Tariff Trouble, Shipping Smarts, & Empty Threats
Good morning from The Workday Dash — where prices are popping, robots are clocking in, and empty containers are about to throw a party. 🎉🚛
Today’s headlines:
🔹 Temu and Shein just raised their prices — and nope, it’s not just inflation this time.
🔹 FedEx is all-in on tech, betting AI and automation will keep them ahead of the next big trade shakeup.
🔹 And after a mad dash to beat new tariffs, imports from China are falling fast — setting the stage for some serious container chaos at U.S. ports.
Buckle up. Supply chain season is getting spicy. 🌶️
“All humans are entrepreneurs not because they should start companies but because the will to create is encoded in human DNA.”
The $5 bikini boom is over.
Temu and Shein just raised their prices — and it’s not just inflation. New tariffs are about to kick in starting May 2, ending the “de minimis” exemption that let shipments under $800 avoid extra fees. Now? We’re talking a 120% tariff or a $100–$200 flat fee per item.
Some prices have already doubled (👋 to that $4 bathing suit), and while not every item jumped, shoppers are definitely feeling it.
✅ Why It Matters:
With costs spiking, the flood of low-cost parcels from overseas could slow down. Expect fewer small shipments and more focus on bulk and consolidation services. If you’re in customs, last-mile, or international freight — keep an eye on this shift.
🔥 Hot Take:
The era of fast, cheap shipping is cooling off. Premium freight and smarter consolidation strategies? They’re about to glow up.
FedEx Bets Big on Tech to Tackle Trade Turbulence
FedEx is betting big on tech to stay ahead of the next wave of global trade disruptions.
✅ Digital twins of their entire logistics network
✅ AI for smarter, faster routing
✅ Robots to load and unload trucks
✅ $6 billion in cost savings (and counting)
FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam says tariffs haven’t rocked the boat yet — but with how fast things are moving, there are no guarantees for next week. The real shift? Supply chains aren’t a back-office worry anymore — they’re a boardroom priority.
Why It Matters:
If you’re still doing freight the “old school” way, you’re going to get lapped. Smarter, faster, tech-driven supply chains aren’t a nice-to-have anymore — they’re the new standard.
🔥 Hot Take:
It’s not big vs small.
It’s fast vs slow.
Container Chaos Brewing at U.S. Ports
After a rush to beat new tariffs, imports from China are dropping fast — and it’s starting to shake up U.S. logistics in a big way.
✅ Container bookings from China to the U.S. have plunged by a third since April 2
✅ Major shipping lines are canceling sailings
✅ Port of LA expects arrivals to drop 35% in just a few weeks
The problem? Empty containers are starting to pile up — and with fewer ships heading back to Asia, we could be looking at clogged ports and equipment shortages. Railroads like BNSF and UP say they’re ready... but if volume swings hard, we’ve seen before how fast things can jam up.
Why It Matters:
Congestion, higher costs, slower turns — if you're in logistics, this could be the next big headache.
🔥 Hot Take:
It’s not too much cargo this time — it’s too many empties. Welcome to container musical chairs
The Workday Dash is an aggregation of articles regarding the transportation logistics, trucking, and supply chain industries for July 31, 2025, from iLevel Logistics Inc.