Radiant's Freight Market Update: July 2, 2026
This week: U.S. and Iran continue mediated talks, Importers face new requirements from CBP; CDL training bill gets vetoed in Florida.
Current Critical Industry Trends
The U.S. and Iran continue mediated talks after temporarily allowing commercial ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz without charges. While some carriers are resuming transits, the next round of negotiations will be key to the stability of this critical global trade route.
The Trump administration says it is not prepared to renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement without changes. While the agreement remains in effect, the outcome of negotiations could reshape North American trade and cross-border supply chains.
Ocean
Container loss at sea increased in 2025, though the overall rate remains low at 0.0005%. New rules require mandatory reporting of all lost or drifting containers to improve tracking and response.
Ports
Leatherman Terminal will pause operations effective August 1, SC Ports said, citing lagging volumes. Operations will be consolidated to the Wando and North Charleston terminals.
Oman’s Asyad Group and CMA CGM have signed a framework agreement to develop and operate a multipurpose logistics terminal at Sohar, with an estimated investment of $400m. The project will expand cargo capacity and strengthen Sohar’s role as a key Gulf trade hub.
International
Importers should prepare for additional requirements for U.S.-bound mail shipments starting in late July. New Customs & Border Protection rules will require more shipment data and duties, increasing costs, extending processing times, and adding compliance complexities.
Trucking
The trucking industry is expected to expand in the second half of the year, but finding drivers is becoming more difficult. However, the industry is hopeful that, even with the CDL crackdown and new language requirements, they will find more qualified candidates.
Rail
The construction of a short-line railroad within Gateway International Rail Park in Laredo, Texas is planned to begin later this year. The project aims to expand freight movement and give shippers a new option to move cargo between trucks and rail.
Indian Railways introduced a new wagon design policy based on specific operational and business requirements. The goal is to attract more freight traffic, improve customer convenience and strengthen the Railways’ freight transport network.
Air
Air Cargo demand improved by 6% YoY in May, with volumes from Asia to North America making up the largest trade lane, thanks to e-commerce growth most likely due to the ending of duty-free allowance for small packages.
Technology
Gartner has released the annual list of top supply chain technology trends for 2026 which is organized into three categories: autonomy and agency, specialization and intelligence, and trust and governance. These trends reflect a growing shift toward AI systems that can operate in both digital and physical environments.
Other
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have put CDL training in Florida prisons. He argued that the program creates significant public safety concerns by letting incarcerated individuals operate commercial vehicles in public, despite studies showing that prison trucking programs have helped lower recidivism numbers for decades.
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As always, Radiant’s team is here to help. Our expert teams are ready to answer any questions you may have or give advice for managing the current logistics environment. Additionally, if you need help moving freight or gaining visibility and control over your supply chain, we’d happily discuss what Radiant can do for you. Contact us!