U.S. Importers Are Rerouting Freight Away from China – What this Means for Carriers and Brokers

The freight landscape is shifting. Are you ready?

In March 2025, U.S. container imports surged 11% year-over-year, according to Descartes. But despite the boom, imports from China dropped 12.6% month-over-month. Why? Rising tariffs, some as high as 125% have pushed shippers to diversify their sourcing strategies.

The Decline of China and Rise of Alternative Markets

With Chinese goods facing steep tariffs, U.S importers are turning to other countries. Vietnam, Thailand, India, and even European nations like Germany are stepping in to fill the gap. Vietnam, for example, saw U.S imports grow 131% from 2018 to 2024. Descartes

This pivot doesn’t just impact overseas suppliers. It reshapes everything from port activity to lane demand, and directly affects your bottom line as a carrier, brokers, or owner-operator.

Port Traffic Is Moving East and South

For the first time in nine months, East and Gulf Coast ports have overtaken the West Coast in container traffic. In March 2025, East Coast ports handled 43% of U.S imports while West Cost ports dropped to 38.4%.

This isn’t just a temporary blip; structural shifts are creating new freight patterns across America. For trucking professionals operating primarily in California, Oregon, and Washington, this means potentially leaner times ahead. Meanwhile, operators with strong networks in states like Georgia, Texas and New York are positioned to capitalize on increased volume.

What This Means for Freight Professionals

Whether you’re moving dry vans, containers, or specialized freight, this shift impacts your business in several ways:

New routes mean new opportunities. Smart operators are already optimizing their trip planning for lanes tied to Gulf and East Coast ports. We’re seeing particular strength in corridors connecting Atlanta, Houston, and the Northeast distribution hubs.

Expect more diversified loads as supply chains adjust. With freight coming from multiple countries rather than primarily China, you’ll encounter broader commodities and varied freight classes. This diversification can help insulate your business from seasonal slumps in any single market.

Rate volatility is increasing. With changing volumes and port congestion in new areas, staying competitive requires real-time market intelligence. Brokers who can adapt quickly are securing the best margins, while carriers who lock in advantageous contracts are weathering the storm.

How Smart Operators Are Adapting

Forward-thinking transportation professionals aren’t just watching these changes unfold, they’re positioning themselves to profit from them. Many are:

1. Developing relationships with shippers importing from Vietnam, Thailand, and India, which often require different documentation and handling procedures.
2. Building flexible capacity models that can be shift between regions as port volumes fluctuate. This includes cultivating carrier networks in emerging freight markets.
3. Investing in technology that provides real-time visibility into changing market conditions, allowing for faster decision-making.

Stay Ahead with 123Loadboard

In today’s unpredictable market defined by rapid change, 123Loadboard delivers value for both sides of the freight equation.

For brokers, expand your carrier network instantly with access to thousands of qualified carriers ready to move your loads. Our platform helps you adapt to shifting port volumes by connecting you with carriers in emerging markets like the Gulf and East Coast regions. Post unlimited loads, set competitive rates using our market intelligence tools, and fill difficult lanes faster than your competition.

For carriers, find high-paying loads on newly hot lanes with our powerful search filters. Use our Rate Check tool to ensure you’re getting fair market value as freight patterns evolve. Our Mobile App lets you book loads on the go, while our Credit Ratings feature protects you from payment risk when working with new brokers in these merging corridors.

With affordable plans designed for business of all sizes, 123Loadboard delivers enterprise level freight intelligence at a fraction of the cost of other load boards. Our subscription options provide flexibility for everyone from independent owner-operators to established brokers.

When supply chains are in flux and every dollar counts, 123Loadboard is your most cost-effective partner for navigating uncertainty and finding profitable opportunities. Sign up or Log in to 123Loadboard today and turn these market shifts into your competitive advantage.