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Featured: Jones Act Waiver — Extended Through November 15, 2026
The waiver has been extended a second time, through November 15, 2026 — but blanket coverage is over. Each foreign-flag voyage now needs its own approval.
The federal government first waived the Jones Act on March 17, 2026, covering more than 600 product categories. After a 90-day extension in May, the administration extended it again in August for another 90 days. The current period runs August 17 through November 15, 2026. Covered cargo must be loaded by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 15.
This extension is narrower and stricter. The product list dropped to roughly 230 categories, focused on petroleum products, LNG and LPG, fertilizers, soybean oil, ethanol and biodiesel. Coal and most industrial chemicals are no longer covered. It is now the longest Jones Act suspension in the law's 106-year history.
What's new: voyage-by-voyage approval
Before any voyage, the requester submits a Vessel Availability Request to the Department of War, MARAD and CBP, with vessel, dates, ports, cargo (HTS codes) and a national-defense justification.MARAD surveys the market for a qualified U.S.-flag vessel within 24 hours.
The Department of War decides whether to grant the waiver for that voyage.
After the voyage, the recipient reports to MARAD within 10 days (46 U.S.C. § 501(c)) at MARAD.MILCARGO@dot.gov.
What it means for U.S. operators: Answer every Vessel Availability Request you get, and answer fast! More than 90 requests have come in since August 17, many on Gulf lanes between Texas, Louisiana and Florida. AWO recommends naming someone on your team to handle them and including real details on capacity and timing in each response. Every request you answer is a chance to keep that cargo on an American boat.
The waiver has been extended a second time, through November 15, 2026 — but blanket coverage is over. Each foreign-flag voyage now needs its own approval.
The federal government first waived the Jones Act on March 17, 2026, covering more than 600 product categories. After a 90-day extension in May, the administration extended it again in August for another 90 days. The current period runs August 17 through November 15, 2026. Covered cargo must be loaded by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 15.
This extension is narrower and stricter. The product list dropped to roughly 230 categories, focused on petroleum products, LNG and LPG, fertilizers, soybean oil, ethanol and biodiesel. Coal and most industrial chemicals are no longer covered. It is now the longest Jones Act suspension in the law's 106-year history.
What's new: voyage-by-voyage approval
Before any voyage, the requester submits a Vessel Availability Request to the Department of War, MARAD and CBP, with vessel, dates, ports, cargo (HTS codes) and a national-defense justification.MARAD surveys the market for a qualified U.S.-flag vessel within 24 hours.
The Department of War decides whether to grant the waiver for that voyage.
After the voyage, the recipient reports to MARAD within 10 days (46 U.S.C. § 501(c)) at MARAD.MILCARGO@dot.gov.
What it means for U.S. operators: Answer every Vessel Availability Request you get, and answer fast! More than 90 requests have come in since August 17, many on Gulf lanes between Texas, Louisiana and Florida. AWO recommends naming someone on your team to handle them and including real details on capacity and timing in each response. Every request you answer is a chance to keep that cargo on an American boat.
Key links MARAD: Domestic Shipping & Jones Act Waivers: Official waiver notices, monthly voyage reports and the reporting process. MARAD: September 2026 Waiver Reports: The first voyage reports filed under the August 17 extension. AWO: Statement on the August 2026 Extension: Why the tug and barge industry's trade association opposes the extension. AMP: Statement on the 90-Day Extension: The domestic maritime coalition's response and its call for rigorous review of every request. AWO Letter, September 17, 2026: Practical tips for responding to Vessel Availability Requests. Holland & Knight: DHS Extends Jones Act Waiver Again: A plain-language legal summary of the new rules and product list.
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These links go to third-party websites that MobileOps doesn't control. This page is general information, not legal advice. Last updated September 2026.
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