Freight Pulse & Law Update: Jones Act Waiver Extended, Brake Safety Week Underway
- Lanta LLC
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
What changed? DHS extended the Jones Act waiver for another 90 days, while new lightering-crew classifications and a North American brake enforcement blitz create immediate compliance priorities for carriers, shippers, and supply chain management companies.
What does the Jones Act waiver extension require?
The waiver runs through November 15, 2026, but relief is narrower. It now applies to 237 HTS codes, concentrated on energy and fertilizer commodities, and requires a mandatory pre-voyage Vessel Availability Request.
Key waiver facts:
Confirm the cargo’s HTS code appears on the 237-code list.
Submit vessel, operator, route, port, cargo, and justification details before scheduling the voyage.
Coordinate review among the Department of War, MARAD, and CBP.
Expect voyage-by-voyage review rather than blanket approval.
Preserve approval and loading records through the November 15 deadline.
Do not assume a prior waiver covers a new movement. Treat each foreign-flag voyage as a separate compliance event.
What are the new C-4 and D-3 classifications?
Effective August 11, 2026, DHS created C-4 and D-3 nonimmigrant classifications for foreign crewmen performing ship-to-ship lightering. Eligible crew may receive admission for up to 180 days, depending on the classification and approved activity.
What is Brake Safety Week checking?
CVSA Brake Safety Week runs August 23–29 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This Department of Transportation enforcement blitz emphasizes brake drums and air-disc rotors, including cracks, excessive wear, heat damage, missing material, and inoperative brakes.
Schedule inspections, verify maintenance records, and correct defects before dispatch.
Lanta Logistics helps shippers strengthen execution through 3PL services and FlowOps by Lanta real-time visibility. Request a consultation.
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