Blog – Sobel Network Shipping Co., Inc.

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U.S. to Impose 25% Tariff on Imported Trucks, Heightening Supply Chain Pressures

The White House has announced sweeping new import tariffs on heavy-duty trucks, pharmaceuticals, and furniture, signaling another major escalation in U.S. trade policy ahead of year-end negotiations. Starting October 1, 2025, imported heavy trucks will face a 25% tariff, a move the administration says is intended to “strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce unfair competition.” The […]

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AI Investments Surge as Startups Secure $129 Million to Automate Logistics

Venture capital is pouring into artificial intelligence solutions for logistics, signaling a growing race to modernize how freight moves across supply chains. Two startups—focused on AI-driven automation for brokers, shippers, and carriers—announced a combined $129 million in new funding this week. Workflow automation firm Augment closed an $85 million round aimed at expanding its AI […]

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Global Trade Finds New Routes as Ports Invest Amid Tariff Turbulence

Global trade is shifting, not slowing, according to one of the world’s leading port operators. Even as tariffs and geopolitical pressures reshape supply chains, new routes and investment flows are creating opportunities across regions. Despite ongoing disruptions, port operators have seen trade redirect rather than collapse. In the first half of 2025, revenue for one […]

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U.S. Expands Tariff Authority, Introduces 15% Baseline on Japanese Imports

The U.S. administration has moved to expand its tariff authority, introducing new rules for auto parts and metals while implementing a fresh tariff framework with Japan. The effort is aimed at reducing reliance on foreign supply chains and strengthening domestic production, though industry groups warn it may disrupt manufacturing networks across North America. On Sept. […]

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Smarter Shipping: How Freight Consolidation Cuts Costs and Streamlines Supply Chains

Paying premium rates for half-empty trucks? That’s often a sign of inefficiency in the supply chain. For many businesses, freight consolidation offers a solution — a strategy that combines smaller shipments into one larger load to cut costs, improve service, and make logistics more sustainable. What is Freight Consolidation? Freight consolidation is the practice of […]

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U.S. Expands Tariff Powers, Sets New 15% Baseline on Japan

The U.S. government is moving to broaden its trade arsenal, unveiling new measures to expand tariff authority while recalibrating duties on major trade partners. The latest steps include new rules on auto parts and metals, a revised reciprocal tariff policy, and the rollout of a 15% baseline tariff framework on imports from Japan. Section 232 […]

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Surge of Imports Into Southern California Ends

Retailers and manufacturers pull back after tariffs spurred cargo rush The tariff-driven flood of imports into the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach has come to a close, marking the end of a record-setting summer for America’s busiest maritime gateway. In August, the Southern California port complex handled 944,832 inbound containers measured in twenty-foot […]

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Ocean Rates Edge Higher as Trade Talks Offer Glimmers of Stability

Trans-Pacific container rates are showing signs of resilience this September, supported by both carrier actions and cautious optimism around ongoing trade discussions between the United States and China. Average spot rates from China to the U.S. West Coast climbed 7% to $2,309 per forty-foot equivalent unit (FEU) as of Sept. 16, according to data from […]

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Cross-Border Trade Surge Spurs Logistics Investment Across Mexico and Texas

Cross-border trade between the United States and Mexico is surging, and logistics providers are racing to keep up. New data shows U.S.-Mexico trade jumped 21% year-to-date, totaling more than $507 billion, while July alone brought $74.4 billion in commerce. The shift is fueling investment in transportation, warehousing, and compliance services on both sides of the […]

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