Tariff break creating new urgency
The temporary 90-day tariff reduction has triggered a substantial surge in shipping volumes, particularly on routes from China to the US. According to the Drewry World Container Index published this month, the cost for a 40-foot container from Shanghai to Los Angeles has jumped 16% in just one week, while Shanghai-to-New York rates have increased by 19%.
Many businesses are racing to capitalise on the temporary tariff relief window, creating a front-loading surge that's expected to intensify as we approach the 90-day deadline – which coincidentally aligns with the traditional peak season in mid-August.
Why traditional systems fall short
The challenge for shippers isn't just about managing costs; it's about maintaining the agility to respond to regulatory shifts that can occur while shipments are already in transit. When new tariffs or trade policies can be implemented with little warning, real-time visibility and flexibility become essential business requirements.
Traditional Transportation Management Systems (TMS) simply weren't designed to handle this level of market volatility. They typically operate on monthly planning cycles with fixed volumes and predetermined routes, an approach that's increasingly inadequate in today's rapidly changing trade environment.
There's a real need for more real-time planning and execution, specifically around schedules, availability, and route options. This is why Fluent Cargo has released its Enterprise Package.
The Fluent Cargo Enterprise Solution
Fluent Cargo's Enterprise Package was specifically designed to address the biggest challenges facing shippers, offering comprehensive tools to navigate trade uncertainties with confidence:
Strategic Planning Through API Access
The Enterprise Package's API access represents a critical advantage for organisations needing to integrate shipping data directly into their planning systems.
This enables automated decision-making based on the latest market conditions, rates, and regulatory changes.
Comprehensive Market Insights
Our Market Index Rates dashboard provides invaluable benchmarking data, allowing you to compare your contract and spot rates against real-time market trends. Unlike traditional rate tools that simply provide pricing information, our solution delivers actionable intelligence that helps determine if and when your approach needs to change.
Real-Time Intelligence and Flexibility
With access to 1,200 route searches and 600 schedule searches monthly, your team can continually evaluate and adjust shipping strategies as market conditions evolve—essential capabilities when tariffs, regulations, and rates are in flux.
Enhanced Visibility and Risk Management
With shipment tracking, delay notifications, ETA updates, and incident alerts, your team gains unprecedented visibility into potential disruptions, allowing for proactive risk management rather than reactive crisis response.
Environmental Compliance
As regulatory frameworks increasingly incorporate environmental considerations, our
GLEC certified emissions reports ensure you maintain compliance while working toward sustainability goals.
Responding to tariff fluctuations
The current US-China tariff reduction window presents a perfect example of why
Fluent Cargo's Enterprise solution is so valuable. Organisations using our platform can:
Quickly identify optimal shipping routes and schedules during the temporary tariff reduction period
Monitor rising freight rates in real-time to make cost-effective booking decisions
Track shipments closely to ensure they clear customs before tariff rates potentially increase again
Receive alerts about potential delays that could push deliveries beyond the 90-day window
Use API integration to automatically adjust supply chain plans based on the latest tariff information
Customise the data package or functionality you need specifically for your business.
While the present US-China trade situation creates immediate challenges, the need for real-time logistics intelligence extends far beyond this specific scenario. Trade tensions, regulatory changes, and market volatility have become the norm of the global shipping landscape.
As carrier capacity adjustments continue and vessels are repositioned to meet demand, having access to comprehensive, up-to-the-minute market data becomes increasingly valuable. Fluent Cargo's Enterprise Package provides not just a solution for today's challenges, but a strategic platform for navigating whatever comes next.
With support for up to 250 users, your entire logistics operation can access consistent, real-time data, ensuring coordinated decision-making across all shipping activities. This collaborative approach transforms shipping from a reactive function into a strategic advantage.
The companies that will thrive in today's uncertain trade environment are those that can access and act on real-time information, quickly adjust to changing conditions, and maintain visibility across their entire supply chain. Fluent Cargo's Enterprise Package delivers precisely these capabilities.
Visit here to register for Fluent Cargo’s Enterprise Package solution.
