Diesel fell 6.0 cents to $6.292 a gallon this week, still up 9.3 cents over four weeks. Meanwhile, a holiday inventory surge is giving truckload carriers leverage in bid season.
Diesel Takes a Small Step Back
- $6.292 per gallon: the U.S. average retail diesel price for the week of 2026-11-02.
- Down 6.0 cents (0.9%) week over week, a modest break on per-mile fuel costs.
- Up 9.3 cents over four weeks, so check that fuel surcharges still match your costs.
Source: EIA: Weekly U.S. diesel price, week of 2026-11-02
Inventory Surge Backs Rate Hikes
- October's Logistics Managers' Index showed a big jump in inventories ahead of the holiday season.
- Some truckload carriers are seeking double-digit rate increases, and some have already entered a new bid season.
- Stronger peak demand gives small carriers a firmer footing when negotiating rates with shippers and brokers.
Source: FreightWaves: Peak season inventory surge bolsters TL carriers’ double-digit rate ask
Lawsuit Targets Carrier Registration
- The Small Business in Transportation Coalition has filed a legal challenge against a federal carrier registration system.
- The system's operators warn that a win could disrupt registration fees for carriers.
- State motor carrier safety funding tied to the system could also be affected, so watch for changes in compliance costs.
Source: FreightWaves: Trucking group’s lawsuit threatens to upend federal carrier registration system
Demand Signals Look Mixed
- Manufacturing expanded for a 10th straight month, but survey respondents increasingly cited the Iran war and trade wars.
- Heavier shipment weights lifted ArcBest's LