For logistics service providers (LSPs), OEMs, terminal operators, and RoRo carriers, this marks a period of urgent adaptation. Not only must these stakeholders absorb the immediate operational impact, but they must also reposition for long-term shifts in trade flows, compliance, and port utilization.
What the Tariffs Include (and Who's Affected)
The new import measures include:
- A 25% tariff on finished vehicles of all fuel types
- Tariffs on auto parts with non-U.S. or non-USMCA origin (starting May 3)
- Country-specific tariffs, including 34% on China, 46% on Vietnam, and 20% on EU imports
Major vehicle exporters to the U.S. impacted:
- Japan (Toyota, Honda, Subaru)
- South Korea (Hyundai, Kia, Genesis)
- Germany (Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz)
- Mexico and Canada (major assembly/export hubs)
Secondary impacts are being felt by global RoRo carriers, inland distribution networks, and port facilities that specialize in vehicle logistics.
See our guide to USMCA vehicle compliance
RoRo Volume Volatility: What We're Seeing So Far
The immediate effect of the tariffs has been volume instability:
- OEMs rushed shipments into U.S. ports during March to beat the tariff deadline, causing short-term congestion
- Terminals like Brunswick, Jacksonville, and Baltimore hit record highs in vehicle throughput
- Post-deadline, April shows a marked slowdown in RoRo arrivals as OEMs reassess trade routes and pricing models
This front-loading followed by an import pause is disrupting sailing schedules and yard planning.
Forecast: Expect volatile RoRo volumes throughout Q2 and into Q3 2025 as new sourcing strategies develop.
How terminal operators can optimize yard space during volume surges
Port Congestion and Berthing Delays
The March shipment surge left a trail of logistical headaches:
- Yard congestion caused delays in unloading, sorting, and dispatching vehicles
- Some OEMs reported multi-day customs bottlenecks and a spike in temporary storage fees
- RoRo carriers are reshuffling berthing schedules, with some opting to bypass congested ports entirely
Smaller ports lacking overflow capacity are experiencing ripple effects, pushing LSPs to seek alternative discharge points.
Carrier Strategy: Blank Sailings and Vessel Reassignment
RoRo carriers are adapting to new demand patterns:
- Blank sailings have been introduced on low-volume Asia-U.S. lanes
- Some vessels have been reassigned to intra-European or Middle East routes
- Rising requests for short-term RoRo charters are emerging from OEMs seeking flexible shipping contracts
Carriers are also exploring hub-and-spoke models with feeder vessels from Mexico, Brazil, and Canada to distribute risk across multiple entry points.
Risk factor: Fleet underutilization combined with higher insurance and fuel costs may squeeze margins in H2 2025.
USMCA Compliance: A Double-Edged Sword
Automakers are now under pressure to qualify their vehicles under USMCA regulations to avoid tariffs.
Challenges include:
- Tracking North American content thresholds (75%) with certified documentation
- Proving origin of steel, aluminum, and labor value content
- Managing supplier-side compliance, especially from Tier 2 and Tier 3 providers
Delays at land borders and port entries are increasing as CBP tightens scrutiny over USMCA paperwork.
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative: USMCA Rules of Origin
Customs and Documentation Bottlenecks
Freight forwarders and customs brokers are reporting increased pressure:
- Certificates of Origin (COOs) are frequently flagged for manual review
- Documentation errors, ambiguous HS codes, and unverified content sources are causing delays
- OEMs are expanding trade compliance teams to manage growing volumes of paperwork
Investing in automated compliance tools is becoming critical to scale customs operations without sacrificing accuracy.
Growing Opportunity in Used Car Exports
As new vehicle imports decline due to cost, a surge in used vehicle exports is underway:
- U.S. dealers and wholesalers are shipping to high-demand regions: West Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia
- Prices for used vehicles in the U.S. are climbing, further incentivizing international sales
- RoRo operators are seeing renewed growth in export bookings for used cars, SUVs, and trucks
This shift is helping rebalance RoRo capacity and may become a sustained growth segment for terminal operators.
Insight: East Coast and Gulf ports are emerging as critical nodes in used vehicle export logistics.
Tech and Data Visibility Now Mission-Critical
The rapid pace of change is forcing logistics teams to modernize operations:
- TMS, FMS, and control tower systems are being deployed to increase transparency
- Predictive analytics help simulate tariff costs, rerouting scenarios, and capacity planning
- Integration of EDI/API feeds with customs and OEM systems streamlines document exchange and approvals
Real-time tracking is now essential not only for parts and vehicles—but for ensuring end-to-end compliance and accountability.
Why real-time visibility matters in automotive logistics
Retaliatory Risks to U.S. Vehicle Exports
Global trade tensions are escalating:
- Canada, China, and the EU have indicated potential retaliatory tariffs on U.S.-made vehicles
- OEMs like Ford and GM are monitoring export risks for their European and Chinese markets
- RoRo shipping lines may face volume declines on outbound transatlantic and transpacific lanes
OEMs are beginning to shift export inventory toward non-retaliatory markets, and some are delaying vehicle launches in sensitive regions.
Watchlist: Outbound volumes from Charleston, Galveston, New York/Newark, and Baltimore.
Looking Ahead: What to Monitor Through 2025
As the year progresses, RoRo and vehicle logistics stakeholders should watch:
- New tariff announcements, trade deals, or exemptions
- OEM investment decisions on plant shifts or supplier reshoring
- Fleet management changes by major RoRo carriers
- Policy changes that affect USMCA enforcement and customs procedures
Stakeholders should also model financial exposure to multi-year tariffs and prepare scenarios for fleet, staffing, and port investment changes.
Stay agile and informed, trade volatility is now a permanent variable.
Final Takeaways
This is a pivotal and unpredictable moment for automotive logistics. Whether you're coordinating ocean freight, operating a terminal, or managing an OEM supply chain, the 2025 U.S. tariffs demand:
- Operational resilience in scheduling, routing, and berth allocation
- Digital infrastructure to manage documentation, tracking, and compliance
- Strong relationships with shippers, carriers, customs, and inland haulers
The RoRo sector’s ability to remain adaptive and data-driven will determine who thrives—and who falls behind, in the new automotive trade environment.
Want more insights? Explore our industry insights hub
How Logisoft Can Help
At Logisoft, we understand the challenges facing RoRo terminals, freight forwarders, and OEMs in today’s volatile trade environment. Our solutions help logistics stakeholders gain visibility, streamline documentation, and adapt to disruptions like the 2025 auto tariffs with confidence.
Whether you're optimizing customs workflows, managing yard congestion, or planning multi-modal shipments, we’re here to support smarter logistics decisions—faster.
Let’s talk: Contact us here
Learn more: Explore our solutions for automotive logistics
