Freight Pulse & Law Update: Rejected Loads Now Cost Shippers 9% More as the FMC Clears Its Ex Parte Rollback and Wind Turbines Get a 180-Day Tariff Reprieve

Three developments put cost, regulatory access and tariff planning on shippers’ desks: rejected tenders are driving up freight costs, the FMC is considering changes to rulemaking communications, and wind-turbine imports face no new tariffs for now.

What Do Rejected Loads Actually Cost Shippers in Peak Season?

Oct. 23 FreightWaves SONAR data show a median 9.25% all-in premium when a rejection moves to a second provider; third-plus tenders cost about 19.84% more. First-tender acceptance is 89.29%, down from roughly 93% last November. Budget this re-tender premium into Q4 lanes.

• Second tender: +9.25%; third-plus: +19.84% median.

• First-tender acceptance: 89.29%, versus about 93% last November.

Is the FMC About to Let Industry Talk to It During Rulemaking?

The FMC’s May 13, 2026 NPRM reached White House/OIRA review Oct. 21; it is not final. It would drop ex parte limits in pre-proposal rulemaking and allow post-comment contacts if disclosed to the docket within three business days. If finalized, carriers, ports and shippers get a more direct channel into FMC rulemaking.

• NPRM: May 13, 2026; White House/OIRA review: Oct. 21.

• Proposed post-comment disclosure deadline: three business days.

Why Did Wind Turbine Imports Escape New Tariffs?

On Oct. 22, President Trump found wind-turbine imports a national-security threat under Section 232 but imposed no new tariffs. The proclamation directs Commerce and USTR to negotiate with trading partners and report within 180 days. Existing steel, aluminum and copper duties still apply to turbine components; watch for a second decision around mid-April 2027.

• No new wind-turbine tariff imposed on Oct. 22.

• 180-day report due around mid-April 2027; metals duties remain.

Fort McHenry Tunnel overnight closures ended Oct. 22. Bay Bridge eastbound closures run nightly from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., with two-way traffic on the westbound span; Sunfest traffic runs through Oct. 25, so pad transit times.

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