Rates Ease, Hazmat Rules Rewrite & a Jones Act Twist: Freight Pulse

Short answer: Freight rates are easing, but congestion, waterway constraints, security disruption, and new compliance deadlines still require shippers to plan ahead. Treat September and October as execution windows: not waiting periods.

Rates soften while capacity remains tight

The Drewry World Container Index slipped 1% to $4,473 per 40-foot container as Trans-Pacific and Asia–Europe spot rates moderated. Major ocean carriers still reported sharp year-over-year Q2 profit recoveries.

Capacity remains vulnerable:

• Shanghai congestion has pushed vessel waits sharply higher.

• Low water on the Rhine and Panama Canal constraints continue to limit inland and ocean options.

• October Golden Week closures may trigger blank sailings and another capacity squeeze.

• Strait of Hormuz traffic remains approximately 95% below normal, despite slight signs of recovery.

Secure drayage, overflow storage, and fulfillment capacity now.

Hazmat and customs rules change September 3

PHMSA’s final rules allow electronic emergency-response information and PHMSA registration proof, provided access remains immediate and reliable. Qualifying limited-quantity shipments may use a 25mm mark, while Materials of Trade lithium-battery allowances rise to 30 kg per battery and 500 kg per vehicle.

The $800 de minimis exemption is suspended indefinitely across all modes. Every import now requires a formal or informal customs entry, with applicable duties and fees.

Jones Act and rail deadlines

The Jones Act waiver runs through November 15, 2026, but foreign-flag coastwise moves require a pre-voyage Vessel Availability Request. Meanwhile, CBP’s rail export manifest rule takes effect October 26; enforcement begins October 26, 2027. Build ACE workflows early. Also complete DOT brake inspections during CVSA Brake Safety Week, ending August 29.

Lanta Logistics provides end-to-end 1PL–4PL support, including 3PL Maryland, Mid-Atlantic fulfillment, food-grade warehouse, Hazmat certified 3PL, and Glen Burnie warehouse operations, supported by FlowOps real-time visibility for inventory management for ecommerce, fulfillment, and supply chain execution, with a one-day reach to over 100 million consumers.