Logistics Pulse

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 incl...

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:

• What the de minimis rule enabled, and why it’s being rolled back
• How new customs enforcement is reshaping global shipping and fulfillment
• The impact on carriers, platforms, and DTC brands
• Actionable strategies for...

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, predictab...

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:

• The strategy behind reciprocal tariffs on allies
• Potential supply chain disruptions for critical goods
• The economic risks and leverage on both sides
• Concrete planning tips for shippers, carriers, and supply...

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 y...

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:

• Why shippers can’t rely on historical transit times
• How to build flexibility into contracts and fulfillment networks
• What supply chain leaders must do to stay ah...

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 ...

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 confir...

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 d...

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 inv...

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:

• Cuts labor costs and boosts supply chain resilience
• Enables rapid scaling of dom...

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,...

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 ...

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 bonde...

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...

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 <...

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 tariff...

Shipping nationwide LTL is challenging. Moving freight across the country comes with logistical hurdles, high costs, increased risks of cargo damage or theft due to frequent handling, and limited visibility into shipment locations. It's enough to throw a wrench into even the most sophisticated supply chains.

We reveal how some savvy businesses are cutting transit times in half and reducing costs by 25% or more compared to tr...