Trump's Tariff Shift: What It Means for Truckers Now!

Opening: FedEx and UPS are scrambling, and so should you. With the end of the de minimis exemption, U.S.-bound shipments face more tariffs and paperwork headaches than ever. Your cargo could be held up—or worse, disposed of—if you're not prepared.

What's Happening

The Trump administration's removal of the de minimis exemption means all imports, even those under $800, no longer sail through customs duty-free. This shift has led to increased tariffs and more stringent customs checks, causing delays and disposal risks for shippers.

Why Truckers Should Care

• Impact 1: Operational Delays: Customs holdups can disrupt your delivery schedules, leading to costly downtime.
• Impact 2: Financial Hit: Surprise tariffs and fees can erode profits. Every delayed day means more expenses.
• Impact 3: Urgency: The holiday shipping rush is just around the corner. Any hiccups now could snowball into a logistics nightmare.

What Happens Next

Stay on top of your paperwork and work closely with your brokers to ensure smooth customs clearance. Be vigilant about updates from carriers like UPS and FedEx, who are tweaking their customs procedures to adapt. Consider setting up alerts to catch potential issues before they escalate.

Bottom line: Act now to secure your shipments from becoming customs casualties. Staying proactive can safeguard your bottom line and keep your wheels turning smoothly.