RJ Logistics Urges Shippers to Prepare Now as Temporary Tariff Pause Nears End

Cross-Border Delays and Regulatory Complexity Push Supply Chain Leaders to Act Quickly

As a 90-day pause on U.S. tariffs nears expiration, RJ Logistics is urging importers and exporters to take immediate action to avoid the costly delays and disruptions that plagued international shipping when the tariffs were first implemented in April. The Michigan-based logistics provider is warning that without proactive planning, shippers may face heightened scrutiny, unpredictable clearance times, and potential cargo standstills when enforcement resumes.

The pause, announced following President Trump's April 2 tariff rollout, applied to all international trade partners except China. Chinese imports saw tariff rates soar to 145%, prompting companies like Walmart and Target to warn the White House of looming product shortages and price increases. During the brief period of global enforcement, freight volumes plummeted by 60%, with shippers citing border delays and a lack of documentation clarity.

Increased Documentation and Customs Scrutiny

RJ Logistics has seen a sharp rise in clearance times, particularly for U.S.-Mexico cross-border shipments. “Routine crossings are now taking hours or days longer,” said Rosa Rosas, Customer Success at RJ. “Even minor errors in tariff classifications or incomplete documents can halt shipments indefinitely.”

Among the required documentation are the Carta Porte, DODA, and CCP templates—all of which must be precise and up to date. A recent outage in the U.S. Customs' Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system further complicated tariff enforcement, causing over 10 hours of nationwide delays and forcing importers to submit cargo release forms without payment records.

Real-Time Communication and Strategic Adaptability

RJ Logistics stresses the importance of real-time updates and proactive communication. “Supply chain providers must prioritize keeping clients informed,” said Rosas. “It’s about transparency, trust, and preparedness.”

Alejandro de Anda, Director of Cross-Border Operations at RJ Logistics, emphasized agility: “Initially, shippers rerouted or paused operations. But those who remained flexible and worked closely with their logistics partners achieved better results.”

A Call for Long-Term Planning

With supply chains reeling from increased tariffs on Chinese imports, logistics providers are facing pressure to contain costs and avoid labor disruptions. RJ Logistics warns that while some trade policies may shift, others could become permanent fixtures of global commerce.

“Companies can’t rely on things returning to the way they were,” de Anda added. “Strategic planning and experienced logistics support are more important than ever.”

RJ Logistics continues to support shippers through this volatile trade environment, offering compliant cross-border freight solutions powered by technology and a deep understanding of regulatory landscapes. Learn more at rjlogistics.com.