Freight Pulse & Law Update : 18:00
Direct answer: Freight capacity is tightening across ocean and truckload markets while new tariff, cabotage, forced-labor, and safety requirements raise compliance risk for shippers.
What is changing in freight markets?
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd warn that port terminals, trucking, road, and rail networks are limiting inland capacity. Transpacific rates are firming toward 2026 highs, while Asia–Europe rates are easing as carriers use blank sailings and selectively restore Suez services. The Strait of Hormuz disruption continues to add fuel, insurance, storage, rerouting, and inland costs; Hapag-Lloyd reported an approximately $600 million Middle East impact. North American truckload capacity is also beginning to tighten as imports and peak-season freight compete for equipment.
Which shipping laws require attention?
Jones Act waiver: Extended through November 15, 2026, but narrowed to 237 HTS codes, primarily energy and fertilizer. A compliant Vessel Availability Request is now required for qualifying voyages.
Tax treatment: The IRS says waiver voyages between U.S. ports do not qualify for the Section 883 exemption; foreign operators must address U.S.-source reporting and taxation.
Section 301: Effective July 24, additional 10% or 12.5% tariffs apply to goods from 60 economies. Qualifying duty-free USMCA goods from Canada and Mexico are exempt.
Section 232 and UFLPA: Polysilicon measures begin December 4. DHS added 43 companies to the UFLPA Entity List effective August 3.
The DOT safety clock is also running: CVSA Brake Safety Week is scheduled for August 23–29. Review brake, driver, hazmat, and documentation controls now.
What should shippers do now?
Use outsourced fulfillment services and 3PL fulfillment services to secure inventory positioning, carrier alternatives, and compliant handoffs. Lanta Logistics combines a Hazmat certified 3PL, food-grade warehouse, inventory management for ecommerce, warehouse management system, and logistics software across 3PL Maryland and Mid-Atlantic fulfillment. Operator-built FlowOps by Lanta adds real-time visibility from the Glen Burnie warehouse through final delivery.
Explore FlowOps or contact Lanta Logistics to reduce disruption before capacity and compliance costs move higher.
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