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Freight Pulse & Law Update: Rates Ease, Hormuz Risk and FMC Billing Rules

  • Writer: Lanta LLC
    Lanta LLC
  • 4 hours ago
  • 2 min read

August 29, 2026 | Track A Freight Pulse & Law Update

What are container rates doing?

Ocean spot rates eased slightly, but remain elevated. Drewry’s World Container Index fell 1% to $4,473 per 40-foot container.

  • Shanghai–New York: $9,333

  • Shanghai–Los Angeles: $6,818

  • Shanghai–Rotterdam: $4,287, down 3%

Treat the decline as limited relief, not normalization. Asia–U.S. East Coast exposure remains particularly expensive.

How are Hormuz and Panama affecting planning?

Strait of Hormuz traffic remains roughly 5%–15% of pre-conflict levels, while tanker rates are approaching $650,000 per day. Gulf oil tankers near $650,000 a day indicates that security uncertainty continues to restrict vessel movements and increase insurance and routing risk.

The Panama Canal Authority is also approaching September capacity and draft restrictions. Shippers should model alternate routings, longer transit buffers, and potential payload limits now.

What changed under the Jones Act and FMC rules?

The Jones Act waiver now runs through November 15, 2026, but applies only to narrowed covered products and approved voyages. A pre-voyage Vessel Availability Request is required. Review the Holland & Knight summary before booking foreign-flag domestic transportation.

The FMC billing-party restriction has been vacated, but invoice data requirements, 30-day issuance rules, and dispute timelines remain. Contracts must clearly define liability. See the FMC demurrage and detention invoice rules.

FlowOps inventory dashboard showing SKU quantities and warehouse locations

What should logistics teams do today?

Complete the CVSA Brake Safety Week compliance review before the campaign ends August 29. Confirm preventive maintenance, inspection records, routing alternatives, and contract responsibilities.

Third party logistics providers and supply chain management companies can reduce exposure through a warehouse management system and logistics software. Lanta Logistics supports 3PL fulfillment services, inventory management for ecommerce, a food-grade warehouse, Hazmat certified 3PL operations, and Mid-Atlantic fulfillment from its Glen Burnie warehouse.

FlowOps shipments dashboard providing real-time shipment visibility

Use FlowOps by Lanta for real-time visibility across inventory, fulfillment, transportation, and compliance workflows.

 
 
 

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