Over the past seven months, the New York freight forwarding recruitment market has undergone a clear structural shift. This change has been largely driven by evolving tariffs, regulatory tightening, and shifting global trade patterns.
Freight rates have increased sharply across several major trade lanes as importers accelerated shipments ahead of new or expanded U.S. tariffs. The result has been a sharp rise in demand for forwarding capacity, with many logistics providers struggling to maintain service reliability amid volatile cost structures.
At the same time, the removal of the de minimis exemption for many imported goods and the enforcement of new tariff categories have created an operational and compliance burden. Many companies are now investing heavily in customs and regulatory functions to manage the associated documentation, classifications, and duty calculations.
Large global forwarders and integrated logistics providers have responded by expanding their customs entry and trade compliance teams. The current market places a premium on licensed brokers and experienced specialists capable of interpreting frequent updates to HTS codes, bond regulations, and import compliance procedures.
This trend reflects a broader movement in the industry: the shift from transactional forwarding to compliance-led trade management. For professionals in customs brokerage and trade compliance, the New York market now offers strong career opportunities, competitive compensation, and increasing strategic importance within global logistics operations.
Despite ongoing market shifts and tariff pressures, the U.S. freight forwarding landscape continues to reward those who can hunt - the salespeople who create opportunity where others see challenges. Here’s why business developers with true hunter DNA will remain the long-term winners.
After two turbulent years, U.S. freight demand split into two clear stories in 2024–2025: ocean imports cooled from a hot 2024 peak, while air cargo kept grinding higher especially on lanes tied to tariff-sensitive, high-value goods.
This article shows freight forwarders why moving quickly in recruitment secures top talent, protects reputation, and delivers a clear competitive edge.