Freight market update - 2 April 2025

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• Effective April 1st, 2025, the procedure for cargo entering into and transiting through the European Union (EU) will change.

• All parties issuing a House Bill of Lading must file an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) with EU Customs.

• A precise 6-digit HS code is mandatory for every commodity listed on the shipping instructions.

• The U.S. government is raising tariffs on all foreign-built cars, light-duty trucks, and certain auto parts to 25%, up from the current 2.5%.

• The tariff will take effect on April 3, 2025, for vehicles, while auto parts will be taxed starting May 3.

• In February 2025, global schedule reliability increased to 54.9%, up 3.6 percentage points month-over-month and 1.8 points year-over-year.

• The 2M and THE Alliance are being phased out, while the Ocean Alliance remains unchanged.

• The Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA), representing 40 global freight buyers, is urging the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to adopt clear and consistent regulations to support clean energy in shipping.

Read on for more in-depth updates.

Asia → North America

US/CA

Transpacific Trends and Market Updates

• In February 2025, global schedule reliability increased to 54.9%, up 3.6 percentage points month-over-month and 1.8 points year-over-year.
• Among the top 13 carriers, Maersk had the highest reliability rate at 60.2%, followed by:
• MSC: 57.4%
• Hapag-Lloyd: 57.3%
• Two new alliances, Gemini Cooperation and Premier Alliance, were launched in February.
• The 2M and THE Alliance are being phased out, while the Ocean Alliance remains unchanged.
• Although MSC is not part of an alliance, its extensive East-West network makes it a key player in global shipping.
• Based on February origin port calls, Gemini Cooperation led with a 94.0% reliability rate, followed by:
• MSC: 79.6%
• Premier Alliance: 60.4%
• Ocean Alliance: 54.1%
• THE Alliance: 45.3%
• 2M: 44.2%
• Alan Murphy, CEO of Sea-Intelligence, emphasized that these new alliances are in the early stages of their network roll-out.
• Full implementation is expected by July 2025, at which point a more accurate assessment of their performance can be made.
• The initial data provides early insights into how the new alliances are performing at origin ports.
• The Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA), representing 40 global freight buyers, is urging the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to adopt clear and consistent regulations to support clean energy in shipping.
• ZEMBA is calling for comprehensive measures to be approved at the upcoming IMO meeting to accelerate the industry’s transition to sustainable fuels.
• The 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MPEC) meeting will take place from April 7–11 in London.
• Discussions will center on greenhouse gas (GHG) fuel intensity regulations and carbon emissions taxes.
• Ingrid Irigoyen, ZEMBA’s president and CEO, emphasized the need for regulatory clarity and alignment with long-term climate goals.
• The first ZEMBA tender is projected to cut at least 82,000 metric tons of CO2e emissions in 2025 and 2026 through the use of waste-based biomethane.
• The second tender targets 80 billion metric ton-nautical miles of ocean shipping powered by e-fuels.
• The IMO’s 2023 roadmap sets a goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
• Significant reductions are planned for 2030 and 2040 as part of the transition strategy.

Turkey → North America

• Effective April 1st, 2025, the procedure for cargo entering into and transiting through the European Union (EU) will change.
• Mandatory information is required for all cargo discharging, transiting (FROB - Freight Remaining on Board), and transshipping via the EU, Northern Ireland, Norway, and Switzerland.
• All parties issuing a House Bill of Lading must file an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) with EU Customs.
• To ensure compliance, the following details must be included in your Shipping Instructions (SLI) by the documentation cut-off time.
• Strict adherence to new data requirements is necessary for freight loading.
• Failure to comply will result in delays and potential cargo holds.

Key Changes and Requirements

• 6-Digit Harmonized System (HS) Code for Each Commodity
• A precise 6-digit HS code is mandatory for every commodity listed on the shipping instructions.
• Each commodity with a distinct HS code must be declared separately; grouping commodities under a general description is prohibited.
• Example: Instead of "Auto Parts," specify "Brake Pads (HS code: 870830)" and "Headlights (HS code: 851220)" as separate line items.
• The number of inner pieces within each package must be provided.
• This information is critical for accurate risk assessment.
• CUS Code for Hazardous & Non-Hazardous Chemicals
• The CUS code is used within the European Union as part of the ECICS (European Customs Inventory of Chemical Substances).
• These codes help identify chemical substances for customs purposes.
• They facilitate communication between customs authorities and assist in substance identification.
• Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) Numbers
• EORI numbers of all involved parties—including the consignor, consignee, and notify party—must be included in the shipping instructions.

Self-Filing and Entry Summary Declaration (ENS)

• Self-filers must ensure timely submission of the ENS.
• A valid Movement Reference Number (MRN) is required before cargo can be loaded.
• Failure to obtain an MRN in time will result in the cargo being held and not loaded.
• To ensure compliance and avoid delays, an ENS filing service is available.
• To use this service, all required documentation and information must be submitted by the established Documentation Cut-off Day.
• If companies are non-compliant, they will face cargo delays and holds.
• There may also be some potential fines and penalties.
• Review internal processes to align with the new ICS2 requirements.
• Communicate these changes to clients and partners.
• Verify the accuracy of HS codes, EORI numbers, and inner piece counts in shipping documents.
• Self-filers should familiarize themselves with the ENS submission process and ensure timely filing.
• Be diligent with documentation and provide complete, accurate information.

