Freight Pulse & Law Update: LTL Rate Hikes Jump Early, Canada Import Ban Lands Sept 29, and September Becomes Peak Import Month

LTL pricing, Canadian import rules, ocean capacity, and customs enforcement are shifting at the same time. Shippers should update routing guides, customs records, and inventory plans before the next deadline arrives.

What changed in freight this week?

Old Dominion Freight Line announced a 4.9% general rate increase effective October 5, 2026, nearly a month earlier than last year. ODFL’s announcement follows:

• ArcBest: 5.9% effective June 22

• Saia: 7.1% effective July 6

• Old Dominion: 4.9% effective October 5

The compressed GRI calendar signals that pricing power remains firm across LTL.

What must importers do before September 29?

At 12:01 a.m. ET on September 29, Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 will prohibit specified Canadian-origin alcoholic beverages, dairy products, and motor vehicles from entering the United States. Goods imported before the deadline but not yet entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse remain subject to the prior 50% additional duty, rather than the ban. Review HTS classifications, origin records, and entry timing with your customs broker.

CBP importer-of-record enforcement also took effect September 18. CBP can void an IOR number when Form 5106 data is inaccurate or incomplete, making it unusable for customs entry.

Why does September require a logistics reset?

NRF and Hackett Associates forecast 2.31 million TEUs in September, up 9.6% year over year and above July’s volume. Drewry expects 77 blank sailings out of 720 planned between Weeks 39 and 43-an 11% cancellation rate, with 55% on the eastbound trans-Pacific.

Brake defects remain the top out-of-service violation category at roadside inspections. CVSA’s Brake Safety Week, August 23–29, keeps that enforcement focus active; carriers should document inspections and maintenance.

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