ITS Logistics is one of North America‘s fastest-growing third-party logistics providers. It had released its February forecast in the ITS Logistics Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index. This month’s index identifies a return to seasonal Lunar New Year demand patterns. These are layered over weather- and regulatory-related disruption, which impacts inland transportation. Overall, port and rail ramp operations were sustained at normal levels for the present; downstream rail and trucking networks are experiencing elevated concern in select regions.
U.S. container imports totalled 2,318,722 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in January. This was a 6.8% decline year-over-year but slightly above the 6-year average for the month. It posted a modest gain over December ’25. U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports increased their share of total imports to 40.8%, which was an increase from 39.3% in December ’25. The increase reflects an ongoing return of freight volumes to the East Coast as Red Sea trade routes reopen. Imports from Europe, Africa, and South America increased. China-origin imports also increased 9.3% from December but remain approximately 22% below 2025 levels. The Port of Houston and multiple West Coast gateways saw the largest percentage gains in China-origin imports. This included Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Tacoma, and Seattle, which recorded month-over-month gains.
Industry analysts interpret muted pre-Lunar New Year demand as the result of ongoing tariff uncertainty. Also, hesitant consumer sentiment is beside a return to typical seasonal demand patterns. Volumes are therefore forecast to continue declines from late January through early February. This decline is expected to reverse when freight loaded just before the Lunar New Year reaches the U.S.
Predicted contained volumes year-over-year are flat to slightly up from 2025. It is important to acknowledge that the volume last year was exceptionally strong due to frontloading ahead of the anticipated tariffs. Paul Brashier, Vice President of Global Supply Chain for ITS Logistics, shared these views. Brashier opined to expect volume to impact the U.S. West Coast throughout February and subside by March ’26.
Outside the ports, severe winter weather has created challenges for truckload transportation. January disruptions in port-to-rail service and linehaul operations have largely returned to normal. Carriers continue to report downstream bottlenecks and major delays across inland terminals. These were recorded in Chicago, Cincinnati, and Memphis, according to the Journal of Commerce. Ongoing winter weather continues to impact inland transportation across the Central and Eastern U.S. The result extends transit times and disrupts supply chains.
Inland transportation lanes longer than 30 miles need to be closely monitored, especially in weather-affected areas. Increased transit times may reduce the number of deliveries a driver can turn, added Brashier.
Evolving non-domiciled carrier regulations also continue to shape domestic transportation capacity. This is specifically with regard to English-language proficiency (ELP). In Oklahoma, roadside ELP checks are being reported along the I-35, which is a key cross-border corridor. The joint enforcement effort between OHP and federal ICE agents, which is known as Operation Guardian, has resulted in multiple arrests stemming from immigration violations, besides failure to meet ELP standards, as cited by Fox News. Across the state line, Texas has issued 1,381 ELP out-of-service violations since June ’25. The figure is according to an analysis by researcher Danielle Chaffin. In contrast, its domiciled carrier case has received more than 3,300 citations nationwide. That includes approximately 500 carriers identified as repeat offenders.
Its logistics offers a full suite of network transportation solutions across North America. Additionally, it provides distribution and fulfillment services to 95% of the U.S. population within a 2-day timeframe. These services include drayage and intermodal transportation at 22 coastal ports and 30 rail ramps. It’s a full suite of asset and asset-lite transportation solutions, omnichannel distribution and fulfillment, LTL, and outbound small parcel.
