Freight Pulse & Law Update: Hormuz Disruption, Asia Port Congestion, and New Hazmat Rules

Shippers face simultaneous maritime disruption, regulatory change, and truck-safety enforcement. Treat routing, compliance, and inventory decisions as one supply chain risk-management exercise: not separate tasks.

What is disrupting ocean freight?

Ocean freight capacity is tightening across multiple chokepoints. Hormuz traffic is down roughly 95%, averaging about five ships daily versus approximately 100 normally. Container rates on exposed lanes have more than doubled as fuel, insurance, and war-risk costs surge. (Al Jazeera)

• Typhoon Saudel shut Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan, contributing to record stranded container capacity and average berth delays of 3.6 days in early August.

• Panama Canal restrictions are tightening; unbooked LPG tankers face waits of up to eight days, with longer delays possible for Neopanamax vessels. (Reuters)

• MSC suspended new Novorossiysk bookings after a drone attack on a containership in the Black Sea. (Lloyd’s List)

What changed under the Jones Act waiver?

DHS and CBP extended the waiver through November 15, 2026, but narrowed eligibility and increased documentation. Effective August 17, only 237 HTS codes qualify, and each foreign-flag voyage now requires a VESSEL AVAILABILITY REQUEST and pre-approval process.

Shippers should confirm:

• Product HTS classification

• Vessel eligibility and route

• National-defense justification

• CBP and MARAD reporting deadlines

Review Lanta Logistics’ 1PL–4PL services when coordinating complex domestic and international freight.

What must hazmat shippers prepare before September 3?

PHMSA’s HM-268 rules allow a smaller 25 mm Limited Quantity marking, expand Materials-of-Trade lithium battery limits, and permit electronic emergency-response information in vehicles: provided it remains immediately accessible. (PHMSA final rule)

Update labels, vehicle procedures, backup power, and employee training. The rule does not eliminate responsibility when a device fails.

What should shippers do now?

DOT/CVSA Brake Safety Week ran August 23–29, emphasizing brake drums and rotors; critical violations can place vehicles out of service. Verify carrier maintenance records, reroute vulnerable cargo, and increase safety stock for priority SKUs.

For brands evaluating third party logistics providers, Lanta Logistics delivers 3PL fulfillment services, inventory management for ecommerce, a warehouse management system, and logistics software through FlowOps real-time visibility. Our 3PL Maryland operation supports Mid-Atlantic fulfillment from a Glen Burnie warehouse, including food-grade warehouse and Hazmat certified 3PL capabilities. Request a quote.