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Starting August 29, the U.S. will end the tariff exemption for low-value packages (under $800) imported into the country. This change brings an urgent, short-term opportunity and added challenges for brands, importers, and logistics providers.

Warehousing and logistics, prepare now or get left behind

For logistics providers, this is a temporary spike with immediate operational impact. Importers are pulling forward inventory in bulk to beat the deadline, and that means:

• Overflow warehouse storage is being snapped up
• Pallets and containers are flooding docks ahead of schedule
• Throughput and labor needs are surging before peak-season teams are in place

Without quick action, this can overwhelm shift capacity, strain labor pools, and create last-mile bottlenecks that ripple through customer experience.

If you support importers, even indirectly, it’s time to assess space, staffing, and readiness.

What’s driving the surge? The end of de minimis.

The de minimis rule allows packages valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. It has long benefited direct-to-consumer importer.

While the U.S. already ended this exemption for shipments from China and Hong Kong in May, on August 29, the policy extends to all countries. 

Here’s what will change:

• All eligible low-value shipments will now face duties
• Import costs will rise
• Brands relying on high-frequency, small-parcel shipping will need to rethink fulfillment strategies immediately

Why brands should act fast

For retailers and e-commerce companies, this policy change isn’t just a hurdle, it’s a one-time strategic window. The companies that move now to secure space, labor, and delivery support will:

• Reduce exposure to new tariffs
• Stay in stock while slower competitors fall behind
• Avoid last-minute congestion

Delay too long, and you’ll be stuck dealing with higher fees, shipping delays, or out-of-stock issues at a critical time.

A smarter way to scale without the risk

Responding to this surge doesn’t mean hiring permanent staff or locking into long-term deals.

This is exactly the kind of spike flex labor is built for.

WorkWhile helps warehouses, 3PLs, and brands scale up fast with:

• Vetted, experienced warehouse and delivery talent
• Real-time workforce scaling as volume shifts
• Operational consistency without long onboarding
• On-demand shift posting and fulfillment

Whether you need help with pick and pack, sorting, or last-mile delivery, WorkWhile gives you flexibility without compromising performance or compliance.

August 29 is locked in, and smart companies are already adjusting

WorkWhile is ready to help you build the workforce you need, now. Our platform connects you with vetted, experienced warehouse and logistics talent who can step in quickly, keep operations moving smoothly, and scale with your needs as the August 29 deadline approaches.

Whether you’re facing a sudden surge in orders, shifting inventory timelines, or unexpected labor shortages, we provide the flexibility to adapt without the cost or delay of permanent hires. With 24/7 access to skilled workers and real-time shift fulfillment, you’ll be ready to handle increased volume, maintain delivery promises, and keep customers satisfied, even in peak-pressure moments.

Let’s move fast, stay flexible, and make it an August miracle.

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