7 Mistakes You're Making with New Shipping Laws (and How to Fix Them)

Regulatory shifts in June 2026 are catching shippers off guard as the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and EPA tighten the screws on compliance. If your supply chain isn't pivoting now, you’re likely leaking margin to avoidable fines and detention fees.

1. Mismanaging D&D Invoice Disputes

Under the latest OSRA implementation, the burden of proof for Detention and Demurrage (D&D) has shifted. Stop paying invoices that lack the mandatory FMC-required data elements. The Fix: Audit every ocean invoice against OSRA 2022 standards before processing payment.

2. Ignoring EPA Phase 3 Procurement

Model Year 2027 is closer than it looks. Failing to plan for the Greenhouse Gas Standards Phase 3 means you'll face a "pre-buy" crunch and higher capital costs next year. The Fix: Work with a 3PL Maryland partner like Lanta Logistics that is already integrating low-emission assets into their fleet strategy.

3. Overlooking California Overlay

Even for Mid-Atlantic fulfillment, CARB rules impact your interstate carriers. Using non-compliant fleets for cross-country hauls leads to massive transit delays. The Fix: Ensure your carrier base meets both EPA federal baselines and state-specific mandates.

4. Poor Documentation for "Refusal to Deal"

OSRA now protects exporters against unreasonable service refusals. If you aren't documenting carrier rejections, you have no leverage at the FMC. The Fix: Maintain a digital log of all booking requests and rejections.

5. Outdated Service Contracts

Standard 2024-era language doesn't account for the new "unreasonable" billing protections. The Fix: Update your master service agreements to explicitly reference current FMC billing requirements.

6. Missing Food-Grade and Hazmat Nuances

Compliance for a food-grade warehouse or a Hazmat certified 3PL has tightened with new 2026 safety protocols. The Fix: Partner with a specialist in Glen Burnie warehouse operations like Lanta, where SQF and HACCP certifications are standard.

7. Reactive Peak Season Planning

June 2026 is seeing an "aggressive" early peak. Waiting until August to secure capacity under new laws is a recipe for failure. The Fix: Lock in contract rates now to avoid the volatile spot market.

The Bottom Line: Compliance isn't just a legal hurdle: it's a competitive advantage that protects your bottom line from volatility. Contact Lanta Logistics today to bulletproof your Mid-Atlantic fulfillment strategy.