Jones Act Waiver Extended, De Minimis Fully Buried: What Shippers Must Track in August

What changed for shippers in August 2026?

The Jones Act waiver now runs through November 15, 2026, but foreign-flag movements require a voyage-specific Vessel Availability Request before loading. At the same time, duty-free de minimis treatment is no longer available in practice, while new Section 301 forced-labor measures increase customs scrutiny.

Jones Act waiver: what must operators document?

Under CBP’s updated guidance, covered cargo must be loaded by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on November 15. Before a foreign-flag voyage, shippers must submit vessel, flag, ports, dates, commodity, quantity, charter, and national-defense information to the appropriate agencies.

MARAD then conducts a market survey. Coastwise-qualified U.S.-flag operators generally receive 24 hours to identify available capacity. The waiver decision is therefore voyage-specific: not a blanket approval. Preserve every request, response, schedule, and post-voyage report.

Why does de minimis elimination matter?

The White House suspension and CBP rules mean low-value imports now require more disciplined duty, data, and admissibility planning. The new Section 301 forced-labor framework adds another layer of screening.

For e-commerce brands, connect customs records to inventory management for ecommerce, landed-cost calculations, and supplier traceability.

What transport risks should teams watch?

Tanker attacks have sharply slowed traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd also warn that port, trucking, road, and rail bottlenecks may drive delays and higher rates. Add schedule buffers and confirm alternate capacity.

DOT-linked CVSA Brake Safety Week runs August 23–29, focusing on brake drums and air-disc rotors. Inspectors may place noncompliant vehicles out of service.

Lanta Logistics helps third party logistics providers, retailers, and enterprises manage these risks through 3PL fulfillment services, a warehouse management system, and integrated logistics software. From our food-grade warehouse and Hazmat certified 3PL facility in the Glen Burnie warehouse corridor, we support 3PL Maryland, Mid-Atlantic fulfillment, and real-time visibility through FlowOps by Lanta: for stronger supply chain management and accountable logistics execution. Contact Lanta Logistics.