Freight Pulse & Law Update: Global Congestion Tops COVID Peak, De Minimis Era Officially Over

Global container congestion has passed 4.3 million TEU, exceeding the COVID-era peak, while new U.S. import and hazmat rules raise the cost of operational mistakes. Shippers should prepare for tighter capacity, routing uncertainty, and more customs processing.

Why is container congestion worsening?

East Asia typhoon bottlenecks, continued Red Sea rerouting, and Panama Canal restrictions are removing flexibility from the global supply chain. The Panama Canal Authority will reduce daily transits beginning September 3:

• Neopanamax: 9 daily slots

• Panamax: 25 daily slots on September 3

• Panamax: 23 daily slots beginning September 15

• Draft limits and water conditions remain subject to additional notices.

The Panama Canal advisory warns that vessels without reservations may face longer waits. U.S.-bound shippers should expect uncertain routing, tighter capacity, and potential schedule changes across ocean and inland networks.

What does the de minimis ruling mean?

The U.S. Court of International Trade confirmed in its August 13 ruling that the president may eliminate the $800 de minimis tariff exemption. Low-value e-commerce shipments now face normal duties, classification, and customs processing. Congress’s statutory repeal is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2027. Review the court ruling summary and update landed-cost models immediately.

What changes September 3 for hazmat operations?

PHMSA finalized 17 HM-268 rules, with 14 taking effect September 3. Changes include electronic emergency response information, electronic proof of registration, expanded lithium battery Materials of Trade limits, and revised aerosol definitions. DOT’s August 23–29 Brake Safety Week also puts carrier readiness under inspection pressure.

Use a warehouse management system to control documentation, inventory management for ecommerce, and compliance handoffs. Lanta Logistics provides 3PL fulfillment services from its food-grade, Hazmat-capable Glen Burnie warehouse, supporting Mid-Atlantic fulfillment with real-time visibility.

Need control across a disrupted network?Lanta Logistics and FlowOps by Lanta give third party logistics providers and supply chain management companies one connected view of freight, inventory, fulfillment, and dispatch.