Freight Pulse & Law Update - 18:00

Direct answer: The Strait of Hormuz remains unsuitable for routine container transits. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd continue to avoid normal crossings, rerouting affected services around the Cape of Good Hope. At the same time, the United States has extended its Jones Act waiver for another 90 days: but with stricter voyage-by-voyage review and compliance reporting.

What is happening to Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd?

Security conditions and war-risk costs continue to disrupt Gulf shipping. Maersk has maintained booking restrictions for several Upper Gulf markets and says Hormuz transit should be avoided except for carefully assessed movements. Hapag-Lloyd’s affected IMX service remains rerouted around southern Africa.

Operational facts:

• Expect longer transit times, often approximately two weeks longer on affected lanes.

• Budget for contingency surcharges, insurance changes, and inland alternatives.

• Review transshipment, landbridge, and inventory buffers before confirming delivery dates.

• Treat routine Hormuz normalization as uncertain, not as the planning baseline.

What does the new Jones Act waiver require?

The new 90-day extension runs from August 17 through November 15, 2026. Covered cargo must be loaded before the deadline. Operators using foreign-flag vessels must now provide more detailed documentation before and after each voyage.

Key requirements include:

• Submit a vessel availability request to the relevant federal agencies.

• Provide vessel identity, ports, dates, cargo details, and national-defense justification.

• Allow MARAD to determine whether a coastwise-qualified U.S. vessel is available.

• Submit post-voyage information to CBP and MARAD for compliance review.

Read the CBP waiver guidance and monitor Maersk’s operational updates.

What should shippers do now?

Use logistics software and a warehouse management system to connect carrier updates with inventory planning. Third party logistics providers, 3PL fulfillment services, and supply chain management companies should maintain audit-ready records, exception alerts, and alternate routing plans.

Lanta Logistics helps brands manage Mid-Atlantic fulfillment, inventory management for ecommerce, and compliant freight execution from its Glen Burnie warehouse: including food-grade warehouse and Hazmat certified 3PL capabilities. Pair Lanta’s logistics services with FlowOps real-time visibility to protect service levels and the bottom line.