Containers

05/23/2025

On-Demand Warehousing for the 90-Day Tariff Window: Your Tactical Import Acceleration Guide

With tariffs temporarily reduced, smart importers are accelerating shipments from Asia. Here's how on-demand warehousing enables rapid import strategies while managing inventory risk and logistics complexity.

The clock is ticking. With a 90-day tariff reduction currently in effect, importers can significantly reduce landed costs on goods from China and other Asian markets. But this window won't stay open long, and the smart money is already moving—accelerating shipments, securing on-demand warehousing capacity, and positioning inventory for whatever comes next.

 

The question isn't whether to take advantage of this opportunity. It's how to execute quickly without creating new problems. Where will you store the surge of inventory? How do you secure flexible on-demand warehouse space near congested ports? What happens when the 90-day window closes?

 

This guide provides you with the insight needed to act now. You'll discover how to rapidly secure on-demand warehousing capacity, implement flexible storage solutions, and position your supply chain for both immediate savings and long-term success. The focus is on what you can do right now—because in the world of international trade, timing is everything.

Key takeaways

 

  • The 90-day window creates three distinct import opportunities (vessels on water, planned shipments, new manufacturing)
  • Success requires rapid decision-making for on-demand warehousing capacity near major ports
  • Flexible storage agreements are essential for managing your volume uncertainty
  • Integration of warehousing with drayage and transloading accelerates your speed to market
  • FTZ strategies can extend tariff advantages beyond the 90-day window
  • On-demand warehousing activation happens much faster than traditional warehouse setup, supporting your urgent import needs

Understanding how to benefit from the 90-day tariff reduction window

The current tariff reduction isn't just one opportunity—it's three distinct chances to optimize your import strategy, each with its own timeline and tactical considerations.

 

First, consider vessels already on the water. These shipments represent your most immediate opportunity. With goods already in transit, your focus shifts to securing on-demand warehousing capacity at or near ports of entry. Your window for arranging storage, drayage, and distribution plans is limited. This is where your speed of execution separates successful importers from those who watch opportunities sail by.

 

Second, examine planned shipments sitting in Asian ports or warehouses. These represent your next opportunity window. You can still accelerate these shipments to take advantage of reduced tariffs, but success requires immediate action on booking ocean freight capacity and arranging destination logistics. 

 

Third, evaluate new manufacturing orders. With time remaining in the window, you might still capitalize on reduced tariffs for products that are not yet manufactured. This requires close coordination with suppliers, expedited production schedules, and pre-arranged logistics capacity.

 

Different industries face unique considerations during these windows. Retailers and fast-moving consumer goods companies often see the greatest opportunity, using tariff reductions to build inventory for peak selling seasons. Even though the holiday season might be six months away, smart retailers are stocking up now while costs are low. High-tech importers focus on component inventory, building buffers against future supply chain disruptions. Industrial importers concentrate on high-value components and equipment where tariff savings multiply quickly.

 

Geographic sourcing adds another layer of complexity. While China remains the primary focus given the tariff reduction, many importers are simultaneously managing shipments from Vietnam, Cambodia, and other Asian manufacturing centers. Each origin requires different transit time calculations and logistics arrangements.

Turn tariff opportunities into competitive advantages with flexible on-demand warehousing solutions. Contact our experts to secure capacity today. Get in touch with GEODIS.

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Critical warehouse location decisions

Location drives everything in accelerated import strategies. The difference between warehouse space 10 miles from port versus 1,000 miles inland can mean days of additional transit time and thousands in drayage costs. When you're racing against a closing tariff window, every day and every dollar counts.

 

West Coast ports, particularly Los Angeles and Long Beach, handle the bulk of Asian imports. Warehouse capacity in Southern California provides advantages: shorter drayage distances, access to major transportation corridors, and proximity to large consumer markets. But this convenience comes with challenges. Port congestion, chassis shortages, and limited warehouse availability can create bottlenecks that delay your entire operation.

 

East Coast alternatives offer different advantages. Ports in New Jersey, Charleston, and Savannah provide access to Eastern markets and often less congestion than West Coast facilities. The trade-off? Longer ocean transit times that eat into your 90-day window. Smart importers often split shipments between coasts, balancing speed and market access.

 

Beyond the major ports, secondary locations can provide strategic advantages. Houston offers Gulf Coast access and proximity to industrial markets. Jacksonville and Miami serve Southeast distribution needs. The key is matching these locations to your ultimate distribution requirements, all while maintaining speed from port to first warehouse.

 

Transloading locations deserve special attention during import surges. Facilities that can quickly transfer ocean containers to domestic equipment keep products moving toward final destinations. When traditional distribution centers are full, transload facilities provide essential overflow capacity and flexibility.

