Freight Pulse & Law Update: San Pedro Rail Dwell Climbs to 7.19 Days as the FMC Proposes a $200,000 Fee on Spanish Ships

San Pedro Bay’s rail dwell rose again in September, even as the import peak eases. Watch whether rail delays persist after volumes fall.

What does September’s dwell data show?

The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association logged the increase. Los Angeles handled 1.04 million TEU and Long Beach 997,177 TEU, both record Septembers, so this is volume, not a terminal breakdown. NRF/Hackett’s Global Port Tracker says most holiday cargo has landed, so the risk is rail dwell lagging the volume curve.

• Local truck dwell: 3.18 days, up from 2.95 in August.

• Rail dwell: 7.19 days, up from 6.75 in August.

What is the FMC proposing for Spanish ships?

The FMC proposal follows a December 2024 investigation into Spain denying U.S.-flagged vessels, including MARAD Maritime Security Program ships, port access. Remedies proposed October 14: a $200,000-per-voyage fee on Spanish-flagged vessels, plus possible import restrictions on Spanish cosmetics, oils and fats, ceramics, stone articles, and sugar and confectionaries. None of it is in effect. Comments on docket FMC-2026-0463 close December 14, 2026.

What should truck exporters prepare for?

CBP’s voluntary ACE Electronic Export Manifest test begins October 23. Up to nine carriers file limited data at least 24 hours before U.S. departure, then a complete manifest no later than two hours before arrival at the final port of export. Treat the two-year test as the template for mandatory truck export manifesting.

What’s moving on I-95 this weekend?

Check state 511 alerts before dispatch; all weather dependent. PennDOT closes the Castor Avenue ramp to northbound I-95 and Castor Avenue between Richmond and Balfour from 9 PM Friday to 5 AM Monday (details), with a southbound I-95 lane closure between Oregon Avenue and Front Street over the same window. The I-95 ramp to MacDade Boulevard closes October 23–24, 10 PM–9 AM.

CVSA Brake Safety Week ran August 23–29, 2026 on brake drums and rotors; keep brake-system documentation ready for roadside checks.

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