Created on 04.08
Latest updates on US and Canada shipping routes in April
1. Customs Credit Management "Five-Tier Classification" Officially Implemented (Effective from April 1)
The new "Measures for Credit Management" under the General Administration of Customs Decree No. 228 came into effect on April 1. For the first time, freight forwarding enterprises have been fully incorporated into credit supervision. Regardless of whether they are registered with Customs, as long as they engage in import- and export-related business such as cargo solicitation, transportation, or warehousing, they are now subject to credit profiling.
- The credit rating system has been adjusted to a five-tier classification: Advanced Certification → Certified → Regular → Non-Compliant → Seriously Non-Compliant.
- Small and medium-sized freight forwarders are newly eligible for the "Certified Enterprise" tier, enabling them to enjoy benefits such as expedited customs clearance, reduced inspection rates, and fee reductions.
- Non-compliant enterprises will face consequences including a 100% inspection rate, restrictions on manifest declarations, suspension of online verification, and joint disciplinary actions.
2. New Regulations for Export Tax Refund Declarations:
Ocean Freight Agency Fees Must Be "Itemized and Specified" (Effective April 1st)
- Europe Route: In April, the weekly average shipping capacity increased by over 20% month-on-month, while seasonal demand remained subdued. Spot rates dropped by approximately $300/FEU at the beginning of the month compared to March, but stabilized gradually in mid-April as factories resumed operations and restocking activities commenced. Carriers maintained the price floor through blank sailings and capacity management.
- U.S./Canada Routes (Key Focus): High U.S. retail inventories and uncertainty over tariff policies weighed on short-term shipment volumes. Freight rates softened slightly in the first half of April. However, boosted by cross-border e-commerce restocking for Q2 and expectations of the summer peak season, rates bottomed out and rebounded in the second half of April, with space tightening accordingly. Long-term contract negotiations have entered a critical phase.
- Southeast Asia Routes: After Eid al-Fitr, shipments began recovering. Ports in Thailand-Vietnam and Singapore-Malaysia experienced tight space availability, leading to slight upward momentum in April freight rates.
3. Coastal Transshipment of Foreign Trade Containers Fully Opened (Effective April 1st)
- The removal of market access restrictions for foreign shipping companies brings direct benefits to ports such as Ningbo-Zhoushan and Shanghai.
- Foreign trade containers can now be directly carried between domestic ports by foreign mainline vessels without requiring feeder transfers, which improves transit times and reduces costs.
- Transshipment volume at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port is projected to increase by over 15%, with further optimizations expected in space allocation, booking procedures, and customs clearance models.
Key Points for U.S./Canada Routes:
Tightest Regulatory Oversight, Freight Rate Increases, Additional Surcharges Implemented
April sees a surge of spring tides, and the shipping industry enters a phase of renewal. As the first month of the second quarter of 2026 begins, the global supply chain is navigating a critical adjustment period under the intertwined influences of geopolitical dynamics, new regulatory policies, and the seasonal shift from the low-demand period. The prolonged Red Sea crisis continues to escalate, persistently driving up global shipping costs; comprehensive new EU compliance regulations are now fully implemented, reshaping cross-border trade compliance frameworks; meanwhile, China’s export tax refund policies and cross-border e-commerce clearance procedures are consistently optimized, injecting new momentum into export-oriented businesses. On the U.S.-Canada routes, stakeholders are moving forward amid fluctuating supply-demand dynamics and freight rate volatility. Below, we will outline the key industry developments, market trends, and shipping guidance for April, empowering companies to accurately navigate shipping cycles, achieve cost efficiency, and ensure stable global expansion.
1、New U.S. Customs IOR/Bond Regulations Fully Implemented (Strict Oversight Continued Since March 20th)
- Customs clearance now requires a complete set of four documents: "Tax ID + Business License + Power of Attorney + Form 5106," marking the effective end of the "DDP/DDU" all-inclusive clearance model.