 

Don't overlook the impact of drayage capacity on location decisions. Even the best warehouse location becomes problematic if you can't secure trucks and chassis to move containers from port. Markets with strong drayage networks and available equipment often outperform theoretically better locations that lack transportation infrastructure.

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Flexible on-demand warehousing for dynamic import volumes

Traditional warehouse leases may not work when you're responding to a 90-day opportunity. Three-year commitments and complex build-outs are luxuries you can't afford. Success in tariff windows requires a different approach—on-demand warehousing built on flexibility, speed, and scalability.

 

The first principle of on-demand warehousing is dealing with rapid changes. Your import volumes during the tariff window might be 200% or 300% of normal. But what happens in month four when tariffs potentially return to previous levels? On-demand warehousing agreements let you scale up for the opportunity and scale down when conditions change, without carrying excess overhead.

 

Start with basic storage if that's what gets you operational fastest. Pallet positions and simple in-and-out movements might be all you need initially. As volumes stabilize and patterns emerge, you can add services: pick-and-pack operations for eCommerce fulfillment, cross-docking for retail distribution, or value-added services like labeling and kitting. The key is starting simple and fast, then building capabilities as needed.

Secure flexible warehouse capacity that scales with your import volumes. Discover on-demand solutions designed for today's dynamic trade environment. Get in touch with GEODIS.

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Campus model warehousing offers unique advantages during import surges. When multiple warehouses operate in close proximity, sharing labor and equipment, you gain overflow capacity without long-term commitments. If your primary space fills up, additional capacity might be just across the parking lot. This geographic concentration also simplifies management—one location, multiple buildings, infinite flexibility.

 

Consider how your capacity needs might evolve throughout the 90-day window. Week one might require basic storage for ocean containers. By week four, you're implementing pick-pack operations. Week eight might see full eCommerce fulfillment. Your warehouse provider should support this evolution without requiring relocations.

 

Temperature requirements add complexity but shouldn't derail your plans. Whether you're importing electronics requiring climate control or food products needing refrigeration, flexible capacity exists. The key is communicating these needs upfront and understanding how special requirements might impact your activation timelines.

 

Remember that flexible doesn't mean unpredictable. The best on-demand warehousing providers offer standardized processes, consistent pricing models, and reliable service levels. You're trading long-term commitments for short-term flexibility, not operational excellence for chaos. On-demand warehousing delivers the responsiveness you need with the reliability you expect.

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Speed of implementation: from decision to operation

In traditional warehousing, implementation is measured in months. Lease negotiations, build-outs, system implementations, and staffing can stretch to 180 days. But tariff windows don't wait for traditional timelines. You need operational capability in days, not months—exactly what on-demand warehousing delivers.

 

The accelerated implementation path starts with initial contact and needs assessment. Be prepared with specific requirements: expected to provide volume, product characteristics, service needs, and target locations. The more precise your requirements, the faster providers can confirm availability and capabilities.

 

Contract execution and space allocation follow quickly using standardized agreements like International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) contracts that eliminate lengthy negotiations. These industry-standard documents provide balanced terms that protect both parties while enabling rapid activation.

 

Basic operations can begin quickly for simple storage needs with minimal systems integration. Your products can start arriving, inventory positions are established, and basic shipping operations commence. It's not sophisticated, but it's functional, and functional beats perfect when tariffs are ticking upward.

 

As operations stabilize, your system integrations can evolve from manual processes to automated data exchange. If you started with spreadsheet uploads, you can implement EDI connections. Pick-pack operations can be added. Service levels standardize as volumes become predictable.

 

Several factors can accelerate or delay implementation. Prior relationships with logistics providers eliminate due diligence delays. Standardized products requiring no special handling activate faster than complex goods. Realistic service expectations speed negotiations. Conversely, custom requirements, complex integrations, and extended approval processes can slow down implementation.

 

Technology deserves special mention in rapid implementations. Every hour spent debating WMS features or integration protocols is an hour not moving products. Modern warehouse providers offer multiple connection options: manual entry for immediate start, spreadsheet uploads for basic automation, API connections for real-time integration, and full EDI for high-volume operations. Choose the level that gets you operational fastest, then upgrade as time allows.

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Integrated logistics for maximum speed

Securing warehouse space is only part of the import acceleration challenge. Products sitting in warehouses don't generate revenue or justify the rush to import. Success requires integrated logistics that keep products flowing from port to customer, even as volumes surge beyond normal capacity.

 

The connection between ocean freight and inland distribution can break down during import surges. Chassis shortages compound as more importers compete for equipment. Drayage capacity tightens, driving up costs and extending transit times. Warehouse yards fill with containers waiting for processing. Each bottleneck compounds others, creating cascading delays that can eliminate tariff savings.

