09:00 Freight Pulse: Record-High Rates and the Jones Act Waiver Explained in Under 3 Minutes

Ocean carriers are successfully pushing $2,000 Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) this June, while a rare federal Jones Act waiver extension reshapes coastal energy moves. If you aren't auditing your route guides weekly, your bottom line is leaking.

The $2,000 PSS Reality

The June 1 General Rate Increases (GRI) weren't just a threat: they’re reality. Carriers like ONE have locked in $2,000 per 40’ container surcharges on Transpacific lanes. Spot rates from Shanghai to New York are hovering near $4,597, representing a staggering 30–45% jump from mid-May. This isn't just "market volatility"; it’s a coordinated capacity squeeze as we head into a projected early Q3 peak.

Trucking Hits the Ceiling

On the ground, the story is just as tight. National flatbed spot rates have hit a record $3.60 per mile, driven by high demand and a diesel average of $5.64 per gallon. In the Mid-Atlantic, dry van rates are seeing a $0.12/mile increase month-over-hour. If you are operating a Glen Burnie warehouse or managing Mid-Atlantic fulfillment, these inland costs are becoming the primary friction point in your supply chain.

The Jones Act "Safety Valve"

The Department of Homeland Security has officially extended the national-defense Jones Act waiver through August 16, 2026. This allows foreign-flagged vessels to move critical energy and agricultural commodities between U.S. ports to mitigate disruptions from the Hormuz energy crisis. While this primarily targets bulk and fuel, the ripple effect provides a much-needed capacity "safety valve" for coastal lanes, potentially easing the pressure on strained rail and OTR networks.

The Bottom Line

At Lanta Logistics, we see these shifts in real-time. Whether you need a food-grade warehouse to protect your margins or a Hazmat certified 3PL to navigate complex compliance, agility is your only defense against $2,000 surcharges.

Contact us today to lock in your Mid-Atlantic strategy.