Freight Pulse & Law Update: FMC Hits Spain With $200K-Per-Voyage Fees and LTL Rates Hit New Highs
Two cost signals are moving in the wrong direction for shippers: the FMC has proposed action against Spain, while LTL rates are reaching new index highs. Baltimore port drayage also faces I-95 ramp closures starting October 19. Here is what supply chain management companies and shippers need to know today.
What action has the FMC proposed against Spain?
After investigating since December 2024, the FMC says it found conclusive evidence that Spain denied U.S.-flagged vessels, including MARAD Maritime Security Program vessels, access to Spanish ports. It proposes a $200,000 fee per voyage on Spanish-flagged vessels and import restrictions on certain Spanish goods; the measures are not final.
Potentially affected goods: perfumery and cosmetics, oils and fats, ceramics, articles of stone, sugar and confectionaries.
The proposal includes a 60-day public comment period. Spain will be offered a hearing.
What do the latest LTL rate figures show?
The TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index puts Q3 LTL rates per pound 78.8% above the January 2018 baseline, up 11.9 points year over year and 1.1 points from Q2. It projects 82.5% above baseline in Q4, with fuel costs and carrier pricing power among the drivers.
Diesel prices rose 31% year over year in July, 46% in August and 68% in September; LTL fuel surcharges were up 79% in September.
Saia applied a 7.1% general rate increase on July 6. Truckload rates per mile were 19.7% above baseline in Q3, with 23.4% projected for Q4.
September manufacturing PMI was 54.5; new orders reached 55.3.
What should I-95 shippers plan for in the region?
For the Maryland-to-New-England I-95 corridor, the verified near-term operational alert is in Baltimore: ramp closures from October 19–28 may disrupt Port of Baltimore drayage. The MDTA schedule includes overnight and continuous closures of the westbound East McComas Street ramp to southbound I-95.
Review closure windows and plan drayage appointments accordingly.
CVSA Brake Safety Week ran August 23–29, 2026; account for inspection readiness in freight planning.
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