How the New U.S.–China Trade Deal Impacts Drayage Trucking in 2025

How the New U.S.–China Trade Deal Impacts Drayage Trucking in 2025

🚢 How the New U.S.–China Trade Deal Impacts Drayage Trucking in 2025

After years of tariff disputes and shipping uncertainty, the United States and China have reached a new trade agreement — one that’s beginning to ripple through ports, containers, and yes, the trucking industry.

At Priority Carriers Consulting Firm, we’re always watching how international trade shapes domestic freight — and this deal has direct implications for drayage operators, especially those near high-volume ports.

Here’s what you need to know.

🔍 What's in the Deal?

The new agreement includes:

  • A rollback of tariffs from 15% to 7.5% on $120B of Chinese goods

  • Commitments from China to buy $200B+ in U.S. goods, including agriculture, energy, and manufacturing

  • A pause on any new tariff hikes

This isn’t a full resolution — tariffs on over $300B of imports remain — but it’s a critical de-escalation that’s already encouraging shippers to move more freight.

📦 What It Means for Ports

The agreement is expected to stabilize or modestly increase container volumes, particularly at:

  • West Coast ports (Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland): Expect partial volume recovery as tariff uncertainty eases

  • East & Gulf Coast ports (Savannah, Norfolk, Houston): Continue to grow due to diversified sourcing and strong infrastructure investments

For drayage carriers, this means more boxes to move, more work — and more opportunities.

🚛 Drayage Trucking: What's Changing?

Here's how the deal is already impacting port trucking:

1. Volumes Are Rebounding

Shippers who delayed imports during the tariff battles are now releasing freight. Expect increased demand for:

  • Container pickup and drop-off

  • Export runs (especially ag products)

2. Chassis and Yard Congestion

Higher volumes could strain equipment pools and port turn times. Prepare for:

  • Chassis shortages at high-volume terminals

  • Delays if containers sit while duties are processed

3. Driver Demand is Rising Again

Firms that reduced driver hours in 2023–24 are now scaling back up. The challenge? Finding compliant, TWIC-certified drivers quickly.

4. Port Labor Rules Vary

States like California (AB5 law) may restrict the use of owner-operators. Southeast states may become more attractive due to flexible labor laws.

🧭 What Should Drayage Operators Do?

At Priority Carriers, we recommend the following action steps:

✅ Monitor Port Activity Weekly
Adjust your capacity toward ports showing the most growth — Savannah and Houston are hot spots.

✅ Secure Chassis in Advance
Don’t wait for shortages. Lock in rentals or join pooled chassis programs early.

✅ Rebuild Your Driver Pool
Offer port training, onboarding support, and clear routes to attract new drivers or rehire those lost in 2024.

✅ Diversify Your Freight Mix
Don’t rely on China alone — imports from Vietnam, India, and Korea are still growing. Position yourself with shippers in multiple lanes.

📈 Final Takeaway

This trade deal is a welcome reset for the freight industry — especially for those in drayage. It brings relief from tariff shocks, encourages volume growth, and restores predictability to port operations.

Now is the time to rebuild, reposition, and grow.

Need help preparing your operation for what’s next?
📞 Contact Priority Carriers Consulting Firm today for strategic support.

Let’s move smarter, not just harder.

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