Freight Pulse & Law Update: Capacity Tightens as CBP Eyes Import Disclosure Overhaul

Published September 6, 2026

Capacity is tightening after Labor Day: national tender rejections moved above 14%, the highest seasonal jump in three years. Diesel at roughly $5.85/gallon, elevated flatbed demand, surging ocean spot rates, and drayage inflation are raising peak-season risk even as freight demand stays muted. CBP’s disclosure proposal adds compliance planning pressure, but it is not yet a final rule.

What is driving freight-market pressure?

Carriers and shippers face uneven capacity rather than a broad demand surge.

• Flatbed rates remain elevated as data-center construction absorbs equipment.

• Ocean spot rates are rising on late peak-season demand, East Asia typhoons, port congestion, and Panama Canal draft restrictions.

• U.S. drayage spot rates are up approximately 8.2% year over year, reflecting terminal congestion and driver shortages.

• Record diesel costs are forcing new 2026 peak-season budget assumptions.

What would CBP’s import disclosure proposal change?

CBP’s September 2 ANPRM, “Heightened Import Disclosures for Supply Chain Visibility,” is a planning document, not a final rule. Potential changes include:

• Foreign export documents submitted before U.S. entry.

• Global business identifiers replacing traditional manufacturer IDs.

• A potentially shorter 15-day entry-filing deadline.

• More supply-chain tracing and production data.

Comments are due December 1, 2026. Importers should begin mapping supplier documentation now.

Which compliance dates matter?

• FMCSA UCR fees increase about 20% for 2027, effective October 1, 2026.

• Electronic rail export manifests become effective October 26, 2026; enforcement begins October 26, 2027. Review the CBP rule.

• The Jones Act waiver runs through November 15, with a narrower product list and pre-voyage approval.

• CVSA Brake Safety Week, held August 23–29, focused on drum and rotor condition; nationwide results remain pending.

How should shippers prepare?

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