Freight Pulse & Law Update: FMCSA Reopens the 14-Hour Clock, German Port Strikes Called Off, and Spot Rates Climb Without Freight

FMCSA is testing a pause in the 14-hour window, not rewriting HOS nationwide. U.S. dry-van spot rates are rising as accepted tenders soften, and German port strikes were averted. Italy and Manila still pose disruption risk, making visibility essential.

What did FMCSA publish?

On Oct. 6, FMCSA issued a Federal Register notice for its Split Duty Period Pilot Program under Docket FMCSA-2026-2081, 91 FR 63640.

• Participating CDL holders could pause the 14-hour window for up to three hours daily.

• Qualifying time includes off-duty, sleeper-berth, or on-duty/not-driving time at pickup or delivery.

• Approximately 256 drivers would provide operating and safety data.

• Public comments are due Dec. 7, 2026.

Standard HOS rules remain in force for nonparticipants. Credit: FMCSA/Federal Register.

Why are spot rates rising as demand softens?

Early-October dry-van spot rates, including fuel, reached approximately $3.55 per mile, more than 10% above late August and roughly 50% higher year over year.

Accepted tenders declined about 3% week over week and 9% since mid-September. DAT’s load-to-truck ratio approached 13.7, with posted trucks down approximately 7%, while diesel rose 9.9% in one month. Capacity and fuel, not broad demand growth, are driving the pressure.

What changed at major ports?

Germany’s ver.di accepted a wage offer, averting strikes at Hamburg, Bremen, Bremerhaven, Emden, Brake, and Wilhelmshaven. Genoa’s Messina Terminal faces one-hour stoppages each shift through Oct. 30. Manila-area operations remain slowed by empty-container congestion, with trucker slowdowns reported at 85–90%.

What should I-95 shippers monitor?

For 3PL Maryland and Mid-Atlantic fulfillment, watch I-95/I-695 access, Seagirt schedules, BWI cargo flows, and appointment changes around a Glen Burnie warehouse. A food-grade warehouse or Hazmat certified 3PL should keep inspection-ready records.

Can FlowOps improve response speed?

FlowOps by Lanta is an operator-built WMS with real-time visibility, unlimited SKUs, 20+ modules, and patent-pending Agentic AI. Plans start at a $99/month flat rate. Review FlowOps and compare plans for inventory management for ecommerce, 3PL fulfillment services, and ecommerce fulfillment solutions.

Is brake readiness still a priority?

Yes. 2026 CVSA Brake Safety Week ran Aug. 23–29, and unannounced Brake Safety Day activity plus DOT brake standards remain year-round.

Lanta Logistics helps growing brands and enterprises strengthen supply chain execution with real-time visibility from experienced third party logistics providers and supply chain management companies.