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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he will announce on Monday that the United States will impose 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, including from Canada and Mexico, as well as other import duties later in the week. “Any steel coming into the United States is going to have a 25% tariff,” he told reporters Sunday on Air Force One as he flew from Florida to New Orleans to attend the Super Bowl. When asked about aluminum, he responded, “aluminum, too” will be subject to the trade penalties. Trump also reaffirmed that he would announce “reciprocal tariffs” — “probably Tuesday or Wednesday” — meaning that the U.S. would impose import duties on products in cases where another country has levied duties on U.S. goods. “If they are charging us 130% and we’re charging them nothing, it’s not going to stay that way,” he told reporters. Trump’s comments are the latest example of his willingness to threaten, and in some cases to impose, import taxes. Tariffs are coming much earlier in his presidency than during his previous four years in the White House, when he prioritized tax cuts and deregulation. Trump has alternately said he sees import taxes as tools to force concessions on issues such as immigration, but also as a source of revenue to help close the government’s budget deficit. Financial markets fell on Friday after Trump first said he would impose the reciprocal tariffs. Stock prices also dropped after a measure of consumer sentiment declined on Friday, largely because many respondents cited tariffs as a growing worry. The survey also found that Americans are expecting inflation to tick up in the coming months because of the duties. Trump on Sunday did not offer any details about the steel and aluminum duties, or the reciprocal tariffs. Trump previously threatened 25% import taxes on all goods from Canada and Mexico, though he paused them for 30 days barely a week ago. At the same time, he proceeded to add 10% duties on imports from China. Yet on Friday, he said he would also delay the tariffs on the millions of small packages — often from fast-fashion firms such as Temu and Shein — until customs officials can figure out ways to impose them. The small packages have previously been exempt from tariffs. Trump’s latest remarks stirred immediate worry from some global trading partners. South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, called a meeting with the country’s top foreign policy and trade officials on Monday to examine how Trump’s proposed tariffs on steel and aluminum would affect its industries. The office of Choi, who also serves as the country’s finance minister, said officials discussed the potential impact and Seoul’s possible responses, but specific details of the meeting were not disclosed. The stock prices of major South Korean steelmakers, including POSCO and Hyundai Steel, dropped as the market opened on Monday. South Korea shipped about $4.8 billion worth of steel to the United States from January to November last year, which accounted for 14% of its global exports of the products during the period. Superville reported from aboard Air Force One. Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report.

Amazon has agreed to pay nearly $4 million to settle charges that the e-commerce company subsidized its labor costs by taking tips its delivery drivers received from customers, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb said Friday. The settlement came four years after Amazon forked over $61.7 million to resolve a complaint the Federal Trade Commission brought over similar accusations. In 2022, the office of DC’s attorney general at the time followed up with a lawsuit alleging Amazon violated the District’s consumer protection laws by misleading residents about how tips paid digitally were used. According to the lawsuit, the affected drivers were part of Amazon’s Flex business, which allows people to deliver Amazon packages with their own cars. DC’s lawsuit said that after launching the program in 2015, the company represented to consumers that all tips added during check-out for Amazon Flex orders would go to drivers. But both the District and the FTC alleged that Amazon changed its payment model in late 2016 to lower its costs but did not disclose the switch to either customers or drivers.

