The CIT has certified a class for purposes of refunding IEEPA tariffs on finally liquidated entries covering importers that have not yet filed a CIT action.

1. Why does having multiple warehouses create paperwork problems?

More warehouses put products closer to customers, but physical shipping happens locally while office tasks stay central. Emailing paperwork back and forth between headquarters and loading docks creates slow bottlenecks.

2. What is the traditional way to handle a Bill of Lading (BOL)?

In a traditional setup, a local worker packs the freight and emails the office manager, who then logs into shipping software to create the BOL and email it back. Finally, the local worker prints the document and hands it to the truck driver upon arrival. 

3. How do slow paperwork handoffs hurt dock operations and costs?

A 15 to 60 minute email delay can cause drivers to leave without the freight. This leads to missed shipping cutoffs, extra carrier fees, delayed deliveries, and crowded loading docks.

4. How does automated document routing solve this problem?

It connects your Warehouse Management System (WMS) directly to your shipping software. The software instantly generates and sends the paper BOL to the right warehouse printer as soon as a job is marked ready, skipping email entirely.

5. What starts the automatic document creation process?

It starts automatically when a dock worker completes a final action in the warehouse software, like scanning a wrapped pallet and entering its final weight and size.

6. Can automated shipping work with different types of warehouses?

Yes. High-volume docks can print paper BOLs automatically right at the desk, while partner warehouses can automatically receive ready-to-print PDFs in their email.

7. How much better is automated shipping than manual email relays?

Automating this process drops document delivery speed from up to an hour down to an instant system transfer while preventing missed truck cutoffs by having paper ready before drivers arrive. It cuts out dozens of daily back-and-forth emails, eliminates file errors by keeping data in one synced system, and keeps loading docks clear instead of blocking floor space with unshipped pallets. 

8. What are the main steps to set up automated freight paperwork?

To set up automated paperwork, start by auditing every site to note local contacts, printers, and driver schedules across all locations. Next, pick a precise trigger status that means a load is completely ready, and configure your system rules to create and route documents automatically using location codes. Finally, run a two-week test at your busiest warehouse to ensure everything works before launching across your network. 

9. How does automating paperwork save money?

Fast dock turnarounds keep drivers happy, giving you better power to negotiate lower shipping rates. Plus, shipping orders on time avoids late pickup fees and stops buyers from canceling orders.

10. What do logistics managers gain by removing paper relays?

Instead of chasing down PDF files, office teams can focus on bigger goals like lowering freight costs, balancing inventory levels, and growing business operations.

1. What is a variable pallet in freight shipping?

A variable pallet refers to any non-standard pallet, custom-sized skid, or inconsistency in dimensions, weight distribution, and overhang across palletized shipments. Standard pallets follow strict dimension specifications (such as the standard GMA 48" x 40" pallet in North America).

2. Why do variable pallets pose a challenge for automated freight systems?

Automated freight systems rely on standardized physical parameters to calculate space, route shipments, and execute mechanical handling. When a pallet varies in size or shape, automated machinery and algorithms struggle to process the item accurately, leading to operational bottlenecks.

3. How do variable pallets disrupt automated warehouse and terminal equipment?

Inconsistent pallet sizes can trigger sensor errors, jam automated conveyor belts, and derail Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) or robotic arms.

• Sensors may misread dimensions or mistake overhangs for system obstructions.
• Robotic sorters and racking systems calibrated for uniform bases may drop or fail to secure irregular skids.

4. How do variable pallets affect freight rating and pricing algorithms?

Freight automation platforms rely on predictable volumetric weight and density calculations to generate instant API rates. Variable pallets distort these algorithms, resulting in inaccurate pricing quotes that often lead to post-shipment re-weigh and re-dimension billing adjustments.

5. What operational delays are caused by non-standard pallets in automated networks?

When an automated scanner or sorter encounters an irregular pallet, the system typically flags the shipment for manual intervention.

• Operators must remove the pallet from the automated line to measure and weigh it manually.
• Manual processing slows down cross-dock operations, frequently missing tight carrier cut-off times.

6. How do variable pallets impact trailer space optimization and density?

Automated load-planning software calculates trailer capacity based on uniform, stackable units. Variable or irregular pallets disrupt these calculations by preventing safe stacking, creating wasted "empty space," and reducing overall trailer density.

7. What safety risks do variable pallets introduce in automated logistics hub settings?

Unusually shaped or unstable pallets increase the risk of load shifts and tip-overs during automated movement.

