Freight Pulse & Law: Strait of Hormuz, Brazil's Rate Mandate & Truckload Market Reset

Freight markets are resetting under simultaneous pressure from tighter truckload capacity, geopolitical risk, tariff frontloading, and stricter transportation laws. Shippers should reprice lanes, review compliance controls, and protect service levels before peak season accelerates.

North American Capacity Tightens

Truckload rates remain approximately 50% above year-ago levels, with reefer and flatbed capacity tightening fastest. Carriers are gaining pricing power as fleets remain constrained and operating costs stay elevated.

Rail intermodal volumes are up roughly 10% year over year, showing that shippers are moving more long-haul freight away from trucking to control costs. That shift can provide relief, but it also places pressure on rail ramps, drayage providers, and final-mile networks. Recent freight market analysis points to continued volatility.

Global Disruption Raises Landed Costs

Uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz is pushing landed costs 35%–50% higher on affected supply chains. Manufacturers are increasingly turning to air freight for critical components, accepting higher transportation costs to avoid production interruptions.

The Energy Secretary has also signaled an extension of the Jones Act waiver as elevated pump prices pressure domestic energy and transportation markets. Meanwhile, trans-Pacific peak-season rates remain high as importers frontload cargo ahead of tariff changes.

Brazil and Kenya Add Compliance Requirements

Brazil’s Law No. 15,485/2026 makes minimum freight rates binding, requires advance CIOT registration for paid road freight, and allows fines reaching BRL 1 million for serious or repeated violations. Review carrier contracts and automate documentation before tendering Brazil-bound freight. Read the enacted law.

Kenya’s advance cargo declaration platform entered its August rollout, with KRA guidance setting mandatory container compliance in early August. Confirm the latest filing and bill-of-lading requirements through the KRA notice.

Lanta Logistics helps growing brands manage these shifts through 3PL transportation, Mid-Atlantic fulfillment, a food-grade warehouse, and Hazmat certified 3PL capabilities from our Glen Burnie warehouse. Explore our logistics solutions or request a quote.