Freight Pulse & Law Update: Shanghai Congestion Peaks, Blank Sailings Loom, and FMCSA Broker Transparency Heads to the White House

Shanghai congestion, carrier capacity controls, and tighter U.S. trucking enforcement are raising execution risk even as headline freight rates moderate.

What is happening in ocean freight?

Ocean rates are easing, but reliability is deteriorating. Drewry’s World Container Index fell 1% to $4,473 per 40-foot container. Trans-Pacific and Asia–Europe spot rates also moderated.

Operational pressure remains significant:

• Shanghai vessel waits have reached approximately 96 hours.

• Panama Canal transit-capacity reductions begin in September.

• Approximately 49 blank sailings are expected across major East–West routes through September.

• Carriers are using blank sailings strategically to manage capacity.

Shippers should book priority ocean moves three to six weeks ahead, diversify ports where possible, and protect inventory buffers.

Why are truckload rates expected to firm?

The U.S. truckload market is experiencing a temporary Q3 lull, but capacity is exiting. Analysts expect rates to strengthen toward year-end as enforcement involving non-domiciled CDLs, English proficiency, and compliance audits restricts the available driver pool.

DOT enforcement is also immediate. CVSA Brake Safety Week ends August 29, with inspections focused on braking systems, drums, and rotors. The 2026 Roadcheck campaign placed more than 13,500 trucks and drivers out of service, with medical-card and English-proficiency violations among leading driver findings. Review CVSA safety guidance before the next dispatch.

What does the FMCSA broker proposal change?

FMCSA submitted a supplemental broker-transparency proposal to White House OMB on August 27. This is the final internal step before potential Federal Register publication.

No new broker obligations apply yet. Existing 49 CFR Part 371 requirements remain in effect. The proposal would clarify electronic transaction records, itemized charges, and responses to records requests.

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