Freight Pulse & Law Update: Truckers Ask the FMC to police Empty Returns as USTR Floats a Longer China Port-Fee Pause

Freight Pulse & Law Update: Truckers Ask the FMC to Police Empty Returns as USTR Floats a Longer China Port-Fee Pause

Two policy moves could reshape container costs and drayage this week.

What are truckers asking the FMC to change?

Draymen at the Port of New York and New Jersey have petitioned the Federal Maritime Commission for rulemaking making carriers answerable when empty-container return instructions cannot be followed. Drivers report misdirected returns, unavailable appointments, and detention or per-diem charges accruing during extra trips to find a workable return point. The FMC flagged these bottlenecks before; no new rule exists yet.

• The ask: enforceable carrier responsibility for empty returns.

• The status: a petition, not an adopted rule.

What would a longer China port-fee pause mean?

USTR proposes extending the suspension of China-related port fees and certain cargo-handling equipment duties from November 10, 2026 through January 9, 2027; the current pause expires November 9. Comments are due October 30 under docket USTR-2026-0694. Treat this as a proposal, not settled pricing.

What are container rates doing?

Drewry’s World Container Index rose 2% to $4,585 per 40-foot container, a 15-week high. Shanghai–Los Angeles hit $8,007 and Shanghai–New York $10,166 as U.S. demand holds. Carriers are lifting Asia–Europe blank sailings from two to eight next week, so expect firm spot pricing into early November.

• Trans-Pacific blank sailings: down to two next week, from six.

• Asia–Europe blank sailings: up to eight next week, from two.

What should Mid-Atlantic operators watch?

Document failed empty-return attempts, appointment availability, and resulting charges now. Lanta Logistics' Glen Burnie warehouse sits near Seagirt Marine Terminal, I-95, and I-695, supporting 3PL Maryland and Mid-Atlantic fulfillment needs.

Around Philadelphia this weekend, the Castor Avenue ramp to I-95 North and Castor Avenue between Richmond and Balfour close 9 PM Friday to 5 AM Monday, alongside a southbound I-95 lane closure between Oregon Avenue and Front Street; the MacDade Boulevard ramp closes 10 PM to 9 AM Friday and Saturday nights. Plan extra transit time.

CVSA Brake Safety Week ran August 23–29, 2026, focused on brake drums and rotors. Keep equipment ready alongside freight planning.

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