The Current Vol 6

🌍 A look back at the last few weeks 

     The U.S. economy is currently shaped by a dual shock: or layered disruption phase

1. Policy Shock (Tariffs – Section 232)
2. Geopolitical Shock (Iran War + Shipping Disruptions)

   Together, they are producing a cost push inflation cycle concentrated on:

These shocks are cascading through global logistics: transit times are lengthening, war‑risk insurance premiums are rising, and bunker fuel costs have surged up to 60%. Oil prices have spiked into the $100–$120 per barrel range, signaling a broad energy and supply chain crunch to start Q1 into Q2.

🌍 What you need to know now 

🪑 The furniture sector is one of the most exposed industries to this layered disruption because furniture is structurally exposed. The consumer retail industry (furniture in particular) is dependent on tariff‑sensitive metals, freight‑intensive shipping, and globally sourced materials tied to oil and logistics stability.  When the global system is stressed due to tariffs, fuel shocks, and/or shipping delays this causes furniture costs to rise quickly and margins compress.

The market has now shifted from discussion to active implementation of cost increases across the supply chain:

• General Rate Increases (GRIs) announced for April 1 on spot market freight.
• Emergency Fuel Surcharges (EFS) filed at $300–$500 per 40’, effective April 8.
• Additional Bunker Adjustment increases of $200–$400 per 40’ announced for mid-April (April 15) .
• These charges are expected to be fully implemented with minimal resistance.
• Domestic transportation increases are being applied across the board immediately and industry wide:
  • Drayage
  • Over-the-road (OTR)
  • LCL/LTL delivery

🌍 Forecasting ahead & recommended action

• Furniture tariffs will be a permanent baseline for 2026 into 2027as retail sales continue to decline.
• Lower rates do not guarantee lower total logistics cost.  Focus on service reliability and flexibility, not just lowest rate. Reevaluate landed cost and price models to ensure stability in chaos.
• Strategize for short term resolution and long term resolution from Iran conflict.  Short term disruptions are manageable while prolonged disruption creates structural risk.
• With weekly spot volatility and rising surcharges, now is a critical time to assess Gulfstream fixed rate contracts for May 1.
• Align with Gulfstream logistics partners to validate surcharge levels, maintain competitive trucking options, and evaluate routing alternatives.

🌍 Bottom Line

• The market is entering a cost escalation phase driven by fuel, geopolitical risk, and carrier strategy—all while contract negotiations remain unresolved. Proactive planning over the next 2–4 weeks will be critical to managing both cost and service risk heading into the new contract season.   

Please reach out to your Gulfstream sales reps with any questions or concerns.  

🌍 The Tradewinds: Highlights of Gulfstream and Bluewater

Designed with importers in mind, our TMS, GNOSIS, gives you full visibility over your shipments. Check out the below to see a few highlights of the Container Lifecycle Management® Platform.   This added benefit of Gnosis aids businesses that have challenges related to lack of transparency, manual tracking, costly delays and container utilization while managing ocean freight logistics such as detention and demurrage

• Real-Time Container Visibility – Track every shipment with up-to-date status, key milestones, and exception alerts – no more chasing updates.
• Centralized Dashboard – View all inbound and outbound containers across carriers in one place for better planning and decision-making.
• Proactive Exception Management – Get notified early about delays or disruptions so you can adjust plans and keep your supply chain moving.

See below links to help give a Gnosis overview, set up your own personal portal, and a brief demonstration of the system.

Gnosis Intro Video: https://www.joc.com/video/bringing-a-holistic-approach-to-technology-5659206

Access the portal here: https://app.gnosisfreight.com 

Brief Demo – https://guides.gnosisfreight.com/demo/cm6fi0v1o0005xo0hjk2rhvuc