Traci Armstrong
Hello roasters and fellow coffee lovers! As 2025 comes to a close, we'd like to take a moment to say… good riddance! It has been a tough year for the industry, and we sincerely thank all of our partners for their support during this obstacle-filled year.
Against that backdrop, while we are finally getting some tariff relief, we are also seeing a modest increase in warehousing and handling rates from coast to coast. Here are some details on the current logistics and warehousing climate, as well as what you can expect to see in 2026.
Ocean freight and inland logistics
While many of our ocean rate contracts will not be final until mid to late January, we expect to see these rates increase slightly amid a volatile freight market. Perhaps "volatility" should be Webster's word of the year for 2025? We have also seen an overall decrease in the reliability of schedules and space allocations on vessels. Because of this, we expect delays of at least two weeks on most shipments coming out of South America. Expect mild peak season delays for Central American lots starting in February or March.
For LTL and other inland freight, December is always a doozy, but things will smooth out in January. We are proud to work directly with Estes, Saia, R+L, and Southeastern Freight Lines to help ensure you get reliable deliveries and customer service.
If your freight arrives damaged
As with any shipment, accidents can happen. Consider this your friendly reminder:
- Document any damage on the bill of lading the driver asks you to sign.
- Take photos of the pallet before unwrapping it.
- Take your time and try not to feel rushed.
Our Best Practices sheet for green coffee receiving walks through the full process, so you can avoid headaches with claims and make sure your product has arrived as intended.
Warehousing and storage
As the year winds down, we start to see pricing updates for 2026 across the industry. Over the past couple of years, we've been fortunate to avoid large jumps in price; however, we are now seeing increases from our warehousing partners across the country. Starting January 1, 2026, expect warehouse handling and storage rates to increase by 3 to 5%. As with most things, pricing will vary based on volume, so speak directly with your sales rep to find out how this will affect your orders.
Looking ahead
These updates may require some additional planning, and we are here to help with your questions and concerns. As a small, family-owned business, we truly value your support, and your patronage means the world to us. We look forward to working with you in 2026!
For lead times, shipping and pickup details, see our ordering details. And for what happened to LTL freight in 2026, read Dear LTL, Are You Okay?