OXFORD, Ala. —  BRW is announcing its Top Contract Carriers for 2024. “We are incredibly proud to recognize these outstanding carriers as our Top Contract Carriers for 2024, said Thomas “TK” Bardwell, senior vice president of logistics. “Their unwavering commitment to excellence, reliability, and customer satisfaction is the foundation of our success. It is truly a pleasure to work with such dedicated and professional teams who share our passion for delivering exceptional service. On behalf of everyone at BRW, thank you for your partnership, and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Here’s to another year of collaboration and shared success.” BRW’s Top Contract Carriers for 2024  4M Express Adams Motor Express BCP Transportation E & E Transfer Company EIB Transport Inc Evergreen Forest Products Goblin Express LLC H&M Trucking, Inc J Par Trucking Inc Landstar M&R Trucking PAM International Inc Pink Panthers, Inc. R and L Carriers Xtreme Logistics Exceptional Performance The winning companies have demonstrated exceptional performance, dedication and commitment throughout 2024, according to a BRW press release. They are being recognized for embodying the core values of innovation, integrity and excellence. The selection process for the BRW Top Contract Carriers involved a comprehensive evaluation based on: Service. Safety. Integrity. Volume. Tracking. Communication. Billing Accuracy and Timeliness. According to the release, each of these carriers has exemplified a steadfast commitment to excellence, consistently meeting and surpassing the rigorous standards set by BRW. Backbone of Success “Our core carriers are the backbone to our success at BRW,” said Johnny Ross, senior broker. “We have some of the toughest carrier requirements out there, and this list represents only the top 15, but there are dozens more who fell just below #15 who are just as crucial. Through our partnerships and your help, we could not succeed in delivering on the promises and needs of our customers. Thank you all, here’s to a promising 2025.” Looking Ahead “On July 10, 2024, BR Williams Logistics, LLC was acquired by Haney and White, marking the beginning of BRW and an exciting new chapter for our company,” said Nate Haney, CEO. “With this partnership, we are expanding and strengthening our logistics department, opening new opportunities for growth and innovation across the county. We’re thrilled to continue delivering exceptional service to our customers with even greater resources and expertise. The future is bright, and we’re excited to grow together.”

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong will file a complaint against new U.S. tariffs on the southern Chinese city’s products with the World Trade Organization, its government said on Friday. The U.S. imposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods and ended a customs exception that allowed small-value parcels to enter the U.S. without paying tax. The measures have already prompted China to request WTO dispute consultations with the U.S., as well as announce retaliatory tariffs on select American imports and an antitrust investigation into Google. In a statement, the Hong Kong government slammed the U.S. measures as “grossly inconsistent with the relevant WTO rules” and said they had ignored the city’s status as a separate customs territory. It urged the U.S. to rectify its acts. This is not the first time Hong Kong has taken its trade disputes with the U.S. to the WTO. Hong Kong, a former British colony that returned to Chinese rule in 1997, operates as a semi-autonomous city with separate economic and social systems from mainland China. During U.S. President Donald Trump’s previous term, Hong Kong had complained against the U.S. requirement for city-produced exports to be labeled “Made in China”. In 2022, arbitrators at the WTO concluded that the U.S. was out of line in requiring that products from Hong Kong be labeled as such. The WTO confirmed Tuesday it received notice of China’s request for consultations with the U.S. regarding the tariffs imposed on Chinese goods. The move sets off a 60-day period for the two sides to resolve their differences, and if not, the case can be brought before a three-judge panel at the Geneva-based trade body. However, the WTO’s dispute-resolution process has been stymied in recent years as multiple U.S. administrations blocked appointments of judges on its appeals court. Separately, Hong Kong’s post office announced late Thursday it would continue to suspend shipping items containing goods to the United States until further notice, despite its American counterpart having reversed its ban on packages from the city and other parts of China. The Hong Kong government said in a statement that Hongkong Post was in talks with the U.S. postal administration but further clarification