US CONTAINER IMPORTS DROP 8.4% AS TARIFF FRONT‑LOADING COOLS; CHINA VOLUMES SINK 22.9%
September imports fell to 2.31M TEUs as retailers pulled forward orders ahead of new tariffs, with analysts warning volumes could dip below 2M TEUs into year-end; China’s share of U.S. imports slid amid shifting sourcing to Southeast Asia.
FMCSA RE‑ISSUES TEMPORARY WAIVER ALLOWING PAPER MED CERTS THROUGH JAN. 10, 2026
To ease NRII transition delays, FMCSA will let CDL/CLP holders use paper medical examiner’s certificates as proof of medical qualification for up to 60 days after issue, effective Oct. 13–Jan. 10. The agency also urges examiners to keep issuing paper copies.
Carriers trimmed TPEB capacity to 62–69% for Weeks 41–42 with GRIs slated for Oct. 15; spot rates are stabilizing at low levels. Air demand from China remains firm after holiday cancellations, keeping rates and space tight into key U.S. gateways.
MAERSK SHARES SLIP ON PROSPECT OF RED SEA REOPENING, THREATENING OCEAN RATES
Talk of a ceasefire that could restore Suez/Red Sea transits pressured liner stocks as markets weighed a return of capacity that’s been circumnavigating Africa—an outcome that could soften global freight rates if security stabilizes.
ANALYST DOWNGRADES FEDEX, FLAGS LTL WEAKNESS AS RISK TO FY OUTLOOK
J.P. Morgan cut FedEx to neutral, citing softer freight demand, spin-off uncertainty and pushback on rate hikes—raising questions for carriers watching LTL pricing and bid season momentum into Q4 and 2026.
CBP SEIZES $4.4M IN COCAINE HIDDEN IN TRACTOR‑TRAILER AT LAREDO WORLD TRADE BRIDGE
Officers intercepted 335 lbs. of cocaine concealed in a commercial load of trailer parts during secondary inspection, underscoring persistent cross‑border cargo security risks for carriers and shippers moving through the key Laredo gateway.
GEORGIA PORTS: ‘BUSINESS AS USUAL’ AS HURRICANE MILTON MONITORED; TRUCK GATES, VESSEL OPS UNCHANGED
Savannah and Brunswick reported normal operations Oct. 9–10, with USCG tracking the storm; inland connectors and processors remain open—welcome news for motor carriers hauling import/export flows across the Southeast.
USPS: ALL POST OFFICES CLOSED MONDAY FOR COLUMBUS DAY; SELF‑SERVICE KIOSKS AVAILABLE
Postal retail counters will be closed Oct. 13 with Priority Mail Express the only delivery; shippers should plan around the federal holiday as parcel and final‑mile networks adjust next‑week pickup/delivery schedules.
USPS HOLDS BRYAN, TEXAS HIRING EVENT TODAY FOR RURAL CARRIER ROLES AMID NETWORK SHIFTS
The Bryan S&DC is recruiting RCAs/ARCs Oct. 9 as USPS continues consolidations and staffing to support service changes; applicants must apply online and meet CDL‑adjacent driver, background and availability requirements.
CARRIERS EYE EQUIPMENT STRATEGY AS 25% TARIFF ON IMPORTED MEDIUM/HEAVY TRUCKS NEARS NOV. 1 START
With duties set to begin next month, fleets and dealers are reassessing capital plans and sourcing, particularly for units built in Mexico and overseas, as industry groups warn of higher acquisition costs and supply realignments.
SECOND LAREDO REPORT DETAILS MULTI‑HUNDRED‑POUND COCAINE HAUL INTERCEPTED IN COMMERCIAL LOAD
Local follow‑up highlights canine and non‑intrusive inspection tactics used at World Trade Bridge, reinforcing the need for tight chain‑of‑custody and vetting protocols across cross‑border trucking operations.
OCEAN SPOT RATES STEADY AT LOWS; EUROPE YARD DELAYS 2–8 DAYS AS CARRIERS MANAGE POST‑HOLIDAY ROLLS
Flexport’s snapshot shows FEWB yard utilization at 70–85% with berth delays in key North European ports; on TPEB, postponed PSS and weak demand point to continued pricing pressure unless capacity cuts stick.
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