Diesel rose 7.6 cents last week to a $6.352 national average, squeezing margins for carriers without solid fuel surcharges.
Diesel Climbs Back Up
- $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, a sharp jump that hits per-mile costs immediately.
- Still down 3.0 cents over four weeks, so the recent trend remains mixed.
- Check that surcharge tables on spot and contract loads reflect the latest weekly price.
Source: EIA: Weekly U.S. diesel price, week of 2026-10-26
Covenant Sees Higher 2027 Contract Rates
- Double-digit truckload contract rate increases in 2027 are expected by Covenant Logistics CEO David Parker.
- That would mark another year of substantial gains, a sign big carriers see capacity staying tight.
- Small carriers negotiating lanes now may have room to push for better rates.
Source: FreightWaves: Covenant Logistics CEO expects double-digit truckload rate hikes in 2027
Arkansas Blitz Targets Driver Compliance
- 183 English-language proficiency violations were written in a 48-hour Arkansas enforcement blitz.
- 44 criminal arrests and 74 immigration violations also resulted from the two-day operation.
- Expect roadside inspections to keep focusing on language proficiency; make sure drivers are prepared.
Source: FreightWaves: Arkansas truck blitz nets 183 English violations, 44 arrests in 48 hours
Mexico Strike on Hold
- Mexican trucking leaders suspended their nationwide strike, but only temporarily.
- They want measurable improvements in highway security from negotiations over deadly cargo crime.
- Cross-border carriers should watch for renewed disruption if talks stall.
Source: FreightWaves: Mexico truckers halt protests, demand action on deadly highway crime
Rail, Rates and Big Shippers
- Schneider struck a deal to use Norfolk Southern's eastern rail network and raised its outlook despite a Q3 miss.
- The Fed held rates steady despite accelerating inflation; two members wanted a 0.25-point hike, keeping equipment financing costly.
- Walmart plans a $400M, 744,000-plus-square-foot distribution center in Cibolo, Texas, breaking ground in February.
Source: FreightWaves: Schneider partners with Norfolk Southern; raises outlook despite Q3 miss · Supply Chain Dive: Fed holds main interest rate steady despite accelerating inflation · Supply Chain Dive: Walmart plans $400M Texas distribution center
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