7 Mistakes You're Making with New Shipping Laws (and How the 10:00 AM Freight Pulse Fixes Them)

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is officially cracking down. If your detention and demurrage (D&D) invoices look the same as they did two years ago, you’re likely in violation of the newest Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) mandates.

Vague billing is the number one mistake. Under the FMC’s 2024 final rule, invoices must now include specific data: "clock start/stop" times, a clear tariff basis, and valid contact information for disputes. Shippers are successfully squashing "mystery fees" that lack this transparency. At Lanta Logistics, we ensure our 3PL Maryland clients have data-backed reporting to dispute invalid charges before they hit the ledger.

Ignoring the digital "Single Window" is the second killer. The IMO now requires ports to use standardized electronic data exchange systems. Manual entry is no longer just slow: it’s a compliance risk that causes terminal delays. Furthermore, the new Mediterranean Emission Control Area (ECA) and tightening Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings mean carbon-heavy ships are becoming a financial liability. If your carrier’s rating drops, your cargo could face "corrective action" delays.

Finally, don't overlook "Refusal to Deal" prohibitions. OSRA 2022 prevents carriers from unreasonably refusing cargo space. However, without a partner who tracks these trends daily, you might not realize when a carrier is unfairly squeezing your brand. Our Glen Burnie warehouse team monitors these shifts in real-time, leveraging our proprietary tech to maintain performance-driven logistics for growing enterprises.

Whether you need a food-grade warehouse or a Hazmat certified 3PL, staying ahead of these laws is critical for your bottom line. Check out our Mid-Atlantic fulfillment services or compare our WMS solutions to see how Lanta Logistics keeps your supply chain compliant.