Six months ago, experts urged manufacturers to front load shipments amid rising uncertainty. Tariffs were looming, supply chains were tight, and the smart move was clear: bring in what you can—while you can.

Now we’re seeing the results. Manufacturers who acted early are operating with stronger margins, steadier inventory, and a major edge over competitors still stuck in a reactive cycle.

And right now, the window is open again—but only for 90 days.

Why Now? A Temporary Truce in the U.S. – China Trade War

On May 12, the U.S. and China agreed to a 90-day tariff rollback, dropping duties from over 100% to more manageable levels:

 “The U.S. will lower tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, while China will reduce tariffs on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%.”
— Business Insider, May 2025

This isn’t a resolution. It’s a pause. And if history tells us anything, it’s that trade tensions tend to return with force—and little warning.

Now is the time to act.

The Strategy: Front Loading, Round Two

For JIT manufacturers and importers, front loading means accelerating inbound shipments while tariffs are reduced. You save on landed costs. You avoid getting caught flat-footed if the next tariff round hits. And you buy time to rebalance your sourcing or warehouse strategy without the usual pressure.

 “We saw a 35% increase in front-loaded shipments ahead of previous tariff hikes. Those that waited got squeezed.”
— ProTrans Logistics

Where We Come In: Open Warehouse Space in Everett & Moses Lake

Hogland Transfer Company has secured additional warehousing capacity in two key Washington hubs:

• Everett: Ideal for Western WA distribution. Easy access to Seattle, Tacoma, and the I-5 corridor.

• Moses Lake: Prime location for Moses Lake and Spokane manufacturers or those moving goods inland. Lower congestion, fast turnaround.

Whether you’re holding raw materials or finished goods, we offer hazmat-certified, climate-ready, and secure warehouse space—with integrated trucking to help you move fast.

Prefer to keep goods on-site? We now offer 53′ storage trailer rentals, delivered to your location anywhere in Washington. It’s a flexible way to extend your own storage capacity without committing to off-site warehousing—ideal for staging, overflow, or fast-moving inbound shipments.

Final Thought: Don’t Wait for Round Three

This is your chance to get ahead. By the time the tariff pause expires, containers will be backed up, rates will spike, and warehouse space will vanish—again. The companies that plan now will be the ones that keep shelves stocked and P&Ls healthy.

Need help figuring out your storage or inbound strategy? Hogland’s can help!

Get a Quote for Transportation or Warehousing & Storage today!