Jones Act Shake-Up & Surging Transpacific Rates: What Shippers Need to Know Today

Three freight developments are reshaping planning decisions this week: a narrower Jones Act waiver, stricter commercial-driver enforcement, and another sharp jump in transpacific ocean rates.

President Trump extended the Jones Act waiver for 90 days beginning August 17. The policy is shifting from a blanket exemption to voyage-by-voyage, case-by-case review. The Pentagon will consult the Maritime Administration before approving foreign-flag capacity, and exemptions are limited to gasoline, jet fuel, crude oil, naphtha, LNG, soybean oil, and fertilizers. AP News reports that the change is intended to protect access to critical energy and agricultural commodities.

For shippers, eligibility no longer guarantees flexibility. Build additional lead time into coastwise energy moves, confirm documentation requirements early, and maintain a compliant domestic-carrier option when cargo timing cannot slip.

FMCSA also proposed codifying English-proficiency enforcement for commercial drivers. Drivers unable to communicate adequately, understand highway signs, or respond to inspectors can be placed out of service. The proposal could affect up to 9,000 drivers annually, while FMCSA says existing enforcement has already removed more than 26,000 drivers from the road. Review carrier qualification files and contingency coverage now. Read the FMCSA announcement.

Ocean costs are moving unevenly. Xeneta data shows Far East–U.S. West Coast spot rates up 13.8% week over week to $6,824 per FEU, driven by AI-related cargo and peak demand. Asia–Europe rates eased 4.9%, but container shortages, typhoons, blanked sailings, and Cape of Good Hope diversions continue to disrupt schedules.

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