Reliable Freight Shipping Solutions in Turbulent Times

In Time of Economic Uncertainty — Choose Freightera for Reliable Freight Shipping in Canada, the USA, and Cross-Border

U.S. President Donald Trump took aim at dozens of countries this month, announcing a sweeping new slate of tariffs he calls “Liberation Day” measures. While Canada is spared from the new 10 percent baseline levies, older duties remain firmly in place, particularly a 25 percent tariff on foreign-made cars and ongoing steel and aluminum tariffs that have already impacted businesses across North America.

Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney said he’d fight the U.S. moves with “purpose and force,” although he offered very few specifics.

Meanwhile, shippers across NA are scrambling to adapt to a trade environment that grows more volatile every day. We hope it’s reassuring to at least know you’ll always have reliable freight shipping solutions with Freightera. Here’s what some of our happy customers had to say about us!

What’s in the Latest Round of Tariffs?

On the 2nd of April, 2025, Trump hit dozens of countries with tariffs ranging from 10 percent to 49 percent, citing what he calls unfair “monetary and non-monetary barriers” to U.S. goods.

Canada and Mexico managed to avoid the baseline 10 percent reciprocal tariff for now, but still face existing duties announced in March, namely 25 percent on steel and partial tariffs on certain items.

Perhaps most notable for Canada-US shippers is the 25 percent tariff on all foreign-made cars. The White House says any vehicles or parts covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) remain exempt “for now,” but they’ve made sure to warn of potential new fees if they exceed thresholds or lack proper documentation.

While Canada isn’t targeted by Trump’s latest wave, many industries still operate with uncertainty. Businesses have to deal with both older tariffs and the possibility of new ones, like potential taxes on pharmaceuticals or semiconductors that Trump has repeatedly teased.

Carney’s “Purpose and Force” Promise

Though the prime minister acknowledged Canada is spared from Wednesday’s broad reciprocal levies, he stressed the bigger picture hasn’t changed: he vowed to respond with countermeasures similar to how Canada tackled older steel and aluminum duties. As mentioned, he’s given no specifics yet. Carney said he’ll consult with provincial leaders on a plan that hits the U.S. “with maximum impact while limiting pain on Canadians.”

Implications for Freight Shippers

Older tariffs from March impose a 25 percent levy on non-CUSMA-compliant steel, plus 10 percent for some aluminum categories. If your product relies, even in part, on outside materials or if it doesn’t meet CUSMA requirements, you may see extra costs.

The U.S. has hinted at expansions on trade barriers, from potash to pharmaceuticals. What this means for shippers is that you may want to consider nearshoring as an option.

Tips for Coping With Tariffs

Check reliable news outlets for news on tariffs regularly. Details can change fairly fast, so you’ll want to keep up and make sure you don’t get hit with any last-minute extra charges.
Do what’s in your power so that your goods meet the rules of origin and qualify for zero tariffs. Cross-border shipping is always somewhat more complex than domestic, but with the current situation, you’ll want to make sure your paperwork is spotless.

If certain materials or components you ship are heavily taxed, try looking into alternate shipping modes such as rail or intermodal.
As always, it helps if you book your shipments on time. That way, you’ll know what to expect, and you avoid any potential availability issues due to market fluctuations.
Compare quotes instantly and see if alternative routes or carriers offer better deals. Real-time data will help you to avoid a sticker shock at the last minute.

How Freightera Can Help

Freightera offers instant all-inclusive freight shipping quotes from hundreds of reputable carriers across the USA and Canada, which can help you get rates fast, reliably, and for free. And of course, due to our shipping volume of our marketplace, you should get the most competitive rates online

Since we offer both road and rail options, you’re always going to find an option that suits you depending on your need for a balance between speed, pricing, and environmental impact. Sometimes, intermodal solutions sidestep capacity crunches on certain truck lanes.

Since times are rough and tariffs are not making them any better, we strive to make your shipping life easier. Our automatically filled out and generated BOLs and labels are just one of the advantages of working with Freightera.

If a new wave of tariffs hits steel or auto parts, you can quickly check with us to see how our shipping pricing can help you offset some of the cost and if volume shipping or smaller LTL loads are the better choice for you.

Looking Ahead

While Canada dodged the brunt of Trump’s “Liberation Day” announcements, the ongoing presence of steel, aluminum, and auto tariffs are bound to keep every shipper on alert. PM Carney’s promises of countermeasures are likely to add even more fuel to the fire.

Ultimately, Freightera can at least somewhat soften the impact of the increased cost on businesses. As always, don’t just take our word for it, but get your instant, online freight quote and see for yourself.