Latest Freight News & Shipping Law Changes Explained in Under 3 Minutes

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has fully implemented the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) billing mandates, and as of June 2026, the EU ETS now covers 100% of maritime emissions. If you aren't auditing your invoices and carbon surcharges today, you’re hemorrhaging margin.

Audit Your Invoices or Lose Cash The FMC’s new D&D (Demurrage and Detention) billing rule is a massive win for shippers. Carriers and terminal operators can no longer "shot-gun" bills to multiple parties; they must bill the specific party with the contractual relationship. Invoices now require granular data: including container numbers, free time, and clear dispute contacts: delivered within a strict 30-day window. If the invoice is late or lacks mandatory data points, it is legally uncollectable.

Carbon Costs are No Longer Optional 2026 marks the full phase-in of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). Every voyage touching European ports now carries a 100% emissions surcharge, adding significant upward pressure to ocean freight rates. For brands scaling globally, Mid-Atlantic fulfillment centers are the strategic hedge against these rising costs. By positioning inventory closer to the end consumer, you can offset ocean surcharges with reduced domestic transit times.

The Resilience of the Mid-Atlantic Gateway While global capacity remains tight due to ongoing diversions, Lanta Logistics provides the stability needed to navigate these shifts. Leveraging a 3PL Maryland partner allows you to bypass the "unreasonable refusal to deal" hurdles that OSRA was designed to stop. Whether you need a food-grade warehouse for sensitive inventory or a Hazmat certified 3PL for specialized goods, our Glen Burnie warehouse offers the enterprise-level compliance required in this high-stakes regulatory environment.

The Bottom Line: Audit your D&D invoices for compliance and move inventory to Lanta Logistics to insulate your supply chain from 2026’s rising regulatory costs.