• Overhanging cargo can strike structural posts or adjacent shipments on high-speed conveyors.
• Unbalanced weight distribution can cause automated forklifts or robotic lifts to lose balance.

8. How can shippers prevent variable pallets from breaking freight automation workflows?

Shippers can protect their supply chain efficiency by adhering strictly to standard pallet dimensions and proper packaging protocols.

• Use standard pallet sizes (e.g., 48" x 40" GMA pallets) whenever possible.
• Ensure cargo is contained within the edges of the pallet to eliminate overhang.
• Secure loads tightly using stretch wrap or strapping to prevent shifting during automated handling.

9. What role does advanced dimensional scanning play in managing irregular pallets?

Advanced 3D volumetric dimensioners and optical sensors capture exact irregular measurements at origin, helping automated systems adjust routing and pricing in real time rather than stopping production lines mid-transit.

1. What is a variable pallet?

It is any pallet or skid that is an odd size, an unusual shape, or packed unevenly compared to standard pallets.

2. Why do variable pallets cause problems for automated systems?

Automation relies on exact, consistent measurements. Odd-sized pallets confuse machines and software, causing errors and slowdowns.

3. How do non-standard pallets affect warehouse machinery?

They trip up sensors, jam conveyor belts, and make robotic lifts or automated carts drop or misplace items.

4. How do variable pallets impact shipping prices?

Pricing systems rely on standard size and weight rules. Odd pallets disrupt these math checks, leading to extra charges and adjusted bills later.

5. What delays do non-standard pallets cause?

Machines stop to flag odd pallets, forcing workers to pull them off the line and measure them by hand.

6. How do variable pallets waste truck space?

They cannot be stacked neatly. This creates empty spots in trucks and reduces the amount of freight you can fit inside.

7. What safety risks do irregular pallets pose?

Uneven or sticking-out loads can spill, tip over, or crash into machinery while moving on fast automated lines.

8. How can shippers avoid issues with automated systems?

Use standard 48" x 40" pallets, keep items inside the pallet edges, and wrap loads tightly so nothing shifts.

9. How do 3D scanners help manage irregular pallets?

3D scanners measure odd shapes automatically, allowing the system to update costs and routes instantly without stopping the line.

1. What is the primary bottleneck in direct-to-consumer (DTC) freight fulfillment for big and bulky goods?

The primary bottleneck is manual freight quoting, which delays checkout and causes high cart abandonment rates. When customers request quotes for oversized products, operations teams often spend hours or days calculating freight rates and accessory fees manually, causing prospective buyers to abandon their purchases before a quote is provided.

2. Why do standard parcel shipping tools fail for large or high-value items?

Standard parcel shipping tools are designed exclusively for lightweight, small-package logistics and cannot account for the operational requirements of heavy freight. Oversized goods require Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) or specialized transport, precise accessorial calculations, and commercial customs management that standard parcel integrations cannot handle.

3. How does automated dynamic pricing at checkout eliminate fulfillment delays?

Automated dynamic pricing calculates guaranteed, real-time freight shipping rates, duties, and taxes directly within the online store's checkout flow based on SKU dimensions and destination. By removing the need for manual rate calculations, buyers receive instant visibility into total landed costs and can complete their purchase immediately.

4. What is the distinction between Curbside and White Glove freight delivery?

Curbside delivery drops off the palletized shipment at the buyer's curb or driveway, leaving unpacking and final placement to the customer. White Glove delivery provides full-service transportation, including inside placement, unboxing, light assembly, and packaging disposal, which is critical for high-value or complex goods like saunas and fitness equipment.

5. How can DTC brands sell oversized products internationally without holding local overseas inventory?

Brands can fulfill international orders directly from their primary manufacturing facilities or domestic warehouses by leveraging automated crossborder freight forwarding and duty calculations. Shipping directly to international consumers avoids the need for foreign warehousing, local tax registrations, or giving up profit margins to regional distributors.

6. Why are Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) options essential for international freight shipping?

Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) options calculate and collect all applicable customs duties, tariffs, and taxes upfront at checkout, preventing unexpected charges upon delivery. Providing total landed cost transparency ensures shipments pass smoothly through customs without being held or rejected by the recipient.

7. How does packaging design affect overall freight profitability and logistics?

Minor variations in package dimensions or weight can dramatically alter freight classification and increase shipping fees. Exceeding standard pallet dimensions or requiring specialized delivery equipment (such as lift-gates or cranes) can add hundreds of dollars in accessorial charges and limit carrier availability.

