STS crane and chassis tariffs: what changes for LSPs and when

New 100 percent tariffs hit Chinese STS cranes and certain chassis from Nov 9, 2025. Proposed duties up to 150 percent on yard gear are still in consultation. Here is what actually changes for LSPs and when.

Tradlinx

October 15, 2025

2–3 minutes

ASC, BCO, berth productivity, chassis, chassis pool, containers, exemption window, logistics, NVOCC, Ocean Freight, port equipment, port modernization, reachstacker, RMG, RTG, Section 301, straddle carrier, STS cranes, Tariffs, terminal tractor, top handler, Trade Compliance, United States, USTR, yard equipment

Who should read this: Forwarders, NVOCCs, and shipper logistics teams serving U.S. gateways where chassis pools, terminal upgrades, or berth productivity plans could shift in 2026.

What is final as of today

100 percent Section 301 duties on ship-to-shore (STS) cranes that fall under the scope defined by USTR. Effective Nov 9, 2025.
100 percent Section 301 duties on certain intermodal chassis and chassis parts of Chinese origin. Effective Nov 9, 2025.
Grandfathering for STS cranes if the contract was signed on or before Apr 17, 2025 and the crane enters the United States before Apr 18, 2027.
No new tariff on intermodal shipping containers at this time.

What is still proposed

USTR has floated additional duties up to 150 percent on other cargo handling equipment categories such as RTGs, RMGs, ASCs, reachstackers, straddle carriers, terminal tractors, top handlers, and listed parts. These items are under public comment and are not yet final.

Why this matters to LSPs

0 to 6 months

Chassis exposure Replacement units and some repair parts face higher landed cost after Nov 9. Gate turns can tighten where pools rely on Chinese supply. Expect selective per-day rate pressure.
Contract language Carriers and terminals may add tariff pass-through clauses tied to chassis parts. Watch for new local charge lines in 2026 budgets.

6 to 24 months

Terminal upgrade timelines Ports without grandfathered STS contracts face higher capex or supplier changes. STS deliveries that slip can delay planned berth productivity gains, which keeps bunching risk elevated in peak weeks.
Potential yard-gear surcharges If proposed duties on RTGs and mobile equipment are finalized, terminals may adjust fee schedules in 2026 to 2027. Expect uneven adoption by port.

What to ask and what to log

Ask your top terminals Which STS projects are grandfathered. What is the current delivery timeline. Any expected change to berth productivity ramp dates.
Ask pool partners For November to January, where do they foresee tightness on chassis replacements or key parts. What mitigation exists if pool turns slow.
Update bid language for 2026 Add a port modernization clause that allows re-pricing if a terminal introduces a documented fee tied to equipment tariffs.
Invoice controls If a new tariff pass-through appears, request the basis, the effective date, and the USTR notice reference before approval.

Quick answers

Do these rules tariff containers
No. USTR did not add new duties on intermodal shipping containers.

Are RTGs and mobile yard machines already at 150 percent
No. Higher duties for those categories are proposed and subject to comment. Not final.

What defines an STS in scope
USTR’s notice covers STS cranes that meet its origin and manufacturer criteria, including cases involving Chinese origin or specified Chinese components. The precise scope is in the USTR annex.

Does the STS exemption window apply to all cranes
Only to qualifying contracts signed on or before Apr 17, 2025 with entry before Apr 18, 2027.

Track status, exceptions, and ETAs in one place with TRADLINX Container Tracking

References

Prefer email? Contact us directly at min.so@tradlinx.com (Americas), sondre.lyndon@tradlinx.com (Europe) or henry.jo@tradlinx.com (EMEA/Asia)