Morning Minute | September 3, 2025

Container rates remained largely unchanged last week despite a drop in freight volumes on most major trade routes. Rates from Asia to the US West Coast ports held steady at $1,700 per FEU, and $2,700 per FEU to East Coast ports, as carriers grapple with demand ahead of China's Golden Week. You can read more about this in "Ocean rates unchanged even as freight volumes decline - FreightWaves". Six individuals were arrested in Louisiana for a scheme to falsely issue Class A Commercial Driver's Licenses without applicants completing the required tests. This conspiracy involved bribes to pass both the knowledge and skills tests, with all six facing charges including conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Learn more about this in "Louisiana scheme to obtain class A CDLs without passing tests snags six in sweeping indictment - FreightWaves". A significant contract dispute continues between Canada Post and the union representing 50,000 mail carriers, with no agreement reached since their last meeting in May. Canada Post recently reported its largest-ever quarterly loss of US$294 million pre-tax for the second quarter, stating the union's counter-offer does not address necessary structural changes. For further details, see "Canada Post and union contract divide widens - FreightWaves". Finally, nominations are currently open for the Shipper of Choice Award until September 30th, with winners to be announced on October 20th, ahead of the F3 festival. You can also register for the F3 event in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on October 21st and 22nd, and a free Cross-Border Summit on September 10th, by visiting live.freightwaves.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices