Freight Pulse & Law Update – 18:00

As of September 7, global freight is splitting along route and risk lines: Hormuz and Panama capacity are tightening while Asia–Europe rates soften. At the same time, new FMCSA enforcement and higher UCR fees require carriers, third party logistics providers, and shippers to tighten compliance controls.

What is changing on the major shipping lanes?

Strait of Hormuz traffic has fallen to its lowest level since May following mutual U.S.–Iranian strikes. Reuters reports roughly 10 commodity ships per day recently, compared with a normal baseline far above that level. Iran is expected to announce a restricted zone and shipping corridor in the Gulf in coming days. Reuters

The Panama Canal Authority reduced daily transits to 34 on September 3 and plans to cut them to 32 on September 15. El Niño-related low rainfall is also driving additional draft restrictions, reducing available cargo capacity. Panama Canal Authority

• Transpacific rates remain elevated.

• Peak demand, blank sailings, China port congestion, and Panama limits are supporting prices.

• Asia–Europe rates are declining as carriers cautiously resume Suez transits.

What commercial disputes and consolidation should shippers watch?

Samsung filed a $186 million claim against CMA CGM with the Federal Maritime Commission over inland transportation, demurrage, detention, and storage charges. Hapag-Lloyd is also revising its reported $4.2 billion bid for ZIM, signaling continued liner consolidation. Samsung claim coverage

What changed in freight compliance?

FMCSA’s September 1 final rule raises 2027 UCR fees approximately 20%, effective October 1, 2026. Fees range from $55 for the smallest bracket to $54,165 for entities with more than 1,000 vehicles. Federal Register

FMCSA also removed more than 110 ELDT providers and proposed removing 160 more. Carriers must verify training records and provider status. The August 23–29 CVSA Brake Safety Week reinforces the need for documented inspections, maintenance, and driver qualification files. FMCSA ELDT guidance

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