Breaks it down into plain easy language for those of us that don't work in the industry.



Freight collapse explained.

Container shipping volumes are plummeting so fast that even experienced truckers haven't fully realized what's coming. Starting in May, freight moving out of California's ports--long a critical hub for U.S. imports-is expected to be nearly wiped out. This sets off a chain reaction: short-haul port drivers, known as drayage truckers, will see loads dry up first. Then the slowdown hits intermodal transport, where goods move between trucks and rail. Finally, it reaches long-haul lanes like 1-20 and I-40, slashing demand across the southern U.S


What's fueling this?

A record number of blank sailings. That term refers to scheduled cargo ships skipping their planned stops-often due to low demand. In April 2025 alone, over 80 such blanks have occurred, meaning dozens of vessels simply bypassed U.S. ports, especially on the West Coast. For comparison, the worst month during COVID had 51. When ships don't show up, containers don't get unloaded, and freight doesn't move. It's a clear confirmation of the forecast Craig Fuller made: the collapse in port activity is real, and its ripple effect is about to slam the entire freight economy.

Yes, blank sailings, where carriers skip scheduled port calls or voyages, are on the rise, particularly in the Trans-Pacific trade. This trend is being driven by a combination of factors, including decreased demand due to tariffs and broader market shifts.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Increased Blank Sailings:

Blank sailings have surged recently, especially on the Trans-Pacific route, as shipping companies respond to reduced cargo volumes.

Reasons for Blank Sailings:

Reduced Demand: Lower demand for cargo, often linked to tariffs or economic slowdowns, leads carriers to reduce capacity by skipping sailings.
Market Adjustment: Carriers are using blank sailings to manage overcapacity and stabilize spot rates, especially in the face of declining cargo volumes.

Impact:
Supply Chain Disruptions:

Blank sailings can lead to delays and disruptions in the supply chain as cargo waits for the next available vessel.

Freight Rate Fluctuations: While blank sailings can temporarily cushion rate declines, they can also contribute to volatility as demand shifts.
Increased Costs: Extended storage times due to delays can result in higher costs for shippers.