North America → Turkey

• The U.S. government is raising tariffs on all foreign-built cars, light-duty trucks, and certain auto parts to 25%, up from the current 2.5%.
• The tariff will take effect on April 3, 2025, for vehicles, while auto parts will be taxed starting May 3.
• The policy applies to both finished vehicles and select auto parts, including those from American brands manufactured abroad.
• Officials state that the objective is to strengthen domestic manufacturing.

U.S. Auto Imports in 2024

• In 2024, the U.S. imported $219.49 billion in cars, marking a 4% year-over-year increase.
• Mexico was the largest supplier at $49.98 billion, followed by:
• Japan: $40.76 billion
• South Korea: $38 billion
• Canada: $28.4 billion
• Germany: $25.59 billion
• Cox Automotive estimates vehicles from Mexico and Canada could become $6,000 more expensive, according to Reuters.
• Currently, 44% of new cars sold in the U.S. are imported.
• Some automakers may shift production to avoid tariffs, but the long-term effects remain uncertain.

Terminal Updates

Vessels heading to North America via the North Atlantic Sea are expected to have a change in schedule due to severe weather conditions.

New York:

• 1.5 days waiting time expected for APMT, no waiting time at Maher Terminals and Port Liberty Terminal Bayonne.
• Average gate turn times are 45 / 66 minutes for single and double transactions respectively.
• APMT - new cranes arrived and are in process of being commissioned.
• Berth space will still be limited but 2 vessels will now be able to be worked simultaneously.

Norfolk:

• Waiting time for a berth is up to 1 day for Norfolk International Terminal and 2 days for Virginia International Gateway this week.
• Average gate turn times are 30 / 46 minutes for single and double transactions respectively for Norfolk International Terminal.
• Average gate turn times are 34 / 59 minutes for single and double transactions, respectively at Virginia International Gateway.
• Virginia International Gateway berth 1 will be back in operation on April 1, 2025.

Charleston Terminal:

• 1 day waiting time for Wando Welch Terminal and 6 hours waiting time for North Charleston Terminal.
• Average truck turn times are 23 minutes at Wando Welch Terminal and 22 minutes at North Charleston Terminal.
• Average truck turn time at Leatherman is 16 minutes.

Savannah:

• The average waiting time for vessel berth at the terminal is 3.0 days for class 1 and 5.0 days for class 2 vessels.
• Average gate turn times are 34 minutes for single transactions and 55 minutes for double transactions.
• Import dwell time is 6.4 days.
• Rail dwell time is 1.1 days.

Houston:

• Up to 2.5 days waiting time for vessel berthing at Barbours Cut Terminal and no waiting time at Bayport Container Terminal.
• Average gate turn times at Barbours Cut Container Terminal are 35 minutes for single transactions and 51 minutes for double transactions.
• Average gate turn times at Bayport Container Terminal are 29 minutes for single transactions and 46 minutes for double transactions.
• Loaded import dwell is 3.7 days at Barbours Cut and 3.7 days at Bayport.

Oakland:

• Average import deliveries can take up to 4.5 days at TraPac and 4 days at OICT.
• Average gate turn times are 94 minutes at OICT and 71 minutes at TraPac.
• TRAPAC restricted to 1 crane on berth 30 until further notice.
• OICT has 2 cranes out of order.

Seattle-Tacoma:

• No waiting time at Husky and no waiting time at Washington United terminal at Tacoma.
• No waiting time in Seattle.
• Import rail dwell are 2.7 days at Husky and 3 days at T18.
• The average gate turn times are as follows: 33 minutes for T18, 25 minutes for Washington United Terminal, and 64 minutes for Husky.
• Husky is offering continuous hoot gates. Next week’s gates will be April 1, 2 and 3, 2025, for most transaction types.

Los Angeles/Long Beach:

• Port of Los Angeles dwell time for local import cargo is 2.8 days.
• On-dock rail dwell is 6.1 days.
• Import units on the street are averaging at 5.0 / 6.6 days for 20 ft and 40+ ft containers respectively.
• Port of Long Beach dwell times for local imports remain at 4-8 days.
• The average terminal gate turn time is between 40-46 minutes, depending on the terminal.

Chassis Pools

All pools are operating as normal except:

• Chicago – Constrained on 20’ chassis
• Nashville – Constrained on 40’ chassis

Intermodal Operations

Truck power can be secured within 1-3 days for the majority of locations, including marine terminals, rail ramps, and depots.

Port Status

Final Thoughts

In light of the latest updates and trends, the market is currently in the course of showing robust performance and is equipped with ample capacity and resources. Individuals and businesses involved in import/export activities must stay well-informed about market dynamics and strategies to make informed decisions.

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience with your import/export operations, it is recommended to seek guidance from industry experts. Taking proactive measures and staying proactive in your approach will help you navigate the market effectively. We greatly appreciate your continued readership and encourage you to subscribe to our weekly market updates to stay abreast of the latest developments and insights.