Freight Pulse: New Shipping Law Changes Explained in Under 3 Minutes

The shipping legal landscape just shifted under your feet. With the expiration of the federal Jones Act waiver and the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) tightening the screws on billing transparency, your bottom line is at risk if you aren't auditing every invoice.

The Jones Act "Hangover"

The 60-day limited waiver of the Jones Act officially expired on May 17, 2026. While it provided a temporary vent for national defense-related domestic cargo, the door has slammed shut on foreign-flag vessels moving goods between U.S. ports. If you’ve been relying on this capacity, expect a sudden tightening in the domestic coastwise market.

For Mid-Atlantic fulfillment, this means a renewed reliance on U.S.-flagged vessels and land-side intermodal. Shippers who used the waiver must ensure their MARAD 10-day post-voyage reports are filed correctly; CBP’s Jones Act Division of Enforcement (JADE) is already flagging non-compliant documentation.

FMC Teeth: OSRA 2022 in Full Effect

The FMC isn't just watching; they’re acting. We are seeing a surge in enforcement actions regarding Demurrage and Detention (D&D) billing. Under the latest OSRA interpretations, if your 3PL Maryland partner isn't providing clear, data-backed billing that meets every FMC transparency requirement, you’re likely overpaying.

At Lanta Logistics, we’ve integrated real-time visibility into our Glen Burnie warehouse operations to ensure every container move is documented for audit. Don't let a "refusal to deal" or a messy service contract derail your summer peak.

Environmental & Hazmat Shifts

Starting this month, the phase-out of PFOS-containing fire-fighting media on vessels has begun. As a Hazmat certified 3PL, we’re tracking how these environmental mandates impact vessel availability and port turnaround times. Simultaneously, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) postponement to late 2026 gives shippers a small window to fix their traceability tech before the hammer drops.

The Bottom Line

Regulatory compliance is no longer a back-office task: it’s a competitive advantage. If your supply chain isn't optimized for these shifts, you're bleeding margin.

Stop reacting to freight law and start leading; contact Lanta Logistics today to audit your Mid-Atlantic fulfillment strategy.