Warehouse Wisdom, Weekly. 02/13/2026

🚚 Happy Friday.

Two U.S. Navy ships colliding near South America is not exactly the kind of maritime traffic update anyone was hoping for this week. While investigations are underway, the incident is a reminder that even highly coordinated global operations can experience disruption. And if that feels symbolic, it might be, because global trade lanes are showing their own signs of turbulence, with container rates sliding for the fifth straight week and Asia–U.S. freight rates giving back earlier 2026 gains.

In this week’s edition, we cover falling ocean rates, declining import volumes, tariff impacts on consumers, a sharp downward revision in trucking jobs, rising warehouse rents, and the rapid expansion of AI across fulfillment and robotics. There is no shortage of data to unpack. Let’s dive in! Let’s dive in!

Global Logistics

Ocean rates slide, Red Sea disruptions linger, and east coast ports hold steady

Asia–U.S. ocean freight rates have now given up their early 2026 gains, according to FreightWaves. Softer post–Lunar New Year demand has pushed pricing lower, reinforcing that importers are remaining cautious with inventory commitments in the early part of the year.

Red Sea disruptions continue to pressure carriers. Hapag-Lloyd’s rates have been impacted as vessels reroute around security risks, increasing transit times and operational costs across major trade lanes.

Container markets are also reflecting soft demand. Rates have fallen for five consecutive weeks as Lunar New Year demand disappointed expectations.

Not all gateways are seeing contraction. The Port of New York and New Jersey posted box gains despite broader trade recalibration, showing continued resilience along the East Coast.

Supply Chain

Imports dip, tariffs bite, and policy tensions shape 2026 trade flows

Import volumes declined during the early part of the year, according to Yahoo Finance, signaling cautious replenishment strategies as companies navigate tariff and policy uncertainty.

Rising tariffs are contributing to trade deficit shifts, according to TTNews, further reshaping global sourcing strategies and cost structures.

Consumers are feeling the pressure. Tariffs could cost the average U.S. household approximately $1,300 this year, directly impacting purchasing power and demand.

Meanwhile, political developments in Washington continue to add regulatory complexity to the trade landscape, reinforcing that policy volatility remains a supply chain variable in 2026.

Logistics Vitals

Truck transportation jobs see sharp downward revision

The annual employment revision revealed that trucking employment was significantly weaker than previously reported. Key data points include:

• Truck transportation employment was revised sharply downward, erasing tens of thousands of previously reported jobs.

• The correction suggests freight softness throughout 2025 was deeper than real-time data indicated.

• Capacity contraction now aligns more closely with declining spot rates and softer freight volumes.

• For SMBs negotiating freight contracts, this shift could create additional leverage if capacity continues tightening.

Warehouse Tech

AI expands across fulfillment, robotics grows, and airspace security gets real

SPS Commerce is embedding AI into fulfillment and EDI trading partner workflows to reduce manual friction and improve automation efficiency.

FedEx is deploying AI tools to improve last-mile routing, delivery visibility, and operational decision-making in one of the most cost-sensitive segments of logistics.

Investment in robotics continues despite softer freight cycles. Forecasts show steady growth in industrial robotics and smart manufacturing investment, reinforcing automation’s long-term trajectory.

Security considerations are expanding as well. An airspace disruption near El Paso tested counter-drone preparedness, highlighting that logistics resilience now extends beyond warehouses and ports.

Commercial Real Estate

Warehouse rent trends show a market finding its footing in 2026

Warehouse rent trends suggest normalization rather than correction. While logistics demand has cooled from pandemic highs, rental pricing remains firm due to moderated construction and steady baseline e-commerce demand. Vacancy is adjusting in select markets, and tenants are regaining modest negotiating leverage in 2026.

Warehouse Quick Deliveries

FedEx targets 14% profit growth, UPS buyouts stir labor talk, and more…

• FedEx outlines a 14% profit growth target under a new four-year strategy.

• UPS driver buyouts spark legal and labor discussions.

• USPS expands delivered duty paid availability.

• Google earnings highlight AI-driven B2B buying momentum.

• Amazon continues building AI-powered B2B buying agents.