In this episode, we break down how the latest U.S.–China trade talks in Madrid could reshape global freight. From the fragile tariff truce and the proposed TikTok ownership shift to China’s antitrust probe of Nvidia, we explain how these developments may drive container rate spikes, disrupt supply chains, and force shippers to rethink sourcing strategies ahead of the November deadline. You’ll also hear three actionable tips to diversify suppliers, lock in freight rates early, and prepare for tech-policy risks that can impact shipping overnight.
Trump’s tariffs are now in legal limbo after a federal appeals court ruled most of them unlawful. With a Supreme Court showdown looming, businesses face massive uncertainty: will duties be rolled back, refunds issued, or new tariffs imposed under different laws?
In this episode, we unpack what’s at stake for global trade and supply chains
Tariff volatility is here to stay. Learn how your business can stay agile, protect margins, and adapt to the new reality of global trade.
On August 18, 2025, expanded Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum officially took effect, covering over 400 additional product categories and more than $320 billion in annual imports. From automotive components and home appliances to industrial equipment and coatings, these changes are reshaping sourcing strategies, trade flows, and compliance requirements across the supply chain.
In this episode, we explore:
What’s included in the latest tariff expansion and why it matters
How these duties affect pricing, procurement, and production planning
The compliance essentials: HTS classifications, smelt/cast documentation, and CBP audits
Whether you're in manufacturing, logistics, or retail, this conversation offers a clear-eyed look at how policy shifts are intersecting with real-world operations, and what to watch for next.
For years, the de minimis rule allowed over $188B worth of low-value goods to enter the U.S. duty-free, fueling fast, affordable cross-border e-commerce.
That era is coming to an end.
In this episode, we break down:
As the rules shift, businesses must rethink how they move goods across borders. Here's what the end of de minimis means, and how to plan for what’s next.
This week, we dive into one of the most complex freight markets in recent memory. Ocean freight rates are soaring amid geopolitical risk, canal issues, and surging import demand, while the domestic trucking sector is facing stagnant demand, high costs, and shrinking margins.
Discover how Mothership is redefining local freight logistics with automation and driver self-service. In this episode, we explore the tech that empowers carriers to manage wait times, adjust arrival windows, and schedule redeliveries right in-app—without support intervention. Learn how these tools reduce friction, improve transparency, and cut costs for both carriers and shippers. We also dive into real-time ETA updates, predictable billing, and how AI-driven workflows let Mothership scale efficiently while delivering a better experience for everyone involved.
Big changes are coming August 1st: the US is set to impose 25% tariffs on key imports from Japan and South Korea, transforming trade relations with two of its closest allies.
In this episode, we unpack what this really means:
If you’re navigating global trade or logistics, you’ll want to hear the inside story and learn how to prepare for a more transactional, unpredictable trade landscape.
President Trump’s sweeping spending and tax bill narrowly passed the Senate; now it heads back to the House for a final showdown before the July 4th deadline.
In this episode, we unpack the high-stakes political developments and what they really mean for freight, logistics, and supply chain professionals. From tax cuts and deficit impacts to tariff strategy and military spending priorities, we break down six key takeaways to help you plan for volatility, navigate trade risks, and identify new logistics opportunities in a shifting policy landscape. Stay informed and get ahead of the changes shaping your business.
Ceasefire or not, global shipping is still in survival mode. On this episode of Logistics Pulse, we unpack the unseen risks shaping freight decisions right now, from unstable trade routes to delayed deliveries, and why surface-level rate trends can be misleading.
We cover:
Autonomous trucks and warehouse robots get all the attention, but the real AI revolution in supply chains is happening behind the scenes. In this episode of Logistics Pulse, we explore how workflow automation is delivering faster and more measurable ROI than high-profile hardware investments.
We break down how AI is helping shippers avoid costly billing errors by flagging missing accessorials before they happen. This single feature has already saved customers over $1 million.
Learn why automating admin tasks like quoting, exception handling, and service selection is one of the most effective ways to implement AI today. We also highlight how Mothership’s approach of "inform, not override" keeps humans in control while improving speed and accuracy.
If you're looking to use AI in a way that delivers results now, not years from now, this episode is for you.
President Trump says the U.S.-China trade deal is “done,” but what does that really mean for global freight and domestic supply chains? We break down the real impact of the recently announced trade framework from London.
With tariffs locked at a cumulative 55% on most Chinese imports, we unpack how this deal is shaping sourcing decisions, port congestion, freight volumes, and inventory planning. We explore why Beijing hasn’t confirmed the terms, why freight volumes are still well below 2023 levels, and how retailers are managing a peak season defined by cost constraints and caution.
