Freight Pulse & Law Update: Hormuz Transits Collapse to Single Digits, IRS Closes Jones Act Loophole

The Strait of Hormuz has shifted from a high-volume waterway to a permission-based bottleneck. IRGC Navy actions, U.S. interdictions, and new transit conditions are forcing carriers, shippers, and third party logistics providers to reassess routing, insurance, and inventory exposure.

Why have Hormuz transits fallen to single digits?

The IRGC Navy has blocked 30 vessels since August 22, cutting daily transits from more than 100 to single digits. Iran has blacklisted 45 tankers since August 24 and now requires prior permission, transit fees, and approved corridors. Operators are disabling AIS transponders as U.S. Central Command conducts interdictions.

• The U.S.-Iran MoU that eased transit collapsed July 8.

• Cargo owners face delay, detention, and documentation risk.

• Energy and bulk supply chains remain most exposed.

What changed under the Jones Act waiver?

DHS extended the Jones Act waiver through November 15, 2026, but foreign-flag operators must complete a pre-voyage Vessel Availability Request. The Holland & Knight summary notes that MARAD must assess available U.S.-flag capacity first.

• Requests must be submitted before the voyage.

• Post-voyage reporting remains required.

• The IRS ruled waiver-voyage income does not qualify for the international shipping tax exemption.

What does truckload data signal?

FreightWaves SONAR shows a supply-driven cycle: ASTVI is approximately 9,800, near 2019 demand, while STRI is about 13.5%, more than twice 2019 tightness. FreightWaves data indicates carriers are not expanding fleets; Class 8 orders remain replacement-driven.

• Further tightening remains the principal risk.

• Contract freight may continue shifting to spot markets.

• Plan capacity earlier for critical lanes.

What should shippers do now?

CVSA Brake Safety Week ran August 23–29; results are pending. Keep brake inspection records, DVIRs, and maintenance documents audit-ready year-round, consistent with DOT expectations. Lanta Logistics provides 3PL fulfillment services, inventory management for ecommerce, and Mid-Atlantic fulfillment from a food-grade warehouse. For 3PL Maryland operations, our Hazmat certified 3PL model, warehouse management system, and logistics software, including FlowOps by Lanta, connect freight, fulfillment, and supply chain visibility. Contact Lanta to reduce disruption costs.