Diesel fell 6.0 cents to $6.292 a gallon this week, but it is still up 9.3 cents over four weeks, so fuel relief remains thin.
Diesel Slips, Still Elevated
- $6.292 per gallon is the U.S. average retail diesel price for the week of 2026-11-02.
- Down 6.0 cents (0.9%) from last week, a small break for carriers buying fuel at the pump.
- Up 9.3 cents over four weeks, so surcharges and quotes still need to reflect the higher trend.
Source: EIA: Weekly U.S. diesel price, week of 2026-11-02
CDL Crackdown Spans 15 States
- 230-plus undocumented immigrants were arrested in a three-day federal and state operation.
- Over 40 of those arrested held CDLs, signaling tighter scrutiny of driver credentials.
- Fleets should expect closer checks on driver licensing paperwork during roadside stops.
Source: FreightWaves: 230-plus immigrants arrested in crackdown targeting unauthorized CDL holders
Truckload Margins Still Underwater
- 109.1% truckload operating ratio at Pamt Corp. in Q3, meaning it spent more than it earned.
- Driver recruiting costs and a diesel spike drove the loss, pressures small carriers also face.
- Retailers including Amazon reported paying more for freight in Q3, a sign of firming shipping costs.
Source: FreightWaves: Pamt Corp. reports Q3 net loss, books 109.1% truckload OR · FreightWaves: Amazon, retailers paid more for freight in 3Q
Peak Season and Demand Signals
- 4% rise in holiday parcel demand is forecast, the strongest peak since 2022.
- Manufacturing expanded for a 10th straight month, though the Iran war and trade fights weigh on sentiment.
- Shippers are moving more inventory through inland markets, which could shift where freight originates.
Source: FreightWaves: Parcel shipping demand to increase 4% during holidays, ShipMatrix says · Supply Chain Dive: Manufacturing expands for 10th straight month, but Iran war weighs heavily · Supply Chain Dive: Is warehouse demand shifting towards inland markets?
Equipment and Network Shifts
- EPA '27 NOx final rule is still pending, and Rush signaled it may not arrive soon.
- Norfolk Southern and Schneider are expanding East Coast intermodal, adding rail competition on some lanes.
- FedEx Network 2.0 moves into Los Angeles and other markets after the holidays.
Source: FreightWaves: Waiting on EPA ‘27 rule, Rush says it might not be soon · Supply Chain Dive: Norfolk Southern, Schneider National team to scale East Coast intermodal reach · Supply Chain Dive: FedEx Network 2.0 headed to Los Angeles, other markets post-holidays
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