Ports, Borders, and Backlogs: Trucking’s Supply Chain Headaches in 2025

Even with freight rates stabilizing and driver pay getting attention, the trucking industry is still dealing with one stubborn set of issues: supply chain delays. From clogged ports to cross-border bottlenecks and lingering equipment challenges, these disruptions continue to affect efficiency and earnings for long-haul truckers and freight carriers alike.

Port congestion isn’t as severe as it was during the pandemic peak, but it hasn’t gone away completely. Busy terminals like Los Angeles/Long Beach and the Port of New York/New Jersey still experience delays, especially when cargo surges or labor slowdowns hit. Import containers can sit for days, tying up chassis and forcing truckers into long waits without pay. These delays not only throw off schedules but also increase costs for carriers trying to keep up with delivery windows.

Cross-border freight, especially between the U.S. and Mexico, has also seen serious slowdowns. As more companies shift manufacturing to Mexico through nearshoring, traffic at southern border crossings has surged. Unfortunately, outdated infrastructure and security inspections often mean long wait times. In some cases, trucks have waited upwards of 24 hours to clear customs, delaying deliveries and reducing driver productivity.

On the equipment side, the industry is still recovering from an earlier shortage of trucks and trailers that drove used equipment prices through the roof. Now, that’s flipped, used truck values have dropped dramatically, leaving many owner-operators “upside down” on their equipment loans. Maintenance costs, meanwhile, remain high, with some parts still hard to come by due to lingering global supply chain issues.

All of these factors make it harder for trucking companies to operate smoothly. Missed delivery windows, unpredictable detention times, and inflated repair costs eat into profits and create more stress for drivers. While some infrastructure improvements are in motion, like federal investments in ports and highways, they’ll take time to make a meaningful impact. Until then, flexibility and planning remain key tools for anyone trying to stay ahead in the freight game.