 

Smart importers address these challenges through integrated service approaches. When your warehouse provider also handles drayage, coordination improves dramatically. Chassis get pre-positioned for quick turns. Drivers know exactly where to deliver. Documentation flows seamlessly. These small efficiencies compound into significant time savings.

 

Cross-docking emerges as a critical capability during import surges. Rather than storing everything, you can flow time-sensitive products directly from import containers to outbound transportation. Retail stores get restocked faster. eCommerce orders ship sooner. Working capital turns improve. The warehouse becomes a flow-through point rather than just a storage destination.

Accelerate your import strategy with integrated logistics solutions. From port to customer, we keep your products moving efficiently. Get in touch with GEODIS.

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Transportation planning requires special attention during tariff windows. With everyone importing aggressively, outbound capacity tightens too. Securing linehaul transportation, managing distribution, and coordinating final mile delivery all become more complex. Providers with integrated transportation services can balance capacity across customers, ensuring your products reach the market even during surge periods.

 

Customs clearance coordination often gets overlooked until it becomes a crisis. Products can't move from port until customs releases them. During import surges, customs processing times extend. Documentation errors that might normally resolve in hours can stretch to days. Having customs brokerage integrated with your warehousing and transportation creates faster problem resolution and smoother flows.

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Beyond the 90 days: FTZ as your tariff hedge

While the 90-day window is important, smart importers think beyond the immediate opportunity. What happens on day 91? Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ) offer a strategic tool for extending tariff advantages indefinitely.

 

FTZ basics are straightforward. These designated areas within the United States allow you to store imported goods without paying duties until products enter U.S. commerce. If tariffs increase after the 90-day window, products sitting in FTZ space remain protected. 

The strategic benefits multiply for active importers. Products stored in FTZ can be held indefinitely, providing inventory flexibility. If you re-export products, you pay no U.S. duties at all. 

 

Location considerations matter for FTZ success. While any warehouse can theoretically become FTZ-designated, practical considerations favor established zones. These facilities already have required security measures, compliance processes, and customs coordination. Major FTZ locations near Los Angeles, New Jersey, and other ports provide immediate access to these benefits.

 

Timing your FTZ activation requires strategic thinking. While the 90-day window remains open, traditional warehousing might offer more flexibility. But as the window closes, transitioning import operations to FTZ space provides ongoing protection against tariff uncertainty. Some importers split strategies—using traditional warehousing for fast-moving products while positioning slower-moving inventory in FTZ facilities.

 

Remember that FTZ operations involve additional compliance requirements. Inventory tracking, customs reporting, and security measures add complexity. But for importers facing significant tariff exposure, these requirements are a small price for ongoing duty optimization.

How GEODIS can help

When import opportunities are measured in days rather than months, you need a logistics provider that operates at market speed. GEODIS combines the flexibility of on-demand warehousing with the reliability of an established global logistics network.

 

Our on-demand warehousing includes millions of square feet of warehousing space across our network, with available capacity strategically located near major ports. From Los Angeles and Long Beach to New Jersey, Charleston, and Savannah, we maintain capacity where imports enter the country. This operational warehouse capacity includes locations ready for your various storage and fulfillment needs.

 

Flexible agreements set us apart during opportunity windows. Using standardized IWLA contracts, we can activate basic storage quickly. These standard industry agreements help streamline the process compared to lengthy negotiations or complex build-outs. Our approach allows you to scale up during the tariff window and adjust as conditions change.

 

Our integrated service capabilities mean your import acceleration doesn't stall at the warehouse door. Customs brokerage expedites clearance. Drayage services keep containers moving from port. Cross-docking accelerates time-sensitive products. Transportation management delivers products to final destinations. One provider, seamless execution.

 

Technology enablement happens at your pace. Start with manual processes if that's fastest. Upload spreadsheets as volumes grow. Implement API connections when ready. Our enterprise-grade WMS is already operational in every facility—no software delays, just immediate capability.

 

For importers thinking beyond the 90-day window, our FTZ locations provide ongoing tariff protection. With designated facilities in key markets including Los Angeles, New Jersey, Indianapolis, and Nashville, we help you transition from short-term opportunity to long-term strategy.

 

Get in touch with GEODIS. 

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FAQs

GEODIS can implement basic storage very quickly for simple warehousing needs using standard IWLA contracts and our existing infrastructure. We maintain operational facilities near all major ports, with available space in key markets like Los Angeles, Long Beach, New Jersey, Charleston, and Savannah. More complex operations requiring specialized handling, system integration, or value-added services require additional planning. During opportunity windows like the current tariff reduction, we prioritize rapid activation to help importers capitalize on reduced rates.

