Freight Pulse & Law: Rail Hits Decade High, Canada Tariff Deadline Looms, FMC Tightens Carrier Rules

Rail freight excluding coal is at its strongest level since 2008, while truckload and air capacity face new pressure. At the same time, importers must prepare for a potential 50% tariff on covered Canadian goods beginning August 19.

What is changing across freight markets?

Recent rail data points to broad industrial and intermodal strength. Higher diesel costs, driver constraints, and hurricane-season disruption risk are tightening selected truckload lanes. Air freight is also firming around time-sensitive AI hardware and other high-value electronics.

• Rail: ex-coal volumes at a decade high

• Truckload: uneven capacity and fuel-cost exposure

• Air: stronger demand for technology cargo

• Ocean: softer Trans-Pacific and Asia–Europe pricing, but constrained U.S. East and Gulf gateways

What should importers know about the August 19 tariff deadline?

A potential additional 50% duty on covered Canadian-origin goods is scheduled for 12:01 a.m. Eastern on August 19, subject to any formal U.S.–Canada agreement. Importers should review HS classifications, customs entry dates, bonded inventory, contracts, and landed-cost exposure. Do not treat CUSMA qualification as an automatic exemption without confirming the applicable order and product list. Trade guidance provides additional detail.

How does the FMC update affect ocean shippers?

The D.C. Circuit upheld the FMC’s unreasonable-refusal-to-deal rule, allowing pricing and negotiation conduct to be examined case by case. The court also backed the principle that detention and demurrage fees must promote freight fluidity: or reasonably compensate documented costs. Review carrier policies, booking records, and disputed invoices. See the FMC rule and court decision.

What does DOT Brake Safety Week require?

CVSA Brake Safety Week runs August 23–29, with added attention to brake drums and air-disc rotors. Verify inspection records, preventive maintenance, and driver readiness before the safety blitz.

Growing brands evaluating third party logistics providers should pair outsourced fulfillment services and 3PL fulfillment services with a warehouse management system: not disconnected logistics software. Lanta Logistics provides 3PL Maryland and Mid-Atlantic fulfillment from its Glen Burnie warehouse, including food-grade warehouse controls and Hazmat certified 3PL capabilities. FlowOps by Lanta supports inventory management for ecommerce and real-time supply chain visibility for companies comparing supply chain management companies.

Request a logistics consultation before market volatility turns into avoidable cost.