Freight Pulse & Law Update - 19:00

Five freight-law signals reshaping August shipping decisions

Freight operators face tighter compliance requirements, higher landed costs, and renewed risk around critical maritime routes. Here is the latest pulse for August 11, 2026.

Jones Act waiver extended: with narrower coverage

The administration extended the Jones Act waiver for another 90 days, carrying it into mid-November. However, the extension removes coal and coal-derived products from coverage and replaces broad exemptions with voyage-by-voyage review.

Foreign-flag vessels may still move covered energy products and fertilizers between U.S. ports, but operators must demonstrate that suitable Jones Act-compliant vessels are unavailable. Review the latest Reuters report before planning coastwise movements.

Tariffs and UFLPA enforcement raise entry risk

New Section 301 duties now add 10% or 12.5% to covered goods from 60 economies. Importers should verify country of origin, HTSUS classification, and applicable Chapter 99 reporting requirements using the USTR fact sheet.

Separately, DHS added 43 companies to the UFLPA Entity List, bringing the total to 187. The August 3 expansion increases detention risk for apparel, cotton, aluminum, copper, and tomato products. Screen suppliers and preserve complete chain-of-custody records. See the DHS announcement.

FMCSA proposes clearer border enforcement

FMCSA proposed codifying English language proficiency violations as out-of-service events. A narrow exception would apply to drivers whose trips remain entirely within designated U.S.–Mexico border commercial zones. The proposal is not final, but carriers should document trip scope through bills of lading, dispatch records, and interchange documents. Read the Federal Register notice.

Hormuz tolls face legal opposition

The IMO and major shipping associations oppose compulsory Strait of Hormuz tolls, arguing that fees for mere transit lack a legal basis under international maritime law. Potential charges could also increase insurance and freight costs across global supply chains. Monitor the IMO position.

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