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Descartes Insights

Analysis and advice to help transform logistics and supply chains

Descartes Insights was created by our experts to share thought-leading perspectives, strategies, tactics and best practices that make a difference to not only logistics and supply chain operations, but overall company performance.

2025 Broker/Forwarder Benchmark Survey

The 2025 Descartes Forwarder/Broker Benchmark Study reveals a cautious yet hopeful logistics industry navigating global instability and tariff uncertainty while exploring AI’s potential to drive automation, efficiency, and intelligence. The 9th edition analyzes trends from 2019–2025 by company size, performance, and region, offering a global perspective from diverse participants across major markets.

Read the Report

2025 Transportation Management Benchmark Survey

Discover the transportation management strategies, tactics and technology that top performers are leveraging to capitalize on market opportunities and adapt to challenges of a constantly evolving supply chain landscape.

Review the Study Results

As ecommerce growth slows, retaining profitable customers—especially under 35s—is crucial. Despite some delivery improvements, dissatisfaction remains high among this key demographic, who expect fast, reliable, and sustainable service. A study by Descartes and SAPIO Research reveals that failing to meet these expectations could jeopardize retailers' long-term profitability. Read the study to learn more.

Review the Study Results

Featured

November U.S. Container Imports Dip Amid Seasonal Slowdown and Weakening China Imports

U.S. container imports reached 2.18M TEUs in November 2025, down 5.4% from October due to normal seasonality, the shorter month, and Thanksgiving slowdowns. An 11.3% drop in China-origin volumes drove much of the decline amid shifting U.S.–China policy. Port delays rose slightly but showed no major congestion. Legal challenges to Liberation Day tariffs and Red Sea carrier caution continue to shape a cautious year-end outlook.

October U.S. Container Imports Flat Over September as Trade Uncertainty Persists

U.S. imports totaled 2.3M TEUs in October 2025, down slightly from September, as shifting tariffs and trade uncertainty slowed seasonal activity.

September 2025 U.S. Container Imports Contract Amid Tariff Uncertainty

U.S. container imports dipped in September 2025 but still marked the third highest on record with YTD volumes up 1.9%, pointing to moderate resilience.

August 2025 U.S. Container Imports Remain Strong Amid Pullback in China Volumes and Trade Policy Turmoil

U.S. container imports hit 2.52M TEUs in Aug 2025, easing from July but above 2024, as tariff risks keep supply chains uncertain.

July U.S. Container Imports Near Record High as China Volumes Rebound and Tariff Deadlines Tighten

U.S. container imports surged in July 2025, nearing record highs as shipments from China rebounded and tariff deadlines drove frontloading. Discover key trade and policy shifts.

2025 ARC TMS Supplier Spotlight

Descartes has been named the top provider of cloud-based TMS solutions and top fleet management provider in ARC Advisory Group’s 2025 Transportation Management Global Report. Check out this spotlight to learn more about the results.

June U.S. Container Imports Show Modest Rebound, but China Volumes Remain Depressed

U.S. imports rose 1.8% in June 2025; China volumes stayed low as tariffs, Red Sea disruptions, and trade deadlines reshape global shipping.

May 2025 U.S. Container Imports Decline as Frontloading Fades and Tariff Impacts Set In

U.S. container imports fell in May 2025 as frontloading eased, and China-origin volumes dropped sharply.

Top Three Challenges in International Trade Compliance

International trade compliance is growing more complex due to evolving regulations, ESG demands, and supply chain disruptions. The 2024 Descartes Benchmark Survey, based on input from 887 global decision-makers across 13 countries, explores key challenges and risk-mitigation strategies. This white paper highlights the top three compliance issues businesses face to stay competitive and compliant.

April 2025 U.S. Container Imports Remain Strong Amid Tariff Pressures

In April 2025, U.S. container imports rose 1.2% from March and 9.1% year-over-year, hitting 2.41M TEUs. West Coast ports regained share, and transit delays hit record lows. Imports from China jumped 5.4% ahead of a new 145% tariff, reversing March’s decline, though this surge may be short-lived as new trade policies take effect.

U.S. Import Trends in a Year of Growth… and Growing Pains

In 2024, U.S. container imports rose 12.8% to 28.1M TEUs—the second-highest on record, just behind 2021. Monthly volumes stayed above 2M TEUs, peaking in July at 2.56M. Delays followed, though volumes remained strong. Early seasonal orders boosted imports. Despite Red Sea disruptions and global tensions, trade held steady. The Panama Canal recovered, while tariff shifts continued reshaping global markets.

March U.S. Container Imports Show Strong Growth Despite Escalating Tariffs

March 2025 U.S. Container Imports Show Strong Growth Despite Escalating Tariffs.

February U.S. Container Imports Continue Strong Performance Amid Trade Tensions

February 2025 U.S. container imports strong amidst global trade uncertainty.

Global Shipping Report: Record January Imports Ahead of New China Tariffs and Mexico/Canada Tariff Uncertainty

In January 2025, U.S. container imports reached a record 2,487,470 TEUs, surpassing the previous high for the month set in January 2022 by 21,455 TEUs. This surge in imports occurred amid a backdrop of tariff volatility, with the U.S. imposing a new 10% tariff on Chinese goods as of February 4 while more aggressive 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada were paused until March to allow for further negotiations.

Strong December U.S. Container Imports Close 2024 but Potential Challenges Loom for 2025

U.S. container imports hit 2.37M TEUs in December 2024, with total 2024 volume up 13% over 2023, with potential challenges ahead in 2025.

