Freight Pulse & Law Update - 19:00

What changed in the Jones Act emergency waiver?

The Jones Act emergency waiver now runs through November 15, 2026, but the extension adds a significant procedural barrier. Before every foreign-flag coastwise voyage, companies must submit a “Vessel Availability Request” to the Department of War and MARAD, with CBP receiving the filing.

MARAD will then survey U.S.-flag operators, giving them 24 hours to claim the cargo. CBP has also narrowed eligible HTS codes. The result: a broad waiver has become a voyage-by-voyage approval process. Confirm the HTS classification, preserve the request and response record, and review the latest legal analysis before moving cargo.

How will Panama Canal limits affect landed cost?

The Panama Canal Authority will reduce Neopanamax draft to 48 feet on August 26 and 47.5 feet on September 3, citing expected El Niño drought conditions. Carriers have announced transit surcharges ranging from $200 to $1,000 per FEU beginning in mid-September. Review the ACP advisory.

Current market indicators show:

• Asia–U.S. West Coast: up 9%, approximately $7,400/FEU

• Asia–U.S. East Coast: up 3%, approximately $9,400/FEU

• Asia–Northern Europe: cooling toward $4,700/FEU

Congestion is also disrupting schedules, with reports of roughly 1.7 million TEU idled and Shanghai typhoon backlogs reaching 10 days on affected services. Validate carrier-specific conditions before changing routing assumptions. See the Freightos market update.

What should shippers do before rates and rules change again?

Use a warehouse management system and logistics software to connect transportation decisions with inventory management for ecommerce. Third party logistics providers can help businesses model alternate ports, protect service levels, and control landed cost through 3PL fulfillment services.

How should fleets prepare for Brake Safety Week?

DOT and CVSA Brake Safety Week runs August 23–29, emphasizing brake drums and rotors. Inspect cracks, excessive wear, deep grooves, rust, and manufacturer discard limits before dispatch. Review the CVSA focus-area guidance.

Lanta Logistics helps growing brands and enterprises manage these risks through Mid-Atlantic fulfillment, a food-grade warehouse, and a Hazmat certified 3PL at its Glen Burnie warehouse. Combine Lanta’s 3PL Maryland operations with FlowOps real-time visibility to build a more accountable supply chain: contact Lanta Logistics for a structured logistics plan.