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Freight Pulse & Law Update: Jones Act Waiver Tightens, German Ports Strike, and Spot Rates Finally Cool

Writer: Lanta LLC
Lanta LLC
Aug 20
2 min read

The freight market is easing in one lane and tightening in several others. The Jones Act waiver now carries voyage-by-voyage scrutiny, German port labor action is disrupting inland connections, and the end of de minimis is raising landed costs for e-commerce importers.

What changed in the Jones Act waiver?

DHS extended the emergency waiver from August 17 through November 15, 2026, but reduced eligibility to 237 HTS codes, concentrated around energy and select agricultural products.

Foreign-flag operators must now:

  • File a pre-voyage Vessel Availability Request

  • Allow MARAD to conduct a market survey

  • Obtain Department of War authorization for each voyage

  • Submit post-voyage reports

The IRS also clarified that foreign ships using the waiver cannot claim the Section 883 international-shipping tax exemption. Treat the waiver as a narrow exception: not a standing operating permission. Review the DHS waiver analysis and MARAD guidance before booking affected cargo.

FlowOps by Lanta dispatch dashboard showing live load-status visibility

How are European disruptions affecting U.S. planning?

Ver.di launched a 24-hour warning strike at six German ports, including Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven. Expect vessel, rail, and truck delays as terminals clear backlogs. Low Rhine water is also shifting cargo from barges to rail, adding pressure to inland capacity. Contargo’s terminal advisory details the affected operations.

U.S. truckload spot rates fell 2.2% in mid-August but remain above year-ago levels. Capacity is cooling, not collapsing.

FlowOps real-time inventory dashboard for SKU and warehouse visibility

What should e-commerce importers do now?

De minimis is effectively dead after legal challenges. Budget for duties, broker fees, bonds, and formal or informal entry requirements on low-value imports. Strengthen classification, origin, valuation, and recordkeeping before shipping.

Also prepare for CVSA Brake Safety Week, August 23–29, when inspectors will focus on brake drums and air-disc rotors. Audit pre-trip inspections and repair records now.

Lanta Logistics provides 3PL fulfillment services, customs-ready coordination, and FlowOps real-time visibility from its Glen Burnie warehouse. Request a logistics consultation before the next disruption becomes a service failure.

 
 
 

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