Freight Pulse & Law Update - 19:00

Through September 13, freight costs and compliance exposure are moving higher at the same time. Shippers should update budgets, validate carrier registrations, and tighten documentation now.

Why are freight costs rising?

Diesel is planning near $6.06–$6.20 per gallon, following crude-market volatility, refinery disruptions, and Strait of Hormuz interference. NBC News reported a $6.05 national average on September 11. Truckload capacity is also tightening, with spot rates rising across dry van, reefer, and flatbed markets. Read the diesel update.

What freight-law changes require action?

FMCSA’s 2027 Unified Carrier Registration fees increase about 20%, effective October 1, 2026. Budget the higher fees and confirm every carrier and broker remains compliant.

The FMC’s September 1 clarification confirms that ocean carriers bear the burden of proving demurrage and detention charges are reasonable in qualifying charge complaints. Preserve bills of lading, invoices, availability records, free-time terms, appointment logs, and gate data. Review the FMC rule.

Shipper and 3PL checklist:

• Reprice fuel surcharges and stress-test Q4 lanes.

• Secure backup capacity before spot exposure expands.

• Audit UCR status before October 1.

• Review brake inspection records after CVSA Brake Safety Week, including DOT compliance controls.

Is CBP’s import-disclosure proposal enforceable?

No. CBP’s heightened import disclosures proposal remains open for comment through December 1, 2026 and is not yet enforceable. Start organizing supplier, origin, export-document, and entity-identifier data now. Read the proposal.

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