was still needed on certain matters, including over a tariff. It reiterated its strong disapproval over the U.S. imposition of additional duty on Hong Kong products, urging the U.S. to take “urgent actions to rectify its wrongdoing.” The U.S. post office had announced Tuesday that it would no longer accept parcels from China, including Hong Kong. It reversed course Wednesday but gave no reason, saying it would work with Customs and Border Protection to implement a collection process for the new tariffs to avoid delivery disruptions. Although the ban was short-lived and the U-turn came within the same day for those who live in Hong Kong time zone, it confused those who wanted to post to the U.S. from the trading hub. It also sparked concerns over the potential impact on online shopping platforms like Shein and Temu, popular with younger shoppers in the U.S. for cheap clothing and other products, usually shipped directly from China. Cheap, direct postal service helps these companies keep costs low, as did the “de minimis” exemption that previously allowed shipments to go tax-free if their value is under $800. The U.S. imported about $427 billion worth of goods from China in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Consumer electronics, including cellphones, computers and other tech accessories, make up the biggest import categories.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Fleet Advantage is celebrating two of its own who have been recognized as Food Logistics’ 2025 Rock Stars of the Supply Chain Awards. Kirsten Babb, fleet procurement manager was named the Overall Winner in the Rising Stars category. Annie Steckroth vice president of strategic fleet solutions was recognized in the Top Transportation Professional category. “Kirsten and Annie epitomize the innovation, dedication, and leadership that are central to Fleet Advantage’s mission,” said Katerina Jones, CMO. “Their outstanding achievements not only elevate our organization but also drive progress across the cold food supply chain and transportation sectors. We are immensely proud to celebrate their well-deserved recognition as leaders in their field.” Food Logistics Rock Stars As the only publication exclusively dedicated to covering the movement of products through the global cold food supply chain, Food Logistics’ 2025 Rock Stars of the Supply Chain Awards recognizes influential individuals across four distinct categories whose achievements, hard work and vision have shaped the global cold food supply chain. Kirsten Babb Babb’s journey from hands-on roles in trailer maintenance to fleet procurement manager highlights her dedication to operational excellence and strategic foresight. She was previously recognized as a recipient of 2024 Women in Supply Chain Award. Her leadership in procurement includes managing the acquisition of Class 8 tractors and trailers, where she ensures alignment with customer needs and builds strong relationships with OEMs and dealers. Over the past year, Babb has driven key initiatives for Fleet Advantage such as the redesign of the company’s casualty buyout process, which reduced vehicle delivery times by 30%, directly benefiting clients by minimizing downtime and costs. She also revamped spec review templates, achieving a 2% increase in fleet fuel efficiency—a significant improvement for large-scale fleets. According to a company press release, Babb’s comprehensive expertise in sustainability, safety compliance, and customer satisfaction has established her as an indispensable asset to Fleet Advantage and its clients. Her focus on fostering trust and loyalty among customers positions Fleet Advantage as an industry leader in innovative fleet management solutions. Annie Steckroth With over 18 years of experience in transportation, she has made a profound impact on strategic initiatives and client operational success. In her role, she leads high-level consultations with corporate fleet clients. This includes identifying cost-saving opportunities and implementing life cycle cost management strategies. Steckroth has been instrumental in expanding Fleet Advantage’s client portfolio by integrating data-driven solutions that enhance fleet performance, reduce costs, and meet sustainability goals. Steckroth’s active involvement with industry groups. Her role on the National Private Truck Council’s (NPTC) Annual Conference Planning Committee, underscores her thought leadership in the transportation sector. Her ability to navigate complex challenges, build consultative partnerships, and champion diversity in the industry sets her apart as a top professional. Steckroth’s contributions include enhancing Fleet Advantage’s value proposition through tailored client solutions, which have resulted in increased client satisfaction and a strengthened competitive edge for the company.  

