Freight Pulse & Law Update - 20:00: Port Congestion Hits Record 4.3M TEU & CBP Starts Voiding IOR Numbers Sept 18

Global container congestion has reached approximately 4.3 million TEU, exceeding the COVID-era peak. At the same time, new CBP enforcement, suspended de minimis treatment, Jones Act documentation requirements, and aggressive truck inspections are raising operational risk through the fourth quarter.

What is driving the current freight disruption?

East Asian port delays, recurring typhoon disruptions around Shanghai and Ningbo, and reduced Panama Canal capacity are tightening available space. The Canal will reduce daily transit slots to 32 beginning in September, while priority auctions have reportedly reached as high as $4 million per slot.

Transpacific spot rates are moving sharply higher:

• Asia–U.S. West Coast: approaching $7,500 per FEU

• Asia–U.S. East Coast: approaching $10,000 per FEU

• Asia–Europe: cooling

• Strait of Hormuz traffic: down approximately 95% (Al Jazeera)

Review the latest Panama Canal transit cap analysis and reassess routing, inventory buffers, and customer delivery commitments.

What changes for importers on September 18?

CBP will immediately void an importer of record number when Form 5106 information is inaccurate or incomplete. The importer must provide a valid physical business address: not a P.O. box, freight forwarder, or registered agent: plus an importer-owned email address and phone number. Review the CBP notice and verify records now.

The $800 de minimis exemption has been suspended since June 24, 2026. All shipments now require formal Type 01 or informal Type 11 entry procedures. Read the Federal Register rule.

What should logistics teams do next?

The Jones Act waiver covering 237 HTS codes now runs through November 15. Eligible energy and fertilizer movements require a pre-voyage Vessel Availability Request to DOW, MARAD, and CBP, followed by post-voyage reporting.

CVSA Brake Safety Week ran August 23–29, focusing on brake drums and rotors. The 2026 Roadcheck placed more than 13,500 trucks and drivers out of service. Confirm inspection requirements with CVSA.

Use a compliant warehouse management system, accurate logistics software, and disciplined inventory management for ecommerce to reduce disruption. Lanta Logistics supports 3PL fulfillment services, Mid-Atlantic fulfillment, 3PL Maryland operations, and supply chain management for growing brands; from a food-grade warehouse or Hazmat certified 3PL environment to a Glen Burnie warehouse network.

Connect with Lanta Logistics and FlowOps for real-time visibility across your supply chain.