The logistics industry is constantly evolving, and the past year was no exception. At Mothership, 2024 was a year of listening, learning, and building. Every improvement we made—whether it was lowering prices, enhancing services, or expanding payment options—was inspired by the needs of our customers.

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As we turn our attention to 2025, the industry is poised for significant change. A new administration, global trade shifts, and ongoing labor challenges are just some of the factors shaping the road ahead. We’re looking back at how we delivered more value for our customers in 2024 and sharing the top stories to watch as we navigate 2025 together.

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Looking Back on 2024

Every change we made last year was driven by one goal: to better meet your needs. Whether it was offering more competitive pricing, expanding options for specialized shipments, or making payments simpler, your feedback helped guide us every step of the way.

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Here’s a look at the improvements we built for you in 2024:

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Lower Pricing Without Compromising Service

We know that keeping costs down is critical for your business, especially in challenging times. That’s why we found ways to lower our rates while maintaining the fast, reliable service you count on:

• Up to 40% lower same-day rates: By improving operational efficiency, we passed meaningful savings directly to you.
• 10% nationwide LTL discounts: Shipping across the country became more affordable, with even more carrier options to choose from.
• Instant quotes: With a few clicks, you can see just how much you can save.

These changes were designed to help you ship smarter and manage costs more effectively.

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A Better, More Transparent LTL Experience

Your feedback made it clear: transparency and control are key when managing your shipments. In 2024, we completely reimagined our LTL services to give you more clarity and flexibility:

• Carrier visibility: Know exactly which carriers are available for each service level, with insights into rate types and transit times to plan your shipments with confidence.
• Interline lane transparency: Understanding whether your shipment is direct or interline helps you improve reliability and manage timelines more effectively.
  • Interline: Facilitated by one carrier but serviced by multiple carriers, interline shipments often involve third-party networks outside a carrier's strongest regions. This can lead to lower on-time reliability and less accurate tracking.
  • Direct: Exclusively serviced by a single carrier, direct shipments typically offer better on-time reliability and more precise tracking, as there are fewer handoffs between providers.
• Expanded hazmat options: We broadened our network of compliant carriers, ensuring you can handle specialized shipments with ease.

These updates made it easier for you to avoid delays, select the right carrier, and stay in control of your shipments from start to finish.

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Simplified Payments for a Growing Global Network

As our community of shippers expands across borders, we’ve worked to simplify international transactions. In 2024, we introduced UnionPay, a payment option designed to make your experience smoother:

• Easy to use: Adding a UnionPay card to your account is just as simple as adding any other card.
• Global convenience: UnionPay’s worldwide acceptance means fewer payment hurdles for international shipments.
• Transparent fees: With competitive processing and currency conversion rates, you always know what to expect.

And this is just the beginning—more international payment options are on the way in 2025.

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Top Stories to Watch in the New Year

The logistics industry is entering 2025 amidst shifting policies, evolving trade dynamics, and growing pressure to innovate. With a new administration set to assume office and ongoing disruptions across the supply chain, this year promises to be transformative. For businesses, adapting to these changes will mean staying informed and agile in a rapidly evolving landscape.

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Here are the top three trends shaping the logistics industry in 2025:

Tariffs Return to the Spotlight

The incoming administration has promised a new wave of tariffs, echoing policies from its first term. Proposed measures include a 25% tariff increase on goods from Mexico and Canada and a 10% hike on imports from China. These changes build on the Biden administration's recent tariffs on semiconductors, electric vehicles, and other goods.

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Companies across industries are responding with strategic shifts:

• Retailers like Williams-Sonoma are reassessing sourcing, mapping out plans to reduce dependency on China.
• Manufacturers such as La-Z-Boy are evaluating the impact of Mexican tariffs on their supply chains.
• Off-price retailers like TJX see potential opportunities to acquire surplus inventory at favorable prices as vendors adjust their strategies.

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These developments could reshape sourcing strategies and procurement networks, requiring businesses to navigate rising costs and supply chain complexity (Supply Chain Dive).

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Nearshoring Boom Sparks Growth—and Labor Challenges

The trend of nearshoring production to the Americas, fueled by geopolitical and economic uncertainty, is gaining momentum. A recent KPMG survey revealed that 73% of U.S. executives are bringing parts of their supply chains closer to home. This strategy is expected to increase demand for domestic manufacturing and shorten supply chains, reducing exposure to global shocks like trade wars and pandemics.

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However, this boom presents a challenge: finding enough skilled labor to meet demand.

• Manufacturers like Jones Plastic & Engineering are expanding their U.S. operations but struggling to fill positions.
• Companies like IKEA and Lego are investing in North American factories to reduce reliance on overseas shipping.
• Apprenticeship programs, such as those run by Blum USA, are emerging as a solution to train the next generation of skilled workers.

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With more than 500,000 monthly job openings in manufacturing and a wave of Baby Boomer retirements, workforce shortages will remain a critical issue (Wall Street Journal).

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Port Workers Strike Looms Over Supply Chains

Labor tensions are escalating as East and Gulf Coast port workers approach a January 15 deadline to resolve disputes over automation. Talks between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have focused on whether new technologies should be tied to the creation of union jobs.

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At stake are broader implications for the logistics industry:

• A prolonged strike could disrupt key shipping lanes, delaying goods and increasing costs across industries.
• Port owners warn that linking automation to job creation could inflate operational costs, ultimately passing the burden to shippers and consumers.
• The outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for future labor disputes in an increasingly automated industry.

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President-elect Trump has voiced support for the union’s position, further heightening the stakes (CNBC).

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Looking Ahead

As 2025 unfolds, these stories will define the logistics landscape. Businesses will need to adapt to an evolving trade environment, capitalize on nearshoring opportunities, and navigate labor challenges to maintain resilience.

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At Mothership, we remain committed to helping your business succeed amidst these changes, with tools and services designed to keep you agile in the face of uncertainty.

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Wondering how Mothership can help your business prepare for the year ahead? Meet with our team to get started.