Strait of Hormuz Stays Shut, Typhoons Clog Shanghai, and New Jones Act Rules Land: Freight Pulse & Law

Three shocks are hitting freight planning at once: Hormuz traffic has fallen roughly 95%, typhoon disruptions are extending Shanghai–Ningbo vessel waits toward 11 days, and new Jones Act procedures are adding paperwork before covered domestic cargo can move on foreign-flag vessels.

What does the Hormuz disruption mean for shippers?

With routine commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz nearly halted, Middle East spot rates have surged past $10,000 per 40-foot container on affected moves, including war-risk and congestion premiums. Diversions are consuming equipment and vessels, keeping intra-Asia capacity tight. Treat transit times and surcharges as unstable, not exceptional. (Reuters coverage)

How should importers respond to Shanghai congestion?

Typhoon Saudel has suspended operations across Ningbo and parts of Shanghai, while carriers omit ports and reroute cargo. Secure drayage appointments, chassis access, and temporary warehousing before October Golden Week. A food-grade warehouse or Hazmat certified 3PL can protect sensitive inventory when terminals cannot receive or release containers. (Kuehne+Nagel advisory)

What changed under the Jones Act waiver?

The waiver now runs through November 15, 2026, but shippers must use a Vessel Availability Request process. MARAD surveys the market for qualified U.S.-flag capacity before a foreign-flag vessel can carry covered cargo. Build lead time for filings, evidence, and post-voyage reporting. (Lanta’s Jones Act update)

China’s revised Maritime Law also shifts unclaimed-cargo costs and risks toward the shipper or consignor after notice. Meanwhile, soft demand and declining truckload rates coexist with regional capacity gaps as freight bankruptcies accelerate. DOT’s August 23–29 Brake Safety Week adds another execution risk for carriers.

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