Impending Tariffs Add Pressure to Drayage Operations

Tariff pressure is rising again. With several key deadlines approaching and new policy changes scheduled to take effect August 1, shippers moving international freight into the U.S. must reassess their drayage strategies now. The combination of elevated duties, unresolved trade exemptions and conflicting communication from global partners is already disrupting booking behavior and port volumes. As we move deeper into Q3, the ability to adjust quickly could be the difference between avoiding delays or getting stuck with extra costs.

What’s Changing on August 1?

Several significant developments are driving concern:

• A 30% tariff on imports from the EU and Mexico is set to begin August 1
• A 35% tariff on Canadian imports is under review, though it remains unclear if goods covered under USMCA will be exempt
• The pause on China tariffs expires August 12, with no current plan for renewal
• Copper prices are rising, driven partly by speculation around trade policy, which is contributing to increased theft
• Most trade partners not receiving direct guidance are still expected to see tariffs in the 15 to 20% range
• Vietnam has experienced miscommunication on expected tariff rates, believing initially that their rate would be capped at 11%

These developments are layered on top of existing market uncertainty, creating a climate where policy updates can alter costs and delivery timelines with little notice.

How It Impacts Drayage Shipping

The ripple effect of these tariff shifts is already visible in transportation trends. Inbound bookings to the U.S. are trending downward, a reflection of importers slowing orders or shifting to alternative sourcing regions. Cleared container volumes have also declined, pointing to reduced throughput at customs and longer dwell times at ports. In contrast, outbound international containers moving by rail are increasing significantly, indicating that some companies are shifting focus to export markets or inland consolidation strategies.

All this puts pressure on drayage operations. As port activity fluctuates, drayage capacity can become harder to forecast. Some markets may see surpluses while others face bottlenecks. Inconsistent port volumes, sudden changes in tariff classifications and tighter chassis supply can drive up costs and make planning more difficult.

Strategies to Navigate Uncertainty

When tariffs shift quickly, your drayage strategy must remain flexible and responsive. At NTG, we work with shippers to implement adaptable, cost-effective solutions that help avoid delays, reduce exposure and keep freight flowing efficiently. Consider these strategies:

1. Reassess port selection and inland routing 
Tariff shifts can create ripple effects across U.S. ports. Choosing the right port of entry can improve container availability, reduce wait times and lower your drayage costs. In some cases, rerouting cargo to underutilized ports or integrating inland rail options can help avoid congestion or high detention fees.

2. Leverage bonded or FTZ warehousing
Bonded and Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) facilities give you more control over when and how you pay duties. These storage options allow you to delay customs entry, store goods closer to inland demand centers and shift freight based on policy changes. If tariffs change while your cargo is in bonded storage, you can adjust your strategy without moving your freight again.

3. Align drayage planning with international booking schedules
Drayage disruptions often stem from mismatches in booking timing, customs clearance and inland transportation. By syncing drayage scheduling with ocean and rail movements, you can reduce idle time at ports and avoid unnecessary storage or chassis fees. This is especially important as outbound rail volumes increase and capacity shifts inland.

4. Build buffer capacity and consider pre-clearing freight
With potential tariff-driven delays in customs processing, it may make sense to pre-clear shipments when possible or allocate extra buffer time into your drayage moves. Pre-clearing can speed up delivery and protect against detention charges when ports become congested or documentation requirements change at the last minute.

5. Monitor policy and communicate with customs brokers
Staying up to date on tariff changes is critical. Communicate closely with your customs brokers, freight forwarders and drayage providers to stay aligned on any shifts in documentation or tariff classifications. Countries like Vietnam are already seeing confusion around expected rates, and those types of misunderstandings can create significant delays without early intervention.

6. Consider long-term diversification of sourcing locations
While not an immediate fix, long-term shifts in global sourcing can reduce your exposure to region-specific tariffs. If your drayage network is built around high-risk trade lanes, it may be time to evaluate other origins that offer better stability or more predictable customs treatment.

Whether you’re exploring bonded warehousing to delay duties, adjusting your port strategy to reduce drayage costs or preparing for a new wave of trade rules, NTG can help you respond faster and operate more efficiently. Our experts work alongside shippers to navigate policy shifts, plan for volatility and design resilient, cost-effective drayage strategies that keep freight moving.

If you’re facing uncertainty in your drayage operation and want practical insight on how to prepare for the next round of tariff changes, connect with an NTG expert today.

Nathan Crocker

Vice President, Drayage Operations

Nathan Crocker is the Vice President of Drayage Operations at NTG, overseeing strategy, technology partnerships, and day-to-day operations. He has held leadership roles within NTG, including General Manager and Assistant General Manager of Drayage.