Freight Pulse & Law Update: Intermodal Volume Jumps 10.4%, US Weighs Easing Tanker Sanctions, and Paper Med Certs End Outside Alaska

Intermodal volumes rose as shippers looked for alternatives to tight, costly truck capacity. Meanwhile, a possible tanker-sanctions shift and a change to medical-certification rules call for close attention from logistics and compliance teams.

Why is intermodal gaining ground?

U.S. intermodal traffic climbed 10.4% year over year in week 40, while total rail traffic increased 7.2%. Rail offers a fuel hedge for suitable long-haul freight, but weigh transit time, terminal access and drayage against truckload service.

• Use rail for predictable, longer-distance moves.

• Compare total door-to-door cost, not linehaul alone.

Could tanker sanctions change ocean costs?

The U.S. is reportedly weighing authorizations that could let certain shadow-fleet tankers carry non-sanctioned oil, a proposal rather than a broad rollback. Aging vessels and continuing EU and UK restrictions could limit any capacity relief, even as oil prices reacted to the news.

Avoid building budgets around an unconfirmed rate reduction.

What changed for medical certificates?

From Oct. 12, paper medical examiner's certificates no longer prove certification for drivers in 49 states and D.C. FMCSA's Alaska exemption lets Alaska CLP/CDL holders use paper certificates for up to 60 days after issuance; it expires Oct. 12, 2027.

• Audit driver qualification files and confirm electronic records.

• CVSA’s Aug. 23–29 Brake Safety Week focused on drums and rotors; use that inspection focus for a Q4 maintenance check. (CVSA details)

What should Mid-Atlantic shippers watch?

For 3PL Maryland operations, rail’s value depends on dependable connections to ports, terminals and final destinations. Third party logistics providers and supply chain management companies should match mode to freight profile, while protecting inventory management for ecommerce from longer or less predictable replenishment cycles.

Lanta Logistics supports Mid-Atlantic fulfillment with warehousing, transportation and real-time inventory coordination from its Glen Burnie facility. Explore Lanta’s services.

How can operators improve visibility?

FlowOps by Lanta is an operator-built WMS with a $99/mo flat rate, unlimited SKUs, 20+ modules and patent-pending Agentic AI. For teams evaluating outsourced fulfillment services, it provides real-time operational visibility alongside Lanta’s logistics execution.

See FlowOps and compare capabilities; contact Lanta Logistics to discuss a connected fulfillment and transportation plan.