Freight Pulse & Law Update: Port Strikes, Typhoons, and a Customs Crackdown
As of September 3, 2026, shippers face simultaneous labor, weather, water-level, geopolitical, and regulatory disruption. Protect bookings, verify customs records, and document every carrier charge before delays become expensive.
What is disrupting global freight this week?
Europe: A 48-hour ver.di strike is affecting Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Bremen, Wilhelmshaven, Emden, and Brake through September 4. Planned strikes at Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Zeeland ports on September 4 could compound Asia-Europe congestion. FMS Logistics reports that container handling, truck appointments, rail connections, and onward transport are at risk.
Asia: Typhoon Saudel temporarily closed major Chinese terminals. Over 50% of container capacity at key Asian ports is stuck in delays after Typhoon Saudel, with Shanghai and Ningbo congestion extending into early September.
Water and security: Panama Canal drought conditions are driving higher transit costs. CMA CGM is reported to be raising its Manaus low-water surcharge to $2,315 per TEU effective October 2; confirm the tariff line on every quote. Mitsui O.S.K. also warns that Strait of Hormuz disruption may continue beyond 2026.
Which legal and customs changes require action?
CBP: A broader ANPRM would increase reliance on foreign export documentation and move party identification toward Global Business Identifiers rather than the Manufacturer Identification Code. Separately, active Importers of Record must correct Form 5106 contact data by September 18 or risk having importer numbers voided. Review the CBP Form 5106 guidance.
FMC: Effective September 1, Charge Complaints may proceed through traditional formal or small-claims processes. For demurrage and detention, the carrier retains the burden of proving charges reasonable. Review the FMC final rule.
India: CBIC began phased SCMTR implementation September 1, with port-by-port rollout through October 15. Align master bills, house bills, and electronic manifest messages early. Read the implementation schedule.
What should shippers do now?
Reconfirm European port routings, free time, storage exposure, and alternate gateways.
Audit IOR names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails before September 18.
Preserve bills of lading, invoices, appointment records, and container-level timelines for any FMC claim.
Keep trucks inspection-ready. DOT brake inspections and safety enforcement continue after the August 23–29 Brake Safety Week.
Lanta Logistics helps brands and third party logistics providers manage disruption through 3PL fulfillment services, inventory management for ecommerce, a warehouse management system, and FlowOps real-time visibility. From a food-grade warehouse and Hazmat certified 3PL operation, our 3PL Maryland team supports Mid-Atlantic fulfillment from our Glen Burnie warehouse.
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