From DeJoy’s Departure to Slashed Surcharges: 5 Headlines Shippers Can’t Miss

Staying ahead in the shipping world means keeping your pulse on every twist and turn—from who’s leading the U.S. Postal Service to labor issues that can disrupt freight operations nationwide. Imagine planning out a seamless shipping strategy, only to discover that a sudden strike, leadership change, or policy shift upends your carrier relationships and timelines overnight. In this week’s update, we explore five hot-button developments shippers need to watch closely. Dive into our detailed summaries, discover why each story matters, and learn how Intelligent Audit’s solutions can help you remain agile in a tumultuous market.

1. Postal Service Leader Louis DeJoy Prepares to Step Down

Louis DeJoy, the U.S. Postmaster General, is winding down his 4.5-year tenure at the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). During his time, he spearheaded the “Delivering for America” initiative, aiming to modernize USPS operations and boost its financial health by cutting annual costs by $4 billion and increasing revenue by $5 billion. Despite efforts to improve reliability and performance, DeJoy’s leadership was marked by controversies, including service slowdowns and shifting priorities. His resignation comes as scrutiny from the Trump administration—which toyed with privatizing USPS—continues to cast a spotlight on its future. The Postal Service Board of Governors will oversee the transition to a new Postmaster General, with Chairwoman Amber McReynolds lauding DeJoy’s commitment to affordability and service.

Key Takeaway:

Watch closely; put contingency plans in place.  

Leadership changes at USPS can trigger policy shifts that affect delivery schedules, rates, and service offerings. Any significant operational adjustments may require shippers to adapt quickly, especially those heavily reliant on USPS for last-mile deliveries.  

2. Trump Says Postal Service Transfer to Commerce Department Under Review

President Trump has revealed a potential plan to move the USPS under the Commerce Department’s umbrella, citing the desire for “improved efficiency and accountability.” This follows long-running discussions about the Postal Service’s financial struggles and changing consumer demands. While proponents argue that realigning USPS under Commerce could streamline operations, detractors worry it could politicize mail delivery and reduce service reliability. The move is part of a broader federal review aimed at restructuring and enhancing the performance of government agencies.

Key Takeaway:

Small businesses/e-commerce retail: Stay alert to changes and start diversifying carriers.  

If USPS becomes part of the Commerce Department, expect possible changes in rates, delivery standards, or operational protocols. Increased government oversight might introduce new regulations that could reshape last-mile delivery and overall shipping costs.  

3. U.S. Dockworkers Vote on Labor Deal This Week

Unionized dockworkers are set to vote on a new labor contract that promises stability across U.S. ports through September 2030. This comes after a tumultuous period that included a three-day strike last October, affecting cargo flow and supply chain reliability. The proposed deal, which union leaders call “historic,” is expected to be ratified soon. Retailers, manufacturers, and importers are optimistic that this long-term agreement will minimize disruptions and ensure smooth port operations.

Key Takeaway:

Shippers can breathe a bit easier with a likely resolution on the horizon to reduce risk of strikes and port shutdowns. However, it’s wise to maintain robust contingency plans—from alternate ports of entry to building inventory buffers—should unexpected labor or capacity issues arise again.

4. Over 500 Teamsters Drivers Strike Against 10 Roads Express

More than 500 Teamsters drivers are striking against 10 Roads Express, a major USPS contractor operating in eight states. The union alleges unfair labor practices and accuses 10 Roads Express of refusing to negotiate in good faith. With 10 Roads handling significant mail and parcel volumes for USPS, the strike has the potential to disrupt nationwide mail delivery. Company representatives have not yet publicly responded to the union’s claims.

Key Takeaway:

If your shipments depend on USPS routes serviced by 10 Roads Express, expect possible delays and reroutes due to reduced capacity. Keep close tabs on route-specific delays and be ready to pivot. Engage with multiple carriers or 3PL partners to create redundancies.

5. ‘Hungry’ Carriers Slicing Surcharges in Eastbound trans-Pacific as Bookings Slow

Ocean carriers on the eastbound trans-Pacific are reducing or altogether removing peak surcharges in response to waning booking demand. After months of elevated surcharges fueled by high demand and limited capacity, the market is shifting. Forwarders suggest this trend correlates with an anticipated dip in import volumes to North America, forcing carriers to lower prices to remain competitive. Analysts predict sustained rate pressure if demand continues to soften.

Key Takeaway:

Use the reduced surcharges as an opportunity to optimize and manage freight spend. Leverage this trend to renegotiate contracts or lock in more favorable rates. Keep a close watch on market signals—if demand rebounds, carriers may reverse course on pricing strategies quickly.  

The Collective Impact

While each headline brings unique implications, they all tie into a broader truth: no shipper is immune to constant market, policy, and labor shifts. Here’s how these stories collectively impact shippers and how Intelligent Audit stands ready to help:

1. Policy Volatility & Organizational Shifts

• Challenge: USPS changes—leadership transitions or potential departmental moves—can alter everything from postage rates to service reliability.

• IA Solution: Intelligent Audit’s Parcel Contract Comparison Tool lets you instantly compare shipping costs across multiple carriers side by side. If USPS implements new rate structures or service updates, you can swiftly pivot to keep your deliveries on time and on budget.

2. Labor Risks & Strikes

• Challenge: Dockworker and driver strikes highlight the vulnerability of supply chains to labor disputes, resulting in lost revenue and frustrated customers due to delayed shipments.

• IA Solution: IA’s Real-Time Visibility lets you track shipments in real-time, so that you can proactively address delays.  

3. Market-Driven Cost Changes

• Challenge: When carriers adjust surcharges or consumer demand wanes, freight costs can change overnight. Missing these shifts can erode margins.

• IA Solution: With IA’s suite of Modeling Tools, you can model scenarios to help you optimize your carrier strategy in real time.

4. Maintaining Agile Operations

• Key Challenge: Rapid change demands flexible, technology-driven solutions to spot disruptions and pivot effectively.

• How IA Helps: Intelligent Audit’s Freight Audit, Recovery and BI solution helps your business only spend what it has to spend, catching overages and unnecessary fees. Coupled with our AI-powered Anomaly Detection to catch unexpected behaviors in your shipping data (even if billed correctly) helps you address escalating issues in real time to stay agile no matter which headline shakes the industry.

Your Secret Weapon Against Supply Chain Disruption

Whether you ship parcels domestically or move containers across the world, you can’t afford to be caught off-guard by sudden policy shifts or market swings.

Looking to navigate these changes with confidence? Intelligent Audit’s comprehensive suite of AI-powered freight audit and payment, business intelligence, analytics, and modeling tools are designed to help you see beyond the headlines.  

Reach out today to discover how we can fortify your shipping operations, reduce costs, and turn unexpected developments into strategic advantages.