels to weigh on FedEx’s quarterly results as processing costs and duties rise for direct‑to‑consumer shipments. The rule change adds uncertainty heading into peak season.
EVERCORE DOWNGRADES FEDEX AS PARCEL HEADWINDS MOUNT
An Evercore ISI analyst cut FedEx to Hold and lowered the price target, citing macro pressures and the cost/volume impact from tariff and de minimis changes. Investors are focused on guidance ahead of the company’s earnings report.
DISTILLATE STOCKS RISE AS U.S. CRUDE INVENTORIES PLUNGE; DIESEL OUTLOOK MIXED
EIA data showed a 9.3M‑barrel crude draw last week, but distillates (diesel/heating oil) rose by 4M barrels, tempering price support. Exports surged while refinery runs dipped, leaving truckers watching for near‑term diesel price moves.
DIESEL, GASOLINE PRICES DIP; MIDWEST SEES BIGGEST DIESEL RELIEF
National on‑highway diesel eased to $3.739/gal this week, with the Midwest posting the sharpest declines, per EIA. A pipeline issue kept the Pacific Northwest elevated, underscoring regional volatility for fleet fuel budgets.
SURGE OF IMPORTS INTO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FADES AS RETAILERS PULL FORWARD HOLIDAY GOODS
August volumes at Los Angeles/Long Beach eased from July’s record as companies front‑loaded inventories amid tariff uncertainty. Port leaders expect cooler months ahead, which could soften regional drayage and transload demand near term.
PORT OF LOS ANGELES POSTS STRONG AUGUST; DIRECTOR WARNS VOLUMES MAY COOL
POLA handled more than 950,000 TEUs in August, but Executive Director Gene Seroka cautioned that shifting tariff policy and early stocking could slow flows in September and October. Truck turn times remain a key metric to watch.
TARIFF UNCERTAINTY LOOMS OVER IANA INTERMODAL EXPO; PANELISTS SEE U.S. TRADE SLOWDOWN
At the Intermodal Association of North America conference in Long Beach, experts flagged tariff volatility, cargo theft risk and flat intermodal growth as near‑term concerns. Some expect tighter trucking capacity and higher rates in 2026.
LONG BEACH PIER G CONTAINER INCIDENT MOVES TO NEXT PHASE; JOINT INFO CENTER TRANSITIONS
Unified Command said public information duties are shifting to individual agencies as salvage and recovery continue after roughly 67 boxes fell from the vessel Mississippi at Pier G. One berth remains impacted while operations elsewhere proceed.
SC PORTS, AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT FAST‑TRACK SOYBEAN EXPORTS AFTER PLANT CLOSURE
South Carolina Ports and SCDA coordinated new export outlets that moved 3+ million bushels since May, easing a sudden surplus after a local processor shut down. Inland Port Dillon saw export boxes jump 35% early in FY’26.
PORT OF CHARLESTON TOUTS QUICK BERTH ACCESS; AUGUST VOLUMES UP DOUBLE DIGITS
With a 52‑foot channel and two‑way harbor, SC Ports reported 230,150 TEUs in August, up 16% year‑over‑year, and record rail moves at Inland Port Dillon. Faster turns are helping shippers reach Southeast markets quickly.
JD FIELDS TO BUILD $50M STEEL FABRICATION FACILITY AT TRADEPOINT ATLANTIC
Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced a 200,000‑sq‑ft pipe pile fabrication center at Sparrows Point, creating about 150 jobs and boosting East Coast infrastructure supply chains. Operations are slated to begin in early 2027.
XPO SETS OCT. 30 EARNINGS CALL AS LTL OPERATING TRENDS DRAW SCRUTINY
The LTL carrier scheduled its Q3 results release and webcast, with investors eyeing yield, service metrics and any demand commentary heading into peak. XPO serves 55,000 customers across 608 locations in North America and Europe.
EIA REPORT ADDS PRESSURE TO OIL PRICES EVEN AS PRODUCT DEMAND TICKS HIGHER
Despite a sharp crude draw, product builds and lower refinery runs capped crude price gains, offering modest relief to carriers on fuel costs. Exports jumped to the highest since late 2023, contributing to the inventory swing.
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