November 2024 U.S. Container Imports Show Softer Seasonal Decline

U.S. container imports dip below 2.4M TEUs in November, down 5% from October. Descartes’ update explores trade trends and looming 2025 supply chain challenges.

Executive Interview with Michael Hane, Director of Industry Strategy at Descartes

Logistics Viewpoints sits down with Mike Hane, Director of Product Marketing at Descartes, to discuss the 8th Annual TMS Benchmark Survey results. This year marks the eighth year of the Global Transportation Management Survey. The survey, conducted by a third party, was an online format that was mainly focused on the US, Canada, and Western European markets. Listen to the interview to hear about the latest results.

October Monthly Container Import Volumes Remain Above 2.4M TEUs, Straining U.S. Maritime Logistics

October 2024 U.S. container imports stay above 2.4M TEUs, straining logistics as U.S.-China trade remains strong and supply chain pressures persist.

BIS Implements New Export Controls to Combat Russia Sanctions Evaders

Explore the latest BIS Russia sanctions and expanded export controls and learn how to ensure compliance with evolving rules.

September 2024 U.S. Container Imports Mark Third Consecutive Month of Elevated Volumes

U.S. container imports hit 2.52M TEUs in September 2024, marking the third straight month of high volumes with a 14.4% YoY rise, despite global supply chain challenges.

August 2024 U.S. Container Imports Dip Below July’s Historic Levels but Remain High

Explore U.S. container imports for August 2024 with the Descartes Global Shipping Report. In August 2024, U.S. container import volumes dropped slightly from July but remain above 2.4M TEUs.

2024 Home Delivery Sustainability: The Environmentally Conscious Consumer Under Pressure

Descartes' 3rd Annual Home Delivery Sustainability Study, conducted in partnership with SAPIO Research, surveyed 8,000 consumers across the U.S., Canada, and Europe to explore the impact of sustainability on ecommerce and home delivery in 2024.

July 2024 U.S. Container Imports Break 2.5M TEUs

Explore U.S. container imports for July 2024 with the Descartes Global Shipping Report. In July 2024, U.S. container import volumes reached the third highest monthly volume on record.

June 2024 Containerized Imports Continue Trend of Strong Year-on-year Performance

Explore U.S. container imports for June 2024 with the Descartes Global Shipping Report. U.S. container import volumes increase 10.4% from when compared to the same month last year.

Talking Logistics - Descartes 8th Annual Transportation Management Benchmark Survey

Recently, Descartes’ Mike Hane sat down with Adrian Gonzalez with Talking Logistics about the findings from the 2024 Transportation Management Benchmark Survey, which analyzed feedback from 630 global respondents representing both shippers and LSPs. The discussion goes behind the numbers in the survey to shed light on the current state and future direction of transportation management, providing valuable takeaways for industry professionals. Watch the video to learn more.

Global Shipping Report: May 2024 U.S. Containerized Imports Break 2.3M TEUs

In May 2024, U.S. container import volume increased by 11% compared to May 2023. This reinforces the continued growth of imports Descartes has been tracking since the beginning of 2024. Read more.

Global Shipping Report: In April 2024, a Strong U.S. Economy Pushed Containerized Imports Higher

Explore U.S. container imports for April 2024 with the Descartes Global Shipping Report. Recorded U.S. container import volumes increased 3.0% from March and gained 9.3% when compared to the same month last year.

Online Buying Grows, But Too Many Consumers Still Experiencing Delivery Woes

Descartes and SAPIO Research surveyed 8,000 consumers in Europe and North America to gain a comprehensive view of ecommerce buying behavior and home delivery performance. The study examines reasons for increases/decreases in ecommerce purchases, the different types of goods purchased, frequency of purchases, delivery preferences, and the impact of delivery failures on retailers and their delivery agents. It also explores how consumer behaviors and perceptions vary across demographics.

Global Shipping Report: March 2024 U.S. Import Container Volume Continues Strong Trajectory

Explore U.S. container imports for March 2024 with the Descartes Global Shipping Report. Recorded U.S. container import volumes increased 0.4% from February but jumped 15.7% when compared to the same month last year.

Labor Shortages: What Are the Challenges for Supply Chain and Logistics?

Highlights of Talking Logistics episode w/ Chris Jones (Descartes) highlighting research findings related to labor shortages in supply chain.

Global Shipping Report: 6.0% Decrease in February U.S. Container Import Volume Belies Another Strong Month

Explore U.S. container imports for February 2024 with the Descartes Global Shipping Report. Despite a 6% drop in U.S. container imports, year-over-year volumes surged by 23.3%, signaling developing trade trends.

What is Customer Engagement and Why is it Important?

Customer engagement is a process that puts the customer back at the heart of the business while driving operational efficiencies in last mile delivery and field service.

Hidden Traffic Podcast: Building Transparent and Trust-Based Supply Chains

Discussion on the intricacies of global trade and the role of compliance technology in tackling forced labor risks in supply chains.

Key Transportation Trends in 2024: Visibility, Innovation and Risk Mitigation

Shippers and logistics companies must become more agile to meet customer expectations, close the “black holes” of visibility in transportation networks and reduce risk.

The Missed Opportunity of Duty Recovery in Canada

In light of the shifting CBSA regulatory landscape, businesses in 2024 should be focused on optimizing their Customs operations to protect profit margins.

Air Cargo Adapts: E-Commerce, Customs Clearance and Shipment Visibility

This year, ecommerce is still expected to be a major driver of increased air cargo demand.