In this episode, we explore how vertical integration can help businesses protect themselves from rising tariffs and trade uncertainty. Featuring real-world insights and a deep dive into Canada Goose’s supply chain strategy, we break down how relocating or internalizing production within the USMCA region can offer significant cost savings, resilience, and agility. Learn how to evaluate tariff exposure, model potential savings, and decide if vertical integration is the right hedge for your business. Perfect for supply chain leaders, trade analysts, and global operations teams.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 just passed the House, and it’s poised to reshape the logistics landscape. In this episode, we break down exactly what the bill means for freight and supply chain operators.
From 100% bonus depreciation on trucks and warehouses to the repeal of the $800 de minimis threshold on imports, this legislation combines aggressive incentives with rising costs. We cover five key impacts: capital investment, freight volume shifts, import cost hikes, labor pressures, and long-term financial risk. Tune in for actionable strategies to protect your margins and plan for the road ahead.
In this episode, we explore how rising tariffs and labor shortages are accelerating America’s push to bring manufacturing home. But it’s not policy alone making it happen—it’s automation. From AI-powered freight routing to robotic factory floors, automation is transforming sourcing, production, warehousing, and delivery.
We break down how automation:
We also examine the roadblocks: job displacement, high setup costs, and a massive skills gap—and what needs to change to keep the momentum going.
On May 12, the U.S. and China agreed to a 90-day pause on steep tariffs, lowering duties on imports and offering businesses a rare chance to regroup. U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods dropped from 145% to 30%, and China reduced its own from 125% to 10%.
In this episode, we walk through three strategies companies can use during the truce:
Accelerate imports to capture short-term savings
Shift sourcing to countries like Vietnam, Mexico, or India
Focus on cost optimization while staying flexible
We also look at how seasonality should shape your decision and what to watch for ahead of the August deadline. Whether you’re in retail, manufacturing, or logistics, this episode offers a clear framework for making smart, time-sensitive moves.
What do 145% tariffs, a high-stakes meeting in Switzerland, and a 45% recession forecast have in common? This week’s Logistics Pulse episode. We break down what the latest US-China trade talks could mean for global commerce, from potential tariff rollbacks to long-term policy shifts. You’ll hear:- What Treasury Secretary Bessent and Trade Rep Greer are really after in Switzerland- Why Goldman Sachs thinks tariffs may drop soon—and why that might not matter- How businesses should navigate ongoing economic uncertainty- Why diversification and demand vigilance are more important than everWhether you're running supply chains or just watching freight rates, this episode is your guide to making sense of a volatile moment in trade.
Tariff engineering isn’t a loophole. It’s a powerful strategy that global brands use to reduce import duties through thoughtful product design, smart HTS classification, and deliberate logistics planning. In this episode, we unpack how companies like Columbia Sportswear save millions by rethinking everything from shirt pockets to packaging configurations. With the 2025 U.S.-China tariffs in full effect, we explore the role of bonded warehouses, foreign trade zones, and sourcing strategies in creating real cost advantages across apparel, electronics, automotive, and medical supply chains.
President Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods have forced U.S. importers to rethink and reconfigure their supply chains, especially with no clear end in sight for the elevated tariff rates. We explore the strategies major shippers are using to avoid higher costs and consider whether they are sustainable as the summer shipping peak approaches.
Mothership founder and CEO Aaron Peck shares insights on how Chinese manufacturers and exporters have reacted to the U.S.-China trade war and what steps they might take to protect their businesses.
Get started with less-than-truckload and same-day delivery with Mothership: https://bit.ly/3RyBVAM
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/21/trump-tariffs-import-surge-tax-free-foreign-trade-zones.html
https://www.ft.com/content/6114c580-70db-4de2-b19f-d4dbebd3214f
The de minimis exemption allows foreign shipments valued at $800 or less to enter the U.S. without paying duties, tariffs or other taxes, and with minimal review and paperwork. Some companies, such as the e-commerce giants Shein and Temu, have built their entire business models around the rule, which critics have called an unfair tax loophole. We break down whether the de minimis exemption will survive as the U.S.-China trade war intensifies, and examine the signs that this shipping loophole might end sooner rather than later.
Get started with less-than-truckload and same-day delivery with Mothership: https://bit.ly/4jnEBxd
https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/fedex-china-us-import-fee-de-minimis-surcharge/745296/
President Donald Trump paused reciprocal tariffs on more than 180 countries and economies this week, but hiked tariffs on Chinese imports up to 125%. We break down how U.S.-China tariffs are changing supply chains, impacting freight costs and putting pressure on business logistics across industries like electronics, cars, packaging materials and everyday consumer goods.
We explore how companies have already adapted to the tariffs, including China's retaliatory tariffs of 84% on U.S. goods, to keep their supply chains moving. We unpack some companies' new sourcing strategies and logistics shifts and what the tariffs mean for company balance sheets, customer wallets and the economy in 2025.
Get started with less-than-truckload and same-day delivery with Mothership: https://bit.ly/3EijdKq
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/how-trumps-latest-tariffs-could-affect-your-personal-spending