The 13:00 Freight Pulse: Today’s Law Changes Explained in Under 3 Minutes

A seismic shift in freight liability and new tariff enforcement is hitting the books this June. Between a landmark Supreme Court ruling and expanded metals duties, your exposure just went up: here is what you need to know to protect your bottom line.

The New Liability Landscape

The U.S. Supreme Court has effectively green-lit state-level negligence claims against brokers and shippers regarding carrier selection. Federal preemption no longer provides a blanket shield. If a carrier you hire is involved in an accident, you can be sued for "negligent selection." This makes professional vetting and data-driven carrier qualification non-negotiable. Shippers looking for a 3PL Maryland partner must prioritize providers with rigorous safety audit protocols to mitigate this heightened litigation risk.

Customs and Tariff Shakeups

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) just activated the CAPE refund mechanism, offering a lifeline for duty recovery on previously contested entries. However, the good news is offset by expanded Section 232 tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper. Effective immediately, certain imports face 10–50% surcharges. If your Mid-Atlantic fulfillment strategy involves raw metal components, expect a direct hit to landed costs unless you leverage foreign-trade zones or specialized drawback programs.

Market Squeeze and Execution

Ocean peak season has arrived two months early, with spot rates entering uncharted territory. As capacity tightens, the demand for food-grade warehouse space and Hazmat certified 3PL services in the Glen Burnie warehouse corridor is spiking. Brands that fail to secure contracted space now will be forced into a volatile spot market where service levels are crumbling and prices are soaring.

The Bottom Line

Regulatory shifts are moving faster than the market; you need a partner that handles compliance as aggressively as execution.

Protect your margins and your reputation: contact Lanta Logistics today to audit your supply chain compliance and lock in reliable capacity.