8. What happens operationally once a customer places an oversized freight order online?

When an order is submitted, the integrated logistics system automatically generates the Bill of Lading (BOL) and schedules carrier pickup without requiring manual intervention from the operations team. The order status syncs automatically with the ecommerce store, enabling real-time container and freight tracking through final delivery.

9. How can merchants protect themselves against freight rate volatility and shipping damage?

Merchants can mitigate financial risk by locking in freight rates at the time of checkout, shielding themselves from sudden carrier surcharge spikes or spot market fluctuations. Additionally, integrating optional all-risk freight insurance during checkout clarifies coverage responsibility and speeds up replacement claim processing if transit damage occurs.

10. Which product verticals derive the greatest benefit from specialized DTC freight solutions?

Specialized DTC freight solutions serve industries that sell oversized, heavy, or high-value merchandise, including:

• Wellness & Fitness: Saunas, hot tubs, strength training systems, and sports equipment
• Home & Commercial Fixtures: Arcade machines, heavy furniture, and gaming equipment
• Industrial & Specialty Goods: Medical fixtures, yard tools, ranching gear, and light construction machinery

I have been in enough of these conversations lately to notice the same disconnect coming up over and over: an importer believes their IEEPA refund is "in process," and what's actually true is something a few steps behind that.

Worth laying out where the confusion tends to happen, because it's rarely one single mistake — it's usually one of these seven gaps stacking on top of each other:

• Filed vs. accepted. Submission and acceptance are different system states. A claim can sit received-but-not-processing for a while, and from the importer's side that can look identical to "it's being worked."
• Refund amount vs. duty actually paid. Worth a direct reconciliation, not an assumption — partial-match refunds happen more than people expect, especially across mixed-entry shipments.
• Multiple EINs. If a company imports under more than one importer-of-record entity, each has an independent claim history. Refund status on one tells you nothing about the others.
• Phase coverage. Phase 1 closing cleanly doesn't mean Phase 2 or 3 entries were ever filed. Worth checking phase-by-phase, not just "is my refund done."
• Unexplained rejections. A rejection with no clear reason attached is a dead end until someone digs into the actual entry summary data — generic denial codes don't tell you what to fix.
• ACE visibility gaps. A lot of this comes down to whether someone is actually pulling and reading ACE data directly versus working off secondhand status updates.
• Timing vs. cash-flow reality. Separate from all the filing mechanics — with CBP running 60–90+ days on approved claims in a lot of cases, some importers are finding the wait itself is the actual business problem, independent of whether the filing was done correctly.

Curious what others here are seeing port-to-port or client-to-client — is the phase-tracking issue (Phase 2/3 slipping through) as common where you're working as it seems to be in the accounts I'm looking at?

4. AI Video Pro

For CAPE Phase 3, we've been advised a lawsuit it likely required. I do not want to wait and our entries go beyond the refund period.

Has anyone used The Tariff Refund Project?

Aside from the 4811 process, have any of y’all found a solution to foreign companies with no bank account in the United States? Perhaps a foreign bank has a sub account in the United States? Trying to figure out a solution for a client whose brokers did not check the 4811 box and has no US Bank account.

There is no executive orders announced today. Is everybody waiting for July 24, 12:02 AM Eastern to file their customs entries without section 122 tariffs?

https://preview.redd.it/gtm538vso3ch1.png?width=1215&format=png&auto=webp&s=d5346f312d37feeb3dfa404a045207e18f621ced

I filed several entries summaries in CAPE phase 1 and all are refund but not this one.

Claim status is "CAPE Accepted"

I don't know why it's Liquidation Date is blank from the ES-022 report.

Is it because of the "Liquidation Status" from ES-001 report says: "Under Review"?

I currently have another entry summary (filed last month) which is under CBP review and I have received the CBPF-28 because of it. But it's "Liquidation Status" from ES-001 report says: "Pending" iso "Under Review" as the one in this case.

Have anybody faced the same situation before? To whom should we raise this issue?

https://www.freightright.com/news/carriers-hold-firm-on-fuel-surcharges-despite-emerging-us-iran-peace-plans-tfx-update-wk-june-15-2026

The Lead:

The mid-point of June 2026 demonstrated that the world is moving away from broad, sweeping border surcharges toward highly targeted, regulatory trade walls. The United States actively advanced its strategy to replace expiring emergency surcharges with permanent Section 301 labor tariffs, while successfully utilizing massive Section 232 pharmaceutical duties to force international drug manufacturers into onshoring commitments. Simultaneously, the European Union acted to protect its internal market on two fronts: by closing the de minimis loophole with a new €3 flat fee on low-value online imports, and by advancing the Turnberry trade deal to secure lasting tariff peace with Washington. Ultimately, the week proved that the global economy is functioning within a highly legalistic centralized trade architecture in the West, where access to prime consumer markets requires meeting strict labor, safety, and supply-chain origin mandates. 