XPO is announcing a strong fourth quarter and full year in its latest financial report. “We’re pleased to report a strong fourth quarter that caps a year of above-market earnings growth,” said Mario Harik, CEO. “Companywide, we delivered full-year increases of 27% in adjusted EBITDA and 31% in adjusted diluted EPS, compared with the prior year.” The company reported diluted earnings from continuing operations per share of $0.63, compared with $0.49 for the same period in 2023, and adjusted diluted earnings from continuing operations per share of $0.89, compared with $0.77 for the same period in 2023. For the full year 2024, the company reported diluted earnings from continuing operations per share of $3.23, compared with $1.62 for 2023, and adjusted diluted earnings from continuing operations per share of $3.83, compared with $2.92 for 2023. Outperforming Expectations “Our North American LTL business outperformed full-year expectations, with adjusted operating income growth of 27% and adjusted operating ratio improvement of 260 basis points — all while integrating 25 new service centers into our network,” Hariksaid. “Importantly, we delivered record service levels, driving a 7.8% increase in yield, excluding fuel, and a 6.8% increase in revenue per shipment. In addition, we continued to leverage our proprietary technology to improve labor productivity, and we reduced outsourced linehaul miles to the best level in our history. These efficiencies further improved our cost structure and service quality.” Fourth Quarter Highlights For the fourth quarter 2024, the company generated revenue of $1.92 billion, compared with $1.94 billion for the same period in 2023. The year-over-year decrease in revenue was due primarily to lower fuel surcharge revenue in the North American LTL segment. Operating income was $148 million for the fourth quarter, compared with $119 million for the same period in 2023. Net income from continuing operations was $76 million for the fourth quarter, compared with $58 million for the same period in 2023. Diluted earnings from continuing operations per share was $0.63 for the fourth quarter, compared with $0.49 for the same period in 2023. Adjusted net income from continuing operations, a non-GAAP financial measure, was $107 million for the fourth quarter, compared with $93 million for the same period in 2023. Adjusted diluted EPS, a non-GAAP financial measure, was $0.89 for the fourth quarter, compared with $0.77 for the same period in 2023. Earnings adjusted before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“adjusted EBITDA”), a non-GAAP financial measure, was $303 million for the fourth quarter, including a $34 million real estate gain from a planned service center sale tied to a relocation, compared with $264 million for the same period in 2023. The company generated $189 million of cash flow from operating activities in the fourth quarter and ended the quarter with $246 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand, after $108 million of net capital expenditures. Results by Business Segment North American Less-Than-Truckload (LTL): The segment generated revenue of $1.16 billion for the fourth quarter 2024, compared with $1.19 billion for the same period in 2023. On a year-over-year basis, shipments per day decreased 4.4%, tonnage per day decreased 5.7%, and yield, excluding fuel, increased 6.3%. Including fuel, yield increased 1.7%. Operating income was $179 million for the fourth quarter 2024, compared with $149 million for the same period in 2023. Adjusted operating income, a non-GAAP financial measure, was $159 million for the fourth quarter, compared with $160 million for the same period in 2023. Adjusted operating ratio, a non-GAAP financial measure, was 86.2%, reflecting a year-over-year improvement of 30 basis points. The 20% year-over-year increase in adjusted EBITDA was due primarily to a gain on sale of real estate, as well as higher yield, excluding fuel, and lower purchased transportation costs, partially offset by lower fuel surcharge revenue and a decrease in tonnage per day. Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter 2024 was $280 million, compared with $233 million for the same period in 2023. European Transportation The segment generated revenue of $765 million for the fourth quarter 2024, compared with $753 million for the same period in 2023, primarily driven by pricing growth. Operating income was a loss of $11 million for the fourth quarter 2024, compared with a loss of $2 million for the same period in 2023. Adjusted EBITDA was $27 million for the fourth quarter 2024, compared with $36 million for the same period in 2023. Corporate The segment generated an operating loss of $19 million for the fourth quarter 2024, compared with a loss of $28 million for the same period in 2023. The fourth quarter 2023 loss included an $8 million litigation matter. Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $4 million for the fourth quarter 2024, compared with a loss of $5 million for the same period in 2023. “We’ve entered 2025 with strong momentum, following landmark network investments that strengthen our competitive position in a freight market recovery and for the long-term,” Harik said. “The intense execution you see in our results will continue to deliver years of margin expansion.”

