Shipping costs on the Great Lakes will rise 7% next year

The US Coast Guard is raising the fees for ship pilots on the Great Lakes by 7% for 2025. This means shipping companies will pay more to move goods through the region's waterways.

Every year, the Coast Guard adjusts these rates to cover operating costs and inflation. This increase directly affects the cost of transporting bulk goods like iron ore, coal, and grain across the Great Lakes. These costs are passed on to consumers and industries that rely on this shipping route.