This Week’s Ocean, Air & Freight Markets

China-US Ocean Freight Market:

The transpacific ocean freight market has officially entered a higher pricing bracket, confirming the expiration of $6,000 spot rates. Over the past week, ocean freight rates from China to both North American coasts experienced a steep climb, driven by heavy volume increases in the first half of June. 

CEA to USWC: Spot rates have broken past previous thresholds and are now officially confirmed in the low $6,000s per FEU. 

CEA to USEC: Rates to the East Coast have pushed even higher, settling firmly into the mid-$7000s per FEU. 

For comparison, Gulf Coast rates are mirroring the East Coast in the mid-$7,000s, while inland moves to the Midwest (e.g., Chicago) have reached $8,000 to $8,400. 

Freight Right’s Lowest Rate indicators are finding that importers can find spot rates as low as $5,750 from China to US West Coast and $6,400 from China to US East Coast. Talk to your freight forwarder about options available to you.

https://preview.redd.it/lx7oic1vio7h1.png?width=1076&format=png&auto=webp&s=90803209c8fcc40efb159b0c4046715792811da8

https://preview.redd.it/diue3ioxio7h1.png?width=1007&format=png&auto=webp&s=89e418d8fd3529f5f2b50db7ddebeb152241100c

https://preview.redd.it/ca150kszio7h1.png?width=995&format=png&auto=webp&s=690da9d7f5a892b4a5de8199f6c3c80cc814ed59

Read more about the state of the ocean freight spot market with Freight Right’s TrueFreight Index.

What Happened This Past Week

• Peak Season Front-Loading: Carriers reported a significant spike in cargo volumes during the first half of June. This surge is largely attributed to shippers front-loading their inventory early to avoid peak-season bottlenecks, which directly triggered carrier GRI implementations for the second half of the month.  
• Port Congestion & Rolled Cargo: Ongoing backlog from previous weeks continues to choke the network. This legacy congestion has triggered heavy rolling of bookings, severely degrading schedule reliability. 
• Strict Dynamic Quoting: Due to the daily volatility in space availability, standard quotes are no longer guaranteed. Logistics providers are forcing a subject to roll and availability clause, as space secured one day is often entirely gone by the next.

 

Looking Ahead:

The immediate outlook points to sustained upward pressure and prolonged volatility. Shippers should abandon expectations for a quick rate correction; carriers have just successfully pushed rates into the $6,000–$7,000+ range and will be highly resistant to lowering them, likely citing ongoing market uncertainty to justify keeping current fuel surcharges and base rates intact.

Furthermore, because booking backlogs are already stretching lead times out significantly, with some agents quoting the beginning of July as the earliest available space, shippers must plan and book several weeks in advance to secure equipment and vessel space. Even if the geopolitical situation in the Middle East stabilizes and a formal peace deal is signed by the end of the week, the lag in carrier operational adjustments means the earliest the market would see any tangible impact or relief on fuel surcharges would be late next week or early July. 

In the News:

WSJ: The Global Economy Is Threatened Again by Trade Imbalances
https://www.wsj.com/economy/global/the-global-economy-is-threatened-again-by-trade-imbalances-b996bc00 

NY Post: Trump warns France in exclusive interview with The Post: Kill tech tax or face 100% wine tariffs: ‘I have no choice’
https://nypost.com/2026/06/15/business/trump-warns-france-in-exclusive-interview-with-the-post-kill-tech-tax-or-face-100-wine-tariffs/ 

The Guardian: Me, worry? For US small businesses, Trump’s tariffs are now a non-issue
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jun/14/small-business-trump-tariffs 

Reuters: Macron maintains France will not bend to Trump over digital tax
https://www.reuters.com/business/trump-warns-france-kill-tech-tax-or-face-100-wine-tariffs-ny-post-reports-2026-06-15/ 

The Economist: A trade war between the EU and China seems inevitable
https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/06/11/a-trade-war-between-the-eu-and-china-seems-inevitable 

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The Lead:

Global economy adjusts to a highly transactional centralized trade architecture dictated by the US, forcing other major powers to solidify a multipolar landscape of alternative alliances. Seeking to shield its automotive and industrial sectors from American pressure, the European Union successfully brokered a major concession pact with Washington to cap general tariffs at 15%, while simultaneously signing a sweeping free-trade expansion with Mexico to open up non-US supply chains. This regional buffering was mirrored in South Africa’s aggressive hike of domestic steel tariffs to maximum WTO levels and China’s expanding zero-tariff framework with Africa. Collectively, the week proved that while the US continues to weaponize its market through strict new full value metal duties and targeted Section 301 labor probes, the rest of the world is adapting through hyper-localized regional pacts designed to bypass Washington entirely.  

