Great Lakes shipping pilots will cost 7% less next year, and the math changes too

The US Coast Guard is proposing new rates for Great Lakes shipping pilots that would cut operating costs by about 7% for the 2026 season. They are also changing how these rates are calculated by removing a step related to a working capital fund.

The cost of moving goods through the Great Lakes is directly affected by these pilotage rates. A 7% drop in operating costs means cheaper shipping for companies that rely on this route. The change in methodology also means future rate adjustments will be calculated differently, potentially leading to more stable or predictable costs for shippers.