Newsletter [March 29 - April 4]
Good Morning
A note from our CEO, Richard Roman Jr
This week we are seeing global disruption begin to translate into real operational constraints across the supply chain.
Ongoing tensions in the Middle East are impacting vessel routing, transit times, and overall network efficiency. At the same time, early signs of equipment imbalance are beginning to emerge, particularly with tightening availability of 20GP containers.
When container circulation slows, availability tightens quickly. While conditions are still developing, this type of disruption can escalate rapidly. Planning ahead and securing space early will be increasingly important over the coming weeks.
The Roundup
What moved the world this week
Customs & Trade Policy Update
IEEPA Refund Process Still Pending — Preparation Required
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to move toward an automated refund process for tariffs previously collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
While progress is being made, refunds are not yet being issued and remain dependent on final court approval and system implementation.
CBP has now fully transitioned to electronic-only refund processing:
Paper checks have been eliminated
All refunds will be issued via ACH transfer through the ACE Portal
To receive refunds once the system is activated, importers must have:
An active ACE Portal account
ACH refund authorization linked to a U.S. bank account
Importers who are not properly set up may experience delays or inability to receive refunds once the system goes live.
Beyond refunds, the ACE Portal provides visibility into entry filings, financial activity, and CBP communications, making it an increasingly important tool for managing import operations.
Supply Chain & Logistics News
Middle East Disruptions Driving Network Instability
Escalating conflict in the Middle East continues to impact global shipping networks, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor.
Carriers have adjusted operations in response:
Vessels are being rerouted away from high-risk areas, often around Southern Africa
Some services into the Gulf region are being reduced or modified
Additional port calls are being added for consolidation and network adjustments
Slow steaming practices are being implemented to manage rising fuel costs
Impact on Transit Times
As a result of these changes:
Transit times are increasing significantly across major trade lanes
Rerouting alone is adding approximately 10–14 days in some cases
Additional port stops are creating further delays
Schedule reliability is becoming less predictable
Allowing for a one to two week buffer on transit times is advisable as networks continue to adjust.
20GP Container Shortage Emerging
Early signs of a 20GP container shortage are beginning to surface in key origin markets.
This is being driven by:
Containers not returning to origin markets on normal cycles
Equipment becoming stranded in non-traditional locations
Extended transit times slowing overall container circulation
Carrier prioritization of 40’ equipment for higher-yield cargo
20GP containers are commonly used for heavy and dense cargo, making this particularly relevant for commodity shipments and industrial freight.
Longer lead times to secure equipment are already being observed, and booking earlier than usual will help mitigate potential delays or rollovers.
Cost & Carrier Developments
Carriers are experiencing increased operational pressure due to ongoing disruptions.
Hapag-Lloyd has reported approximately $40–50 million per week in additional costs
Carriers are implementing:
War risk surcharges
Emergency and contingency charges
Fuel-related increases
These cost pressures are expected to continue flowing through to shippers, contributing to rising landed costs and increased rate volatility.
The Forecast
Trends, goals, and what’s on the radar at JR Global
Current conditions point to early-stage disruption with potential to escalate if ongoing geopolitical tensions persist.
Key indicators include:
Continued tightening of 20GP equipment availability
Increasing rate and surcharge volatility
Longer booking lead times required
Ongoing variability in transit times and scheduling
As global networks adjust, efficiency remains impacted by rerouting and delayed equipment repositioning.
The Shortcut
Smart tips for smart shippers — key takeaways from this week’s newsletter
IEEPA refunds pending: Process is coming, but not live yet—prepare now to avoid delays.
Set up ACE + ACH: Required to receive refunds (no paper checks).
Transit times increasing: Reroutes adding ~10–14 days—plan for delays.
Containers tight, costs rising: 20GP shortages + new surcharges—book early.
The Playlist
What the JR team is listening to this week in the office