ERIE, Pa. — Logistics Plus Inc. is recognizing six less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers for superior performance and partnership in 2024. “This is the ninth year of our annual LTL awards program, and we once again proudly recognize six of our top partners for being the best-of-the-best,” said Scott Frederick, CMO and LTL Carrier Relations for Logistics Plus. “It was another competitive year, but Pitt, Estes, Ward, Dayton, RIST and LET provided the best overall performance across our partnership ratings. Congratulations to all.” 2024 LTL Champions The 2024 award recipients include: Pitt Ohio: Diamond Award. It is the first time Pitt Ohio has received top honors and its second year receiving an award. Estes Express: Titanium Award. Estes is bringing home this award for the 7th consecutive year. Ward Transport & Logistics: Platinum Award. It is the seventh time in eight years Ward has earned an award. Dayton Freight: Gold Award. 2024 marks the 9th consecutive win for Dayton. RIST Transport: Silver Award.  RIST has earned an award four consecutive years. Lake Erie Trucking: Bronze Award. Lake Erie Trucking has earned an award two years in a row. Logistics Plus LP manages over a quarter million freight shipments annually. Services are delivered through the Logistics Plus proprietary eShipPlus and MyLogisticsPlus transportation management systems – online TMS platforms with built-in MyFreightTrends business intelligence dashboards. LP also offers shippers truckload, expedited, international freight forwarding, claims management, freight audit & payment, business intelligence and other supply chain solutions Logistics Plus works with over 50 carriers to deliver LTL services in this concentrated transportation segment. The 2024 annual LTL carrier awards are based on an assessment of the following performance criteria: Share of business volume and freight spend Service, claims, and billing performance Price competitiveness, speed, and coverage Customer service and account representation Partnership characteristics and ease of doing business

CLEARWATER, Fla. —  PODS Enterprises, LLC, is announcing the appointment of Lori Baggett as senior vice president – chief legal officer.  “It is an honor to step into this role and continue serving PODS during such an exciting time in the company’s journey,” Baggett said. “I look forward to working with our exceptional team to support PODS’ continued growth and commitment to delivering unmatched service to our customers.”  Policy and Strategy Baggett joined PODS in 2021 as vice president – associate general counsel, overseeing regulatory and safety compliance, labor and employee relations, business strategy and operational policies. With more than 17 years of legal expertise, her contributions have already “proven invaluable to PODS’ success.” Baggett will steer the company’s legal strategy and ensure continued operational excellence, the company said in a media release.  “Lori’s depth of knowledge and leadership in legal operations significantly empower our strategic visions and operational initiatives, and her insight will be pivotal as we continue to expand and innovate within our sector,” said Kathy Marinello, president and CEO. Setting a Standard  Prior to joining PODS, Baggett worked at Carlton Fields for 17 years, where she advanced from associate attorney to shareholder and then to managing shareholder of its Tampa office. In 2021, she was included in the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 100, an inventory of the area’s most influential business leaders.  “Baggett will oversee all facets of PODS’ legal operations, including regulatory compliance, corporate governance, risk management, and legal strategy,” the company said. “Her appointment reflects PODS’ ongoing commitment to fostering leadership excellence and driving the company’s mission forward.”

ERIE, Pa. —  Logistics Plus Inc. is celebrating its 8th consecutive Great Place to Work (GPTW)certification. “Great Place To Work certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience,” said Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of Global Recognition at GPTW. Real-time Feedback Lewis-Kulin emphasized that certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that Logistics Plus stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees,” Lewis-Kulin said. High Standards The award is based almost entirely on what the company’s employees say about their experience working at Logistics Plus. Close to 90% of employees say Logistics Plus continues to be a great place to work, according to a GPTW media release. This is an admirable achievement given the company’s significant growth over the past several years. Its score is 32 percentage points higher than the average U.S. company. Survey Results Additional facts from this year’s survey results: 97% of employees say they are treated fairly regardless of their race. 93% say they are proud to tell others they work here. 93% rate the service that Logistics Plus provides as “excellent.” 91% say management is competent at running the business. 90% feel good about the ways Logistics Plus contributes to the community. Something Special “I do believe that what we’ve created here at Logistics Plus is special,” said Jim Berlin, founder and CEO of Logistics Plus.  “Our younger folks may not realize that because they may not have worked elsewhere, but the ‘older’ folks know. And it’s only because of the wonderful people we’ve been able to bring together under the LP roof. As good as the last 28 years have been, I do believe the best is yet to come.” According to GPTW research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits, and have a fair chance at promotion.