Freight Pulse & Law Update: Importers Sue for Refunds the CAPE Portal Won't Pay as Shippers Lock Two-Year LTL Deals (Nov. 4, 2026)

Two freight-law stories moving this morning hit shippers' wallets directly: new lawsuits over tariff refunds CBP's portal can't process, and LTL shippers locking two-year contracts ahead of rate increases.

Why are importers suing for tariff refunds CBP already promised?

Because the CAPE Phase 3 portal won't pay them. CBP launched the portal Oct. 6 to refund finally liquidated IEEPA entries, but only importers with a Court of International Trade reliquidation order qualify. Importers without one are filing fresh suits at the CIT, and per InsideTrade, Phase 3's legal uncertainty is spurring them. Filing individually is the most reliable refund path. Entries liquidated more than 90 days ago generally can't be reopened without a court mandate, so check your entry dates.

Key takeaway: If you're owed IEEPA refunds on finalized entries and haven't sued, waiting has a cost.

Why are shippers signing two-year LTL contracts?

Old Dominion's Q3 call is the tell: large shippers are requesting two-year agreements locking base-rate increases, without volume commitments. With carriers gaining pricing power and rivals missing pickups for lack of labor, locking rates ahead of volatility is the new standard play.

Key takeaway: If your LTL renewal is coming, negotiate before carriers set the market for you.

Live watch: the San Pedro Bay deadline

The ILWU Local 26 watchmen strike clock runs out at 5 p.m. PT today with no agreement announced as of this morning. Terminals handling most LA-Long Beach cargo stay exposed tonight if talks lapse.

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Tags: freight news, shipping law update, logistics, supply chain, 3PL