Operations at most U.S. ports are running at normal levels, with exceptions for smaller ports facing strain from rising project freight imports, according to ITS Logistics’ recently released July forecast for its US Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index. “While container volumes reached record highs at key entry point Port of Los Angeles in June,” it noted, “front-loading trends and tariff volatility leave a lot of uncertainty for the remainder of 2025.”
ITS Logistics, a Nevada-based third-party logistics (3PL) firm, releases each month an index forecasting port container and dray operations for the Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf regions; ocean and domestic container rail ramp operations are also highlighted for both the West and East inland regions.
“Congestion, trucking operations, equipment availability, and distribution center receiving capacity are absorbing inbound container flow and are at normal levels,” ITS Logistics Vice President of Global Supply Chain Paul Brashier said during the Index’s July 17 release. “However, nearshoring efforts and renewed emphasis on domestic manufacturing have driven a recent uptick in project freight that could strain specialized equipment capacity—especially for hazmat, oversized and breakbulk cargo.”
Overall U.S. container volume for June was up 1.8% month-over-month to 2,217,675 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), “falling short of expectations for another major volume surge ahead of the [POTUS 47] Administration’s July 9 tariff deadline,” according to ITS Logistics. Even still, it said, the Port of Los Angeles recorded its busiest June on record, citing an 8% increase from 2024 volumes.
“The rush to beat tariff deadlines—which have now been postponed to Aug. 1 for several countries that have not yet reached trade deals with the U.S.—has resulted in multiple inventory front-loading events that industry experts say have triggered an early peak season,” ITS Logistics reported. “At a time traditionally marked by rising imports of fall and winter retail goods, stabilizing operations have many industry leaders worried about market health for the remainder of 2025.”
Compounding the uncertainty, ITS Logistics said, “is the ongoing volatility of U.S. tariff policies, which has led many shippers to quickly pivot their sourcing strategies, often shifting countries of origin within a matter of months rather than years.” This rapid response has prompted the use of alternative North American entry points and new ocean carrier partnerships, “reshaping traditional freight flow patterns and requiring heightened logistical agility,” according to the 3PL firm.
Despite recent volume spikes, inland transportation drayage rates “remain below pre-pandemic levels,” which ITS Logistics said provides “short-term relief for shippers but increasing pressure on the trucking market.” It noted that this dynamic has prompted several larger, established drayage providers to exit the industry, further limiting capacity. ITS Logistics recommended that shippers “use this moment of stable pricing and relative operational calm to evaluate and establish long-term strategic partnerships.”
“Every transportation provider wants your business right now, but only a few are willing to go above and beyond to make themselves a competitive advantage for your operations,” Brashier said. “Prioritizing factors such as financial stability, comprehensive visibility, operational expertise, and access to extensive North American networks will be essential for navigating the uncertainties of the coming months.”
Click to learn more about the ITS Logistics index for June, May, April and March.
