Episode 3: Interest Rates, Uncertainty & the Freight Fallout

 As tariffs shift trade routes, interest rate policy is quietly reshaping infrastructure — and the ripple effects are hitting logistics teams first.

In this episode of Holding the Line, Gia explores how Federal Reserve decisions impact freight, from stalled port expansions to paused intermodal upgrades. With recession fears looming and inflation sticking around, it's not just about survival — it’s about strategic movement.

📉 From cautious budgets to delayed investments, this episode asks:
 Is your operation ready for the next economic shift? Or still hoping things will stabilize first?

You’ll hear practical strategies for staying agile in a volatile landscape, and why logistics teams can’t afford to wait for clarity before making their next move.

🔹 Let’s stop chasing stability — and start planning for movement.

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Transcript

 [Intro music fades in – same theme, steady and slightly tense] Hey there, and welcome back to Holding the Line: A Logistics at a Crossroads Podcast. 

I’m your host, Gia — and today we’re diving into Volume 3, where the pressures of global trade meet the weight of economic policy. 

And yeah… it’s a lot. So far in this series, we’ve talked about tariffs and the return of rail. But now, there’s another force reshaping how we work, plan, and move freight: 📉 Interest rates. Or more specifically, the uncertainty around them. Let’s be real — the Federal Reserve doesn’t operate in a vacuum. Their decisions have real-world consequences for infrastructure, expansion, and investment — especially in logistics. According to the Fed’s latest projections, we’re likely looking at two rate cuts this year… but not yet. And in the meantime, we’re dealing with a cocktail of inflation, rising consumer expectations, and growing recession fears. 

And for supply chain leaders? That translates into paused projects, cautious budgets, and constant recalculations. 🚛 But here’s where it gets complicated: Just as tariffs shift trade routes, interest rate policy influences infrastructure investment. When borrowing is expensive, the big projects slow down — and that includes everything from port expansions to inland rail upgrades. When money loosens up again? 

There’s a scramble to catch up — and guess who feels the pressure first? Operations teams. Yard crews. Intermodal coordinators. People like us. 💡 So what do we do? We adapt. We build flexibility into our networks before the ripple hits. We stop chasing stability and start planning for movement. For those of you leading teams or making strategic decisions right now, here’s what I want you to consider: ✅ Strengthen your intermodal lanes to offset cost spikes ✅ Invest in scalable infrastructure — even if it’s bite-sized ✅ Use AI and forecasting tools to keep your plans agile, not rigid Because the truth is, rail and intermodal aren't just reacting anymore — they’re actively shaping how trade flows evolve. We’re not just playing defense — we’re influencing the field. 

📊 So here’s my question for you: Is your organization positioned to respond to both trade policy shifts and Fed decisions? Or are you hoping things settle down before you make your next move? Let’s have that conversation — not just in crisis mode, but in strategy mode. 

Thanks for joining me for Volume 3. In the next episode, we’re pivoting into something a little more personal — what happens when resilience is expected, but rest is not. Until then — stay sharp, stay steady… and as always, keep holding the line. [Outro music fades in] 

You’ve been listening to Holding the Line -A logistics at a Crossroads Podcast. Subscribe, share, and join us for more honest conversations at the intersection of logistics and life. Until next time, I’ll be navigating the crossroads right along with you..