Our on-demand warehousing operates on flexible terms that match market conditions. Unlike traditional warehouses requiring multi-year leases, we offer flexible arrangements that let you scale with import volumes. This flexibility is essential during tariff windows when you might need 3x normal capacity for 90 days, then return to standard volumes. We use standardized IWLA contracts that balance flexibility with operational reliability.

Absolutely. Many importers during tariff windows begin with simple pallet storage to capture the opportunity quickly. As volumes stabilize and patterns emerge, you can add pick-pack operations, eCommerce fulfillment, cross-docking, or value-added services like labeling and kitting. Our operational teams are experienced in scaling services to match your evolving needs without disrupting your existing operations.

Risk management starts with flexible capacity agreements that let you adjust space as needed. Beyond that, consider splitting your acceleration strategy: import fast-moving products aggressively while being selective with slower-moving inventory. Use data from previous years to guide volume decisions. 

As the tariff window closes, you have several options. Continue with flexible warehousing if import patterns remain elevated. Transition to traditional longer-term agreements if volumes stabilize at higher levels. Import inventory into FTZ facilities to protect against future tariff increases. Or scale down to match reduced import volumes. The key is maintaining flexibility to respond as conditions change.

Selectivity often yields better results than blanket acceleration. Focus on products with high tariff exposure, strong sales velocity, and manageable carrying costs. Consider your cash flow impact—saving 25% on tariffs means little if products sit in warehouses for months. Analyze SKU-level profitability including storage costs, and prioritize products where tariff savings significantly impact margins.

Quality doesn't have to suffer during accelerated imports. Build inspection processes into your receiving operations. Use warehouse providers with established quality control procedures. For critical products, implement sampling protocols that balance thoroughness with speed. Technology helps too—barcode scanning, photo documentation, and real-time reporting can maintain quality visibility even as volumes surge.

FTZ facilities offer duty deferral benefits but require additional compliance measures. In an FTZ, you store imported goods without paying duties until products enter U.S. commerce. This provides protection against tariff increases and cash flow advantages. However, FTZ operations require detailed inventory tracking, specific security measures, and regular customs reporting. For high-value imports or uncertain tariff environments, these additional requirements are worthwhile.

Multi-location strategies often make sense during import surges. Split shipments between coasts to balance speed and market access. Use overflow facilities when primary locations reach capacity. Position inventory based on customer geography to reduce outbound transportation costs. GEODIS operates facilities nationwide, enabling coordinated multi-location strategies that maintain visibility and control across your entire import operation.

We designed our on-demand warehousing for rapid deployment with minimal integration requirements. You can start with manual processes or spreadsheet uploads. Our WMS accepts data in multiple formats and connects with virtually all common systems through various methods including EDI or API connections. The key is starting operations quickly, then adding automation as volumes justify the investment. On-demand warehousing prioritizes speed to operation over complex integrations.

Conclusion

The 90-day tariff window represents more than a temporary cost reduction—it's a test of supply chain agility. Importers who act decisively, secure flexible capacity, and execute integrated logistics strategies will capture significant savings. Those who hesitate or rely on traditional approaches will watch opportunities pass by.

 

Success requires breaking free from conventional warehousing timelines. Traditional warehouse implementations can take months with lengthy negotiations and complex build-outs. On-demand warehousing provides the operational capability you need much faster, with flexibility to scale with opportunity, and integration that keeps products flowing from port to customer.

 

The clock is ticking on this tariff window, but the lessons of supply chain flexibility extend beyond any single opportunity. Building relationships with providers who can activate quickly, scale dynamically, and integrate seamlessly prepares you for whatever comes next in global trade.

 

Take action now. Analyze your import opportunities across all three categories—vessels on water, planned shipments, and new orders. Secure flexible warehouse capacity near key ports. Implement integrated logistics that accelerate products to market. Position strategic inventory in FTZ facilities for long-term protection.

 

Most importantly, move with purpose. In the time it takes to debate the perfect strategy, your competitors are already filling warehouses with tariff-advantaged inventory. The perfect plan executed next month is worth less than a good plan executed today. The 90-day window won't wait—and neither should you.

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Paul Maplesden

Lead Content Strategist

Paul deeply researches logistics and supply chain topics to create helpful, informative content for our US audience. Read Paul's work in the GEODIS blog, our in-depth GEODIS Insights reports, and our case studies and white papers.
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The guide offered on this site is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute, and should not be considered, to be legal advice or other advice specific to your company’s circumstances. The information herein is presented without any representation or warranty, including as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented.