Newsletter [May 3 - May 9]
Good Morning
A note from our CEO, Richard Roman Jr
This week continues to reinforce a market environment driven more by operational execution and network adjustment than sudden disruption.
While overall conditions remain stable, we continue to see underlying pressure tied to equipment positioning, longer routing cycles, and carrier cost exposure related to ongoing Middle East tensions.
At the same time, freight rates have started softening slightly in certain lanes, indicating that carriers are continuing to actively manage capacity against current demand levels.
On the customs side, CAPE refund submissions continue ramping up as importers begin actively pursuing IEEPA duty recovery through ACE.
The Roundup
What moved the world this week
Customs & Trade Policy Update
CAPE Refund Submissions Continue Through ACE
Following the launch of the CAPE refund portal, importers and brokers continue submitting IEEPA refund claims through ACE.
Current Phase Includes:
Unliquidated entries
Entries liquidated within approximately 80 days
Entries under extension, suspension, or review
Warehouse entries and withdrawals
Current Expectations:
Refund processing timeline remains approximately 60–90 days
Refunds are expected to include applicable government interest at time of processing
Refunds issued electronically via ACH only
Early Submission Volume
Early operational data indicates CAPE submission activity has already exceeded 75,000 declarations, highlighting the scale of IEEPA refund activity now moving through ACE.
As submission volume continues increasing, proper eligibility review, sequencing, and documentation remain critical to avoiding delays and processing issues.
Importers should continue ensuring:
Active ACE Portal access
ACH refund authorization setup
Updated importer information (Form 5106)
Supply Chain & Logistics News
Middle East Routing Adjustments Continue Impacting Global Networks
Ongoing Middle East tensions continue influencing vessel routing and equipment circulation globally.
This week, logistics focus shifted toward the growing importance of alternative Gulf routing infrastructure, particularly through UAE ports such as Fujairah and Khor Fakkan, which have seen increased throughput as carriers avoid higher-risk corridors.
At the same time:
Carriers continue rerouting around high-risk zones
Additional port calls are being used for consolidation
Slow steaming remains in place to manage fuel consumption and scheduling
These adjustments continue contributing to:
Longer and less predictable transit times
Reduced network efficiency
More controlled equipment allocation
Early 20GP Constraints Continuing
We continue to observe early-stage tightening involving 20GP equipment in select lanes.
This past week, we experienced a shipment into New York requiring additional coordination due to tighter carrier allocation and limited TEU space availability.
This does not represent a widespread shortage, but it reinforces a broader trend:
Equipment circulation remains uneven
Carriers are managing allocation more carefully
Booking timing is becoming increasingly important
At the same time, some freight rates have softened modestly, reflecting carrier efforts to balance capacity with current shipment demand levels.
As routing cycles extend, equipment repositioning becomes less efficient, particularly for specialized or lower-volume allocations.
The Forecast
Trends, goals, and what’s on the radar at JR Global
Current conditions remain manageable, but operational flexibility is becoming increasingly important.
Key areas we continue monitoring:
Equipment positioning and 20GP availability
Carrier allocation discipline
Transit variability tied to rerouting and consolidation
CAPE refund processing timelines as submissions scale
Rate movement as carriers continue adjusting capacity deployment
At this stage, the market remains functional and stable, though conditions continue requiring proactive planning and earlier coordination.
The Shortcut
Smart tips for smart shippers
CAPE refund submissions continue ramping up through ACE
Refunds expected in approximately 60–90 days with interest
CAPE submissions have already exceeded 75,000 declarations
Phase 1 currently covers unliquidated and recent entries
Middle East tensions continue impacting vessel routing and network efficiency
Early signs of tighter 20GP allocation continue
Some freight rates softening slightly as carriers manage capacity
Carrier cost pressure and surcharges remain elevated
The Playlist
What the JR team is listening to this week in the office
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