The April edition of the ITS Logistics Supply Chain Report highlights continued volatility in cross-border and drayage markets, fueled by ongoing tariff uncertainties. While U.S. ports reported increased import volumes through March largely due to front-loaded inventory new reciprocal tariffs announced by the Trump Administration on April 4 caused global ocean container bookings to plummet by 49%, setting the stage for a major disruption in the drayage market.
Flatbed freight saw a pullback after two months of growth, as demand in the manufacturing sector waned. Warehousing remains sluggish, with notable month-over-month contractions driven by declining prices in inventory, transportation, and warehousing services.
“The sudden tariff announcement has caused widespread disruption,” said Josh Allen, Chief Commercial Officer at ITS Logistics. “International bookings are freezing mid-shipment, with companies adopting a cautious, ‘move only what’s necessary’ approach.”
Since January, repeated tariff announcements and delays targeting Canadian and Mexican imports have created instability across cross-border lanes. Notably, dry van volumes from Toronto to Chicago surged 57% in late February, with spot rates climbing 7%. U.S.-to-Canada rates have risen 18% since the election, reaching two-year highs. The implementation of 25% blanket tariffs on Canadian imports now threatens to severely curb cross-border volumes.
Key Industry Impacts
• Automotive: Cross-border movements of raw materials face repeated tariffs, driving up vehicle production costs and dampening demand.
• Agriculture & Food: China’s tariffs—now at 125% target key U.S. exports like soybeans. As China turns to Brazil, long-term consequences for American farmers loom.
• Metals & Manufacturing: Tariffs on steel and aluminum are raising production costs, hurting competitiveness and adding pressure on downstream industries.
“These down-cycle conditions are tough for everyone in the supply chain,” Allen noted. “The resulting chaos will likely trim market capacity and slow decision-making. But it also forces companies to rethink, adapt, and innovate.”
ITS Logistics urges businesses to diversify supply sources, strengthen partnerships, increase internal efficiencies, and closely monitor trade policies moving forward.
ITS Logistics provides comprehensive transportation, drayage, and fulfillment services, reaching 95% of the U.S. within two days. Their monthly report delivers key market insights sourced from DAT, industry data, and internal expertise.

Key Industry Impacts
• Automotive: Cross-border movements of raw materials face repeated tariffs, driving up vehicle production costs and dampening demand.
• Agriculture & Food: China’s tariffs—now at 125% target key U.S. exports like soybeans. As China turns to Brazil, long-term consequences for American farmers loom.
• Metals & Manufacturing: Tariffs on steel and aluminum are raising production costs, hurting competitiveness and adding pressure on downstream industries.
“These down-cycle conditions are tough for everyone in the supply chain,” Allen noted. “The resulting chaos will likely trim market capacity and slow decision-making. But it also forces companies to rethink, adapt, and innovate.”
ITS Logistics urges businesses to diversify supply sources, strengthen partnerships, increase internal efficiencies, and closely monitor trade policies moving forward.
ITS Logistics provides comprehensive transportation, drayage, and fulfillment services, reaching 95% of the U.S. within two days. Their monthly report delivers key market insights sourced from DAT, industry data, and internal expertise.