Diesel rose 7.6 cents last week to a $6.352 national average, squeezing margins for carriers without strong fuel surcharge coverage.
Diesel Pops 7.6 Cents
- $6.352 per gallon is the U.S. average retail diesel price for the week of 2026-10-26.
- Up 7.6 cents (1.2%) week over week, so recheck fuel surcharges on spot loads now.
- Down 3.0 cents over four weeks, meaning last week's jump erased part of a recent dip.
Source: EIA: Weekly U.S. diesel price, week of 2026-10-26
Fed Holds as Inflation Speeds Up
- Rates unchanged: the Fed kept its main interest rate steady despite accelerating inflation.
- Two FOMC members dissented, favoring a 0.25 percentage point hike, so borrowing costs could still rise.
- Truck loans and equipment financing stay pricey for small fleets weighing purchases.
Source: Supply Chain Dive: Fed holds main interest rate steady despite accelerating inflation
California Cargo Theft Crackdown
- $500,000 SIG Sauer shipment left a Torrance warehouse via a fictitious pickup; two people were arrested.
- Fake pickups remain a live threat, so verify carrier identity before loading or accepting brokered freight.
- Nine alleged Sinaloa Cartel associates were arrested in Southern California over a cargo train theft ring.
Source: FreightWaves: $500,000 SIG Sauer shipment stolen in fictitious pickup, two arrested in California · FreightWaves: 9 alleged Mexican Cartel associates arrested in California train theft ring
Freight Demand Signals Mixed
- Old Dominion posted positive September tonnage, its first growth in more than two years.
- OD executives say a full recovery needs broader demand, which depends on easing energy costs.
- XPO beat Q3 expectations on higher volumes and stronger pricing, hinting at firmer LTL rates.
- CPKC set records for grain and intermodal volumes, adding rail competition for some truck freight.
Source: FreightWaves: Old Dominion’s tonnage turns positive; recovery needs demand inflection · FreightWaves: XPO’s pricing, operating initiatives drive Q3 beat · FreightWaves: CPKC reports record revenue on strength of grain and intermodal traffic
Claims Worries Hit Brokers
- C.H. Robinson and Landstar shares fell despite strong results, as investors focused on rising claims.
- Expect brokers to tighten scrutiny of carrier safety and claims history when tendering loads.
Source: FreightWaves: C.H Robinson and Landstar stock prices slammed; insurance a factor
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