Today’s Freight Pulse: New Shipping Law Changes Explained in Under 3 Minutes

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is no longer just watching from the sidelines; they are actively rewriting the rulebook on how you pay for freight. With a fresh $1.9 million penalty issued just last month and new billing mandates in effect, the days of "surprise" detention and demurrage fees are officially numbered.

The New D&D Billing Mandate

The FMC’s Final Rule on Detention and Demurrage (D&D) billing is now the law of the land. Carriers and terminals are now required to issue invoices that are actually readable, containing specific data points that allow you to verify every cent charged. If the invoice lacks the mandatory "billing period" or "vessel name," you have grounds to dispute it immediately. For shippers, this means the power has shifted back to your balance sheet.

Jones Act: The 2026 Reality Check

We just exited a high-stakes 60-day waiver period for energy and fertilizer moves that allowed foreign vessels into domestic ports. As of June 2026, that window has slammed shut. We are back to strict Jones Act compliance. If you were banking on extended waivers to lower domestic coastal costs, it’s time to pivot back to reliable land-based solutions.

Why Strategy Beats Scrambling

In this heavy-enforcement environment, "business as usual" is a liability. Whether you are navigating the Port of Baltimore or managing a food-grade warehouse in the Mid-Atlantic, compliance is your best cost-saver. At Lanta Logistics, we integrate these regulatory shifts into our 3PL Maryland operations, ensuring your Mid-Atlantic fulfillment strategy stays ahead of the FMC’s next move.

Stop reacting to freight law changes and start anticipating them: partner with Lanta Logistics at our Glen Burnie warehouse to secure a compliant, performance-driven supply chain that protects your bottom line.