ATA economist: US port fees on Chinese ships will hurt freight markets

PHOENIX - In a broad presentation on the freight market outlook, the chief economist at the American Trucking Associations expressed general concern about the impact of tariffs on freight markets but reserved some of his strongest remarks for upcoming fees on Chinese ships calling at U.S. ports. Bob Costello, speaking to the annual conference of the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), said the proposals revealed last month by the U.S. trade representative, if implemented, "absolutely could change freight patterns in the U.S." The changes have their roots in a trade complaint submitted by labor unions during the Biden administration, charging Chinese…