Freight Pulse & Law Update: August 18, 2026

Multiple chokepoints and new compliance rules are tightening freight capacity today. The Strait of Hormuz is operating near a standstill after tanker attacks, Panama Canal draft restrictions begin August 26, and German port strikes are disrupting North Sea gateways.

What is disrupting global freight?

• Hormuz: Tanker attacks have sharply reduced transits, increasing war-risk insurance, rerouting, fuel costs, and schedule uncertainty.

• Panama Canal: Maximum Neopanamax draft falls to 48 feet on August 26 and 47.5 feet on September 3, according to the Panama Canal Authority.

• Carrier surcharges: CMA CGM will add $500 per TEU from September 10; MSC will apply charges from September 12 ranging from $149 for 20-foot containers to $376 for 45-foot containers. See the carrier surcharge report.

• Germany: A 24-hour ver.di warning strike at six ports: including Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Bremen, Wilhelmshaven, Emden, and Brake: is delaying terminal, truck, and rail operations.

Which maritime laws changed in 2026?

The IMO’s amendments effective January 1 require prompt reporting of containers lost at sea under SOLAS and MARPOL. New electronic inclinometer requirements apply to certain container ships and bulk carriers of at least 3,000 gross tonnage. The mandatory IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 also updates dangerous-goods classification, labeling, documentation, and stowage.

China’s revised Maritime Code took effect May 1. For many international carriage contracts involving a Chinese loading or discharge port, Chapter IV must apply under Chinese law. Shippers should review bills of lading, liability clauses, insurance, and claims procedures with counsel. Read the legal analysis.

What should shippers do now?

DOT-supported CVSA Brake Safety Week runs August 23–29. Inspectors will target brake drums, air-disc rotors, hoses, linings, adjustment, and ABS systems.

Third party logistics providers can reduce exposure by combining inventory management for ecommerce, a warehouse management system, and logistics software. Lanta Logistics provides 3PL fulfillment services, Mid-Atlantic fulfillment, a food-grade warehouse, and Hazmat certified 3PL support from its Glen Burnie warehouse. Pair Lanta’s execution with FlowOps real-time visibility to manage supply chain decisions before disruption becomes a customer-service failure.