June 2026 Logistics Roundup: Peak Season Prep, Labor Talks, ICS2 Enforcement, and New Trade Routes

June 2026 marks the official start of peak season preparation. With US West Coast labor talks still unresolved, EU ICS2 enforcement gathering pace, and new shipping routes opening, shippers face a complex landscape. This roundup covers five key developments and provides actionable advice.

1. US West Coast Labor Talks: No Deal Yet – Shippers Continue Diversion

What happened
As of early June, ILWU and PMA remain at an impasse. Federal mediators are involved, but no breakthrough has been announced. Work slowdowns have been reported at Los Angeles and Long Beach terminals, with vessel waiting times increasing from 2–3 days to 5–7 days.

Impact

• Shippers who already diversified (like the case study last week) are experiencing minimal disruption.

• Those still relying on LA/LB face rising demurrage and potential roll‑overs.

Glovoyce advice
Continue diverting at least 30% of volume to Savannah, New York, or Vancouver. Monitor daily queue reports.

2. EU ICS2: First Wave of Penalties Issued

What happened
One month after full enforcement (May 1), EU customs authorities have begun issuing fines for ICS2 non‑compliance. Common violations include missing consignee EORI numbers, generic goods descriptions (e.g., “parts”, “accessories”), and late filings.

Impact

• Fines range from €1,000 to €5,000 per shipment.

• Repeat offenders face increased inspection rates and potential cargo holds.

Glovoyce advice
Audit your product master data immediately. Ensure every EU‑bound shipment has a valid EORI and a precise 6‑digit HS code with clear description.

3. New Direct Route: Yantian to Houston Launches

What happened
A new direct container service from Yantian to Houston (Barbours Cut Terminal) launched on June 1, operated by a major carrier. Transit time: 32 days. Initial weekly capacity: 2,500 TEU.

Impact

• Provides an alternative Gulf Coast gateway for shippers targeting Texas and the US Midwest.

• Reduces reliance on congested West Coast and Savannah routes.

Glovoyce advice
Evaluate Houston for cargo destined for Texas, Oklahoma, or the Midwest. Test a few containers to validate transit times and drayage options.

4. Air Freight: Pre‑Peak Rates Begin to Climb

What happened
Air freight rates out of Shanghai and Hong Kong have risen 8–12% in the past two weeks, driven by e‑commerce volumes and early peak season restocking. Belly capacity remains stable, but cargo‑only operators are seeing higher load factors.

Impact

• Time‑sensitive shippers face higher airfreight costs for Q3 deliveries.

• Ocean‑to‑air shift may accelerate if West Coast congestion worsens.

Glovoyce advice
Secure airfreight space for August shipments by mid‑June. Consider ocean‑air intermodal for non‑urgent cargo.

5. China Exports: May Data Shows Resilience

What happened
China’s May export data (released June 7) showed a 6.2% year‑on‑year increase, beating forecasts. Exports to ASEAN and the EU grew strongly, while US‑bound shipments were flat due to tariff uncertainty.

Impact

• Sustained export volume supports carrier capacity deployment.

• US‑bound volumes may rebound if labour talks settle or tariff clarity emerges.

Glovoyce advice
Maintain flexible procurement – keep 40–50% spot exposure on transpacific routes to capture potential rate dips.

Glovoyce June Action Plan