7 Mistakes You're Making with New Shipping Laws (and How Today’s 15:00 Update Fixes Them)

Shipping compliance just got a lot more expensive. As of 15:00 today, the expiration of the federal shipping law waiver and a landmark Supreme Court ruling have fundamentally shifted the liability landscape for every brand moving freight through the Mid-Atlantic.

The Liability Landmine

The biggest mistake you’re likely making is underestimating your liability for carrier selection. A recent Supreme Court ruling now allows state-level negligence claims against brokers and 3PLs. If your carrier is involved in an accident, "I checked their insurance" is no longer a valid legal shield. You need a 3PL Maryland partner with rigorous, data-backed vetting protocols to protect your bottom line.

Waiver Expiration and Coastwise Compliance

The 60-day shipping law waiver officially expired, restoring strict coastwise restrictions. Many brands are still moving goods via non-qualified vessels, risking massive fines. If you are shifting cargo between U.S. points: even via intermodal rail: you must ensure your 1PL–4PL integration is fully compliant with the latest MARAD guidance.

5 More Mistakes Draining Your ROI

1. Ignoring Tariff Refunds: The Court of International Trade recently flagged certain 10% tariffs as unlawful; failing to file protests now means leaving money on the table.

2. Emission Oversight: New Mid-Atlantic/Northeast Ozone Transport Commission rules are tightening truck standards; ignore these, and your drayage costs will skyrocket.

3. Hazardous Documentation Gaps: Without a Hazmat certified 3PL, one paperwork error at the port can freeze your entire supply chain.

4. Static Fulfillment: Using a generic warehouse instead of a specialized Glen Burnie warehouse limits your speed to the high-density I-95 corridor.

5. Food-Grade Compliance Slips: If your food-grade warehouse doesn't have real-time SKU visibility, you’re one audit away from a recall disaster.

Stop playing defense with your logistics. Lanta Logistics provides the structured, performance-driven execution you need to scale safely.

Ensure your Mid-Atlantic fulfillment is bulletproof: partner with Lanta Logistics today.