US importers are feeling pressure on the eastbound trans-Pacific trade, citing stricter rules from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and reduced bargaining power with ocean carriers amid elevated peak-season rates, according to industry reports.
What Happened
Shippers say CBP is enforcing its rules more stringently, adding compliance requirements at the booking and documentation stages. At the same time, carriers have gained leverage during peak season, leaving shippers with less room to negotiate rates.
The report also noted that the global backlog of new container ship orders has reached the equivalent of 46.5% of the existing fleet, the highest level since 2009, citing shipping consultancy Linerlytica.
Background
The eastbound trans-Pacific is a key route for Chinese exports to the US, and tight capacity and rising rates during peak season are common. The stricter CBP enforcement aligns with a broader trend of increased scrutiny of import compliance in the US, requiring shippers to pay more attention to declaration accuracy and document consistency.
The high orderbook suggests medium- to long-term capacity growth, but near-term pressure on space and rates during peak season remains.
Impact on Shippers
On transit times, tighter CBP inspections may lengthen customs clearance for some cargo, affecting last-mile delivery schedules; sellers should allow longer lead times for peak-season stock. On costs, elevated peak-season rates plus higher compliance costs increase first-mile expenses for ocean parcel and ocean truck delivery, with chargeable weight and density factor becoming more sensitive. On customs clearance, mismatches between declared and actual goods raise the risk of detention or return.
Recommendations
Shippers should plan peak-season inventory earlier and extend first-mile time windows; confirm sailing schedules and space guarantees when booking to avoid last-minute surcharges; verify consistency of commercial invoices, packing lists, declared descriptions and values before shipment to meet CBP requirements; and consider split shipments or customs buffer time for high-risk categories. Refer to the latest official CBP announcements for specific regulatory requirements.