Freight Pulse: Spot Rates Cool, Surcharges Surge, and Maritime Law Gets a Rewrite

Freight markets are sending mixed signals. DAT data shows spot activity cooling, but Middle East conflict is still pushing new ocean surcharges while China and the U.S. advance maritime rule changes that could reshape contract risk and cargo strategy.

Spot Rates Cool as Costs Stay Volatile

DAT reported national load posts fell 9% to 2.79 million, signaling softer spot demand. Rates remain elevated year over year, however, with dry van at $2.97 per mile, reefer at $3.37, and flatbed at $3.58. For shippers and 3PL operators, that means domestic freight is easing from recent highs, not normalizing.

Emergency Surcharges Expand on Middle East Risk

Carriers including CMA CGM, ONE, Maersk, and MSC have imposed emergency surcharges as conflict in the Middle East drives up insurance and operating risk. CMA CGM listed $150 per TEU for dry containers and $165 for reefers. On India–Persian Gulf trades, rate increases have reached 40% to 50%, showing how quickly geopolitical disruption can reprice international logistics.

Maritime Law Changes Demand Contract Review

China’s revised Maritime Code, effective May 1, applies Chinese law to contracts involving a Chinese port, narrows the fire defense exemption, tightens deck stowage documentation, and changes treatment of NVOCCs. In the U.S., House-passed NDAA maritime amendments would increase cargo preference requirements, support a phased commercial preference regime, and expand federal maritime capacity through new funding and oversight.

At Lanta Logistics, we help shippers adjust routing, contracts, fulfillment planning, and warehouse execution as freight markets and maritime rules shift.