- Fast-track 5-hour inspections at the Ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach have become standard, with seizures of non-compliant cargo increasing by 37% year-on-year. In cases of container-level violations, the entire container is subject to detention.
- Recommendation: Cease the use of all-inclusive clearance models. Guide clients to conduct formal IOR registration and use their own tax IDs for compliant customs clearance.
2、U.S. Route Freight Rates Continue to Rise in April(Tight Space + Fuel Cost + Red Sea Impact)
- U.S. port authorities have maintained steady routine inspection levels recently, with key ports such as Los Angeles and Long Beach experiencing a slight rise in inspection rates. Customs has intensified its scrutiny of cargo declaration details, including the consistency of declared information, commodity value, and item descriptions. Instances of under-declared value or ambiguous product descriptions are now more likely to trigger inspections.
- It is recommended to ensure accurate and truthful declaration of all shipment information upon export, including clear and precise descriptions of product names, materials, intended uses, and declared values. This helps avoid delays from inspections or cargo holds due to declaration discrepancies, which could result in additional costs such as container detention fees and storage charges.
3、Latest Status of Canada Shipping Routes
- For the Canada route: The Port of Vancouver is operating normally, with stable transit times for inland transfers to destinations such as Toronto and Montreal. Influenced by spillover effects from U.S. regulatory policies, Canadian ports have also tightened oversight of imported goods, imposing stricter requirements for consistency in shipment information.
- Additionally, inland fuel and transportation costs in Canada are experiencing slight fluctuations, though overall delivery timelines remain stable. For oversized items, Amazon warehouse shipments, or deliveries to private addresses, it is advisable to confirm the final delivery plan in advance to ensure smooth last-mile fulfillment.
4、Latest Moves by Shipping Companies:Capacity Cuts and Schedule Reductions Impact U.S./Canada Routes from Ningbo
- Capacity Control and Sailings Reduction:
Several shipping lines have announced a 10%-15% reduction in sailings on the U.S./Canada routes from Ningbo in April, primarily targeting less efficient voyages. By tightening capacity, they aim to stabilize market conditions. As a core port, Ningbo is more significantly impacted by these sailing cuts, further intensifying the imbalance between supply and demand for container space.
- Space Contracting:
Contractual space agreements between carriers and major local freight forwarders and trading companies in Ningbo continue to rise, resulting in fewer available slots in the spot market. This has made it more difficult for individual shippers to secure space in Ningbo. It is recommended that long-term partners in Ningbo establish early contractual agreements with Boli to lock in space and mitigate risks associated with shortages.
- Route Optimization:
Some carriers are adjusting the network of U.S./Canada routes from Ningbo by reducing calls at less frequented destination ports. Instead, they are focusing on key destinations such as Los Angeles, New York, and Vancouver to enhance route efficiency. This further tightens available space. Partners in Ningbo are advised to confirm coverage for their destination ports in advance.
5、Shipping Tips
- For recent shipments, it is advisable to book space 5–7 days in advance, especially for popular US West Coast sailings. Securing space early is more reliable.
- Review shipping documents ahead of time to ensure consistency between invoices and packing lists, thereby improving customs clearance efficiency.
- For sensitive goods, communicate requirements in advance to confirm shipping specifications and clearance feasibility, so as to avoid issues after loading.
- With the peak season approaching, logistics variables are increasing. Plan production and delivery schedules appropriately and allow for buffer time.
Summary:
April 2026 continues to see a shipping market in flux, where volatility coexists with emerging opportunities. As your trusted freight forwarder specializing in U.S. and Canada routes, Ningbo Boli is committed to delivering stable space, professional compliance, efficient service, and transparent pricing. We help clients navigate industry uncertainties, secure optimal solutions, and maintain a resilient supply chain.
For the latest rates, space availability, or customized shipping solutions for U.S./Canada routes, please feel free to contact a Boli Logistics Consultant. We are here to assist you promptly.
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