Freight Pulse & Law: Panama Cuts Canal Slots, De Minimis Is Officially Gone, and Trucking Finally Turns

Three forces are reshaping peak-season planning: Panama Canal capacity is tightening, low-value imports now require standard customs entries, and trucking is moving into a firmer rate cycle.

Why are Panama Canal transit slots being cut?

The Panama Canal Authority will reduce daily transits from 36 to 34 on September 4, then to 32 on September 15. Panamax slots fall from 25 to 23, while postponed Neopanamax draft increases remain on hold.

Rainfall across the watershed was 34% below historical averages from May through August, while inflows were 44% below average. A severe 2026–27 El Niño warning adds further risk. More than 70% of Canal cargo is U.S.-bound or U.S.-origin, putting pressure on New York/New Jersey, Houston, and New Orleans schedules.

Asia–U.S. East Coast rates are already approximately 42% higher since the Iran war began: about $10,500 per FEU versus roughly $7,200 to the West Coast. Secure Canal slots early, compare West Coast gateways with rail, and expect higher reservation costs and lower cargo loads per vessel. Reuters reports on the Canal cuts.

What does the end of de minimis mean for importers?

CBP suspended the $800 de minimis exemption for all modes on June 24, 2026. Shipments now require real customs processing:

• Entry Type 11 for informal entries up to $2,500

• Entry Type 01 for formal entries, PGA-flagged goods, or AD-CVD merchandise

• HTS classification, country of origin, and applicable customs bonding

Broker fees of $100–$250 per entry can quickly change direct-to-consumer economics. Congress has also repealed de minimis statutorily, effective July 1, 2027. Review the CBP interim final rule.

Is trucking finally turning?

Yes. Capacity is exiting the market while demand firms. Spot rates remain well above 2025 levels, and RXO warns of additional haulage-rate pressure. Secure drayage, truckload, and inland capacity before peak demand intensifies.

Also monitor Department of Transportation brake-check inspections and safety blitzes. Compliance failures can create delays precisely when transportation capacity is most expensive.

For shippers evaluating third party logistics providers or supply chain management companies, Lanta Logistics combines 3PL fulfillment services, inventory management for ecommerce, a warehouse management system, and logistics software: including FlowOps real-time visibility: to protect peak-season performance from our Glen Burnie warehouse, supporting 3PL Maryland and Mid-Atlantic fulfillment operations.