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Freight Pulse & Law Update: Hormuz Traffic Down 95%, FMC Enforcement at Record Highs

  • Writer: Lanta LLC
    Lanta LLC
  • 1 day ago
  • 2 min read

Global freight risk is rising just as shippers prepare for peak season. Strait of Hormuz traffic has fallen 95% since February, while weather, congestion, enforcement, and carrier financial stress are colliding across the supply chain.

What is driving freight volatility?

Reroutes around the region are extending sailing distances and increasing fuel, insurance, and energy costs. At the same time, Typhoon Saudel pushed Shanghai and Ningbo vessel waits higher: Shanghai delays reached as much as 11 days: while global port congestion peaked near 4.3 million TEU. Asia port updates show that recovery will take time.

The Drewry World Container Index dipped approximately 1%, but that decline should not be mistaken for stability. Spot rates remain volatile as capacity, fuel costs, and blank-sailing decisions shift quickly.

Lanta Logistics warehouse with organized pallets, branded transportation equipment, and integrated freight operations

What is changing in FMC enforcement?

The FMC assessed $22.67 million against MSC for billing and tariff violations. Maersk separately agreed to a reported $1.9 million settlement involving detention billing to third parties. The FMC’s vessel-space rule remains in effect, requiring case-by-case review of unreasonable refusals to provide available space.

The D.C. Circuit vacated the categorical billed-party restriction in FMC demurrage and detention rules, but invoice timing, documentation, and reasonableness requirements remain. The FMC has also opened a chassis-usage investigation.

What should shippers do now?

  • Lock in drayage, chassis, warehouse, and inland commitments before peak season.

  • Preserve booking, billing, appointment, and delivery records.

  • Prepare for CVSA Brake Safety Week inspections, scheduled August 23–29.

For growing brands, Lanta Logistics provides 3PL fulfillment services, inventory management for ecommerce, a warehouse management system, and logistics software through FlowOps real-time visibility. Our 3PL Maryland network supports Mid-Atlantic fulfillment, including a food-grade warehouse, Hazmat certified 3PL operations, and a Glen Burnie warehouse.

Practical takeaway: Treat transportation capacity like inventory( reserve it before you need it.)

 
 
 

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