Freight Pulse & Law Update: Typhoon Gridlock Hits Shanghai, Jones Act Waiver Gets Tougher, and Brake Safety Week Peaks

Three disruptions are tightening freight planning on August 28: Typhoon Saudel is delaying Asian port calls, the Jones Act waiver now requires voyage-by-voyage authorization, and North American carriers face heightened brake inspections.

What is happening at Shanghai and Ningbo?

Typhoon Saudel has pushed vessel waiting times at Shanghai and Ningbo to as long as 11 days. Carriers are blanking sailings to stabilize capacity, while the Drewry World Container Index eased 1% to $4,473 per 40-foot container.

• Expect rollovers, missed connections, and delayed equipment returns.

• Build one to two weeks of schedule protection into affected bookings.

• Confirm revised ETAs before releasing inventory or customer promises.

Port advisories indicate recovery will depend on berth availability and backlog clearance.

Why are Hormuz and Panama adding pressure?

Strait of Hormuz shipping shows slight recovery, but war-related disruption continues. Gulf oil tanker rates have spiked near $650,000 per day, while tighter Panama Canal transit restrictions are squeezing available capacity and extending routing risk.

What changed in the Jones Act waiver?

DHS extended the waiver for another 90 days through November 15, 2026, but narrowed eligibility sharply:

• Eligible HTS codes fell from more than 600 to 237.

• Shippers must email a Vessel Availability Request to the Department of War, MARAD, and CBP.

• Mandatory pre-voyage authorization is required before using foreign-flagged vessels.

Review the latest waiver analysis before booking covered cargo.

How should fleets prepare for DOT safety enforcement?

CVSA Brake Safety Week runs August 23–29, emphasizing brake drums and rotors. 2026 Roadcheck data shows brake systems remain the top out-of-service violation, representing 39.1% of vehicle OOS violations.

Inspectors are checking cracks, air leaks, worn linings, over-stroking, and missing components. Review the CVSA inspection guidance and complete preventive maintenance now.

Third party logistics providers and supply chain management companies should connect compliance data to inventory management for ecommerce, a warehouse management system, and logistics software. Lanta Logistics delivers 3PL fulfillment services, 3PL Maryland coverage, Mid-Atlantic fulfillment, a food-grade warehouse, and Hazmat certified 3PL operations from its Glen Burnie warehouse. Pair Lanta Logistics with FlowOps real-time visibility to protect service levels.