This Week’s Ocean, Air & Freight Markets

China-US Ocean Freight Market:

The transpacific container spot market is holding steady at highly elevated levels as the month of May comes to a close, maintaining the standard baseline established over the last few weeks.  

CEA to USWC: Rates are expected to go up to $4,600 per FEU by end of this month to early June.

CEA to USEC: Similarly, rates from CEA to USEC is also expected to increase from $4,500 per FEU to around $5,800 by the start of next month.

This current stability this end of May is acting as the calm before an impending storm. Multiple major carriers have issued aggressive General Rate Increase (GRI) indications for June. 

Freight Right’s Lowest Rate indicators are finding that importers can find spot rates as low as $3,300 from China to US West Coast and $4,600 from China to US East Coast. Talk to your freight forwarder about options available to you.

https://preview.redd.it/1719rg50824h1.png?width=1093&format=png&auto=webp&s=00d36bb7030d8ab90a2ce7612b0d36b4297d314e

https://preview.redd.it/a21463p0824h1.png?width=1004&format=png&auto=webp&s=9334a9513f348913d1087e29d3562254ea1396bf

https://preview.redd.it/ylqvua51824h1.png?width=1005&format=png&auto=webp&s=f6d2f3e5a2998229f01efc71e1e6ade81c1091c9

Read more about the state of the ocean freight spot market with Freight Right’s TrueFreight Index.

What Happened This Past Week

• The "Traffic Jam" Ripple Effect: Ocean carrier loops originate in China before moving down to Southeast Asian hubs like Vietnam and Thailand. Delays and schedule disruptions on the Chinese leg are creating a highway-style traffic jam, triggering rolling delays and congestion throughout secondary Southeast Asian markets.
• Widespread Container Rolling: Carriers are systematically booking cargo and implementing "blanked" or changed vessel rotations only after containers are checked into the terminal. Because the equipment is locked behind customs control inside the terminal, shippers are trapped and unable to pull their cargo to switch carriers, forcing them to wait out weekly delays.
• Summer Peak and Hospitality Demand: Importers with hard seasonal requirements, specifically those handling summer peak retail products and hospitality supply chains, are aggressively pushing cargo forward regardless of price premiums, inflating short-term demand.
• Geopolitical and Fuel Pressures: Rising fuel costs driven by Middle Eastern volatility, alongside complex vessel diversions, continue to establish a high structural floor for operating costs.

Looking Ahead:

The structural setup for June points toward a brutal, highly compressed freight environment. Shippers should expect volume numbers to slide as non-essential importers choose to pause and wait out the market spikes until July or later. However, for freight forwarders, this drop in volume will likely be counterbalanced by expanding cash margins, as generating fixed percentages on a $6,000 rate container yields significantly better dollar returns than on a sub-$2,000 container.

The primary metric to watch over the next two to three weeks will be carrier capacity management. If ocean lines successfully maintain strict blank sailing counts and keep vessel rotations tightly restricted, the $4,800 (USWC) and $6,000 (USEC) thresholds will become reality. If carriers soften their blanking strategy and ease capacity constraints, the rate market is likely to cap out below the terrifying $5,000 mark. Shippers must also keep an eye on upcoming tariff timelines; with key 10% structural tariff exemptions expected to expire around July, any subsequent shifts in trade policy could heavily influence late-summer booking behavior.

In the News:

Bloomberg: The Race for US Tariff Refunds Gets Off to a Quiet Start
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2026-05-26/trump-tariff-refunds 

CNBC: Trump said he'd 'remember' companies that didn't apply for tariff refunds. Many of them are anyway
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/22/trump-tariff-refunds-walmart-home-depot-target-apply.html 

Financial Times: The power struggle in the world’s narrow seas
https://ig.ft.com/maritime-chokepoints/ 

Reuters: Mexico, EU sign stalled trade deal as they aim to diversify from US
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/mexico-eu-sign-stalled-trade-deal-they-aim-diversify-us-2026-05-22/  

WSJ: World Trade Grew Strongly at Start of Year on AI Boom
https://www.wsj.com/economy/trade/world-trade-grew-strongly-at-start-of-year-on-ai-boom-c522479c 

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