California's "Green Wall" Goes Live

If you are shipping to the US, specifically into California, the regulatory landscape just got much tougher. 2026 is the implementation year for key aspects of California’s Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (SB 253).

Major US retailers and importers are now legally required to report their Scope 3 emissions—which includes the emissions from shipping their goods. This means they are demanding granular carbon data from their logistics providers. Carriers utilizing low-carbon fuels (methanol/LNG) or newly electrified drayage trucks at California ports are gaining preferential status. Shippers unable to provide verifiable emissions data may find themselves getting de-prioritized by major US buyers.

2026 Inland Freight Outlook: Automation vs. Labor

Getting goods to a US port is only half the battle. The domestic driver shortage remains a chronic issue in 2026, keeping a floor under inland trucking rates. However, relief is emerging through technology.

We are seeing accelerated adoption of autonomous trucking pilots on specific, predictable lanes (like Dallas to Houston I-45 corridor) which is beginning to stabilize long-haul costs. Furthermore, AI-driven "load matching" platforms have matured, significantly reducing empty miles and offering shippers better spot-market rates for domestic transport.

Conclusion

Shipping to the US in 2026 requires agility. It means looking south to the Mexico border for capacity and looking internally at your environmental data protocols. The shippers who succeed this year will be those who balance cost efficiency with regulatory compliance.