Cargo Theft is Surging – and the U.S. Department of Transportation is Stepping In

With organized theft rings targeting trailers, ports and distribution hubs — and average losses exceeding $200,000 per incident — the U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a national call to action. The agency is collecting input from carriers, drivers, shippers and logistics providers to shape new policies that close enforcement gaps and strengthen supply chain security.

To learn more, visit HERE.

Port of Los Angeles Unveils Plans for New Pier 500 Terminal  

The Port of Los Angeles has launched plans to develop Pier 500, a new 200-acre marine container terminal that would expand cargo capacity, improve efficiency and support job creation in the region. Located just south of Pier 400, the terminal would include two new berths and 3,000 ft. of wharf space capable of handling the world’s largest ships.

The port has issued a request for proposals for predevelopment work, including environmental reviews, permitting and financial analysis. The project, which also incorporates a 124-acre submerged site created during earlier construction, is expected to take about 10 years to complete, pending approvals under the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.

“Major port investments like Pier 500 are critical for improving long-term cargo flow and reducing congestion risk,” said Mark Gordon, chief operating officer at Jarrett. “While development takes time, forward-looking projects like this give shippers and logistics providers more confidence in the future of West Coast freight infrastructure.”

Read the full article in SupplyChain247.

25% Tariff on Imported Trucks Proposed for Nov. 1  

President Donald Trump has proposed a 25% tariff on imports of medium and heavy-duty trucks, with implementation targeted for Nov. 1. The plan follows a Section 232 investigation into potential national security risks tied to such imports — a process that has previously led to tariffs on products like steel and auto parts.

Mexico and Canada accounted for more than 90% of truck imports to the United States last year, raising concerns about how the proposed duties could impact supply chains.

“Unlike tariffs on materials, this directly affects freight capacity. Shippers should evaluate truck sourcing options, review upcoming equipment needs and talk with their carriers now,” said Justin McInturff, international logistics manager at Jarrett.

Read the full story in Supply Chain Dive.

De Minimis Exemption Suspended, Ending Duty-Free Entry for Low-Value Imports

The United States suspended the de minimis tariff exemption on Aug. 29, ending duty-free entry for packages valued at $800 or less. The exemption, known as Section 321 of the Tariff Act, had allowed low-value shipments to enter the country with minimal paperwork for decades.

The policy shift follows explosive growth in the program. In fiscal year 2024, 1.36 billion packages entered under the exemption — a nearly 900% increase from 2015.

“E-commerce imports now must come in under either an informal or formal entry, requiring the reporting of origin, values and, more importantly, the collection of duties, fees and taxes — even if the shipment does not exceed $800. Postal services in 88 countries have since paused deliveries to the United States,” said Rennie Alston, CEO of the Alston Group and American River Group, during a recent Ask the Expert lunch and learn, hosted by Jarrett.

Hear the full session HERE.

Jarrett Thought Leaders Talk Tariffs

This month, Jarrett’s Senior Marketing Manager Jacquie Mazziotta shared insights on how importers and logistics providers are navigating rising tariffs, compliance pressure and shifting freight markets in the Oct. 11 issue of Supply & Demand Chain Executive.

From LTL to TL, read the full story HERE.

On Deck

This month, Jarrett is hosting supply chain experts during the Ask the Expert Lunch & Learn Series—an opportunity to get the latest information on the industry’s most pressing topics and have the chance to ask questions. There’s still time to reserve your spot for the upcoming sessions.

Oct. 17 - NMFC Changes: Post Implementation and Looking Ahead with NMFTA experts Keith Peterson, director of operations and Adam Mercer, classification development manager.

Register HERE!

Oct. 24 – AI in Logistics: What’s Real, What’s Not and Why Connectivity Matters with JP Wiggins, CEO and co-founder of 1Logtech. JP will answer the most pressing questions on AI, connectivity and no-code integration.

Register HERE!

Get the Latest Industry Updates

The October Supply Chain Report is out now! Stay updated with the latest in transport news in:

-The Freight Market

-Less-than-truckload

-Truckload

-Parcel

-International

Click here to review the report!