Dear Valued Clients,
Capacity, congestion, transportation costs, and changing customs requirements continue to shape global supply chains.
As we approach the final weeks of 2026, importers face a market where freight rates alone do not tell the full story. Vessel reliability, inland transportation delays, air cargo demand, and customs compliance can all affect the true cost of moving goods.
At Phoenix International, our focus is helping clients understand these changes, anticipate potential disruptions, and make informed decisions before challenges impact their supply chains.
Here’s what we’re watching this week.
AIR FREIGHT
Holiday Demand Shifts Toward Time-Sensitive Cargo
The traditional fourth-quarter air freight peak is changing.
While many retailers moved holiday inventory earlier this year, demand continues from technology, electronics, urgent replenishment, and time-sensitive commercial shipments.
With Black Friday and the holiday shopping season approaching, available capacity on major Asia-to-U.S. lanes could tighten, particularly for shipments requiring specific departure dates.
What This Means for Importers
Even when overall market demand appears manageable, space on preferred flights may be limited. Shippers requiring dependable delivery windows should avoid relying on last-minute bookings.
The Phoenix Recommendation
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Book priority air shipments as early as possible.
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Consider direct and connecting flight options to balance cost and transit time.
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Identify urgent replenishment needs before they become critical.
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Discuss air and ocean alternatives with your PHX representative.
Our Perspective: The lowest air freight rate is not always the best solution if it puts an important delivery commitment at risk.
OCEAN FREIGHT
Asia to U.S.: Schedule Reliability Remains a Concern
The trans-Pacific market continues to experience uneven vessel availability, schedule changes, and congestion at certain origin and destination gateways.
Although carriers have introduced capacity on selected services, that does not necessarily translate into consistent space availability or dependable delivery schedules.
Recent industry reporting has highlighted weak trans-Pacific schedule reliability, reinforcing the importance of planning beyond the published vessel transit time.
Importers should also consider the potential for inland rail congestion and longer cargo availability times after vessel arrival.
The Phoenix Recommendation
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Plan bookings approximately three to four weeks ahead where possible.
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Confirm vessel space and equipment availability early.
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Build flexibility into cargo-ready dates and delivery schedules.
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Evaluate alternative routings when reliability is more important than the lowest rate.
The Phoenix Difference: We look beyond the ocean rate to help clients evaluate the complete transportation solution, including routing, inland movement, visibility, and delivery requirements.
DOMESTIC TRANSPORTATION
Transportation Costs: Look Beyond the Freight Rate
Fuel, equipment availability, terminal congestion, and accessorial charges can significantly affect the total cost of domestic transportation.
For importers, a competitive ocean freight rate may not deliver the expected savings if inland transportation, chassis, storage, detention, or other charges increase.
What This Means for Importers
Evaluating transportation costs from origin through final delivery is increasingly important, particularly for shipments requiring drayage, rail transportation, or long-haul trucking.
Cargo Security: Carrier Impersonation Remains a Serious Threat
Cargo theft is no longer limited to physical break-ins or stolen trailers.
Fraudulent carrier identities, compromised transportation credentials, and deceptive load pickups have become important risks throughout the domestic freight industry.
The Phoenix Recommendation
Review total transportation costs rather than comparing individual freight rates alone. Reconfirm trucking rates closer to the shipment’s arrival date, as rates quoted at the time of departure may change during transit, particularly for shipments with longer transit times of two to three months.
Early coordination between ocean operations and domestic transportation can help identify more economical and reliable delivery options.
CUSTOMS & TRADE COMPLIANCE
Importer Alert: Keep Your CBP Records Current
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has implemented procedures that can make importer records inactive for entry purposes when no qualifying entry has been filed for 366 days.
An inactive Importer of Record number can prevent certain customs entry transactions from being processed until the record is reactivated.
What Importers Should Do
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Review your importer information in the ACE Portal.
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Confirm that your business name, address, and contact information remain accurate.
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Coordinate with your customs broker if a CBP Form 5106 update or reactivation is required.
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Address potential record issues before your next shipment arrives.
A simple records issue can become a costly cargo delay if it is not addressed in advance.
Tariff Compliance: Accuracy Matters More Than Ever
With U.S. trade policies and tariff requirements continuing to evolve, importers should regularly review their product classifications, countries of origin, and applicable duty obligations.
Incorrect classifications or outdated duty assumptions can create unexpected costs, compliance exposure, and shipment delays.
The Phoenix Recommendation
Work closely with your customs broker to review tariff classifications, confirm applicable duties, and evaluate potential compliance risks before importing.
The Phoenix Difference: Customs brokerage is about more than clearing shipments. It is about helping clients understand their obligations, manage duty exposure, and avoid preventable disruptions.
THE Phoenix Outlook
Three Priorities for Importers This Week
1. Plan Earlier
Secure space, confirm equipment, and allow for potential schedule changes.
2. Understand Your Complete Costs
Freight rates, fuel, inland transportation, customs duties, and accessorial charges all matter.
3. Stay Ahead of Compliance Changes
Review importer records and tariff classifications before cargo arrives.
At Phoenix International, we believe our responsibility goes beyond moving freight from point A to point B.
It’s about understanding our clients’ businesses, communicating proactively, identifying risks, and helping find the right solutions.
Because good logistics isn’t just about moving cargo. It’s about keeping your business moving.
LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN
Whether you need ocean or air freight, U.S. Customs Brokerage, domestic transportation, or help navigating changing trade regulations, our PHX team is here to help.
Contact your Phoenix International representative to discuss your upcoming shipments and opportunities to improve your supply chain.
Market conditions and regulations are subject to change. Importers should confirm applicable requirements with their customs broker before making shipping or compliance decisions.
