The national diesel average rose 9.7 cents to $6.276 per gallon, a fresh hit to per-mile costs even after a four-week decline.
Diesel Turns Higher Again
- $6.276 per gallon is the U.S. average retail diesel price for the week of 2026-10-19.
- Up 9.7 cents (1.6%) from the prior week, squeezing margins on loads booked without a fuel surcharge.
- Down 25.3 cents over four weeks, so the weekly jump erases part of the recent relief.
- Check that fuel surcharge tables on current contracts reflect this week's price before quoting new lanes.
Source: EIA: Weekly U.S. diesel price, week of 2026-10-19
$12M Theft Ring Used Hijacked Carrier IDs
- At least 24 shipments disappeared after drivers picked up freight at distribution centers, federal authorities say.
- Investigators found fake licenses, altered identities and ransom demands tied to the scheme.
- Hijacked authorities can damage a real carrier's reputation, so monitor your credentials and broker setup records closely.
Trailer Orders Jump Ahead of Price Hikes
- 385% surge in U.S. trailer orders in September as carriers locked in equipment before possible price increases.
- Class 8 truck purchases sent mixed signals, showing fleets are cautious about power units.
- EPA '27 NOx engine rules are approaching and will affect anyone buying new heavy-duty trucks.
Source: FreightWaves: US trailer orders soar 385% as Class 8 truck market sends mixed signals · FreightWaves: Ryder fleet facing possible growth need as EPA ‘27 nears
Railroads Post Record Quarters
- Union Pacific reported record Q3 revenue and profits as volume and pricing gains outpaced fuel and inflation costs.
- Norfolk Southern also hit record Q3 revenue on higher volumes, rates and fuel surcharges.
- Strong rail pricing and volume suggest intermodal remains a competitor on long-haul lanes.
Source: FreightWaves: Union Pacific posts record third-quarter revenue and profits · FreightWaves: Norfolk Southern profits rise on higher volume and revenue
Port Dwell Times Climb at San Pedro Bay
- Record September volumes at San Pedro Bay ports pushed up cargo dwell times for both rail and truck.
- Longer dwell means more waiting at terminals, so drayage carriers should factor detention into rates.
Source: Supply Chain Dive: Extended peak season drives high dwell times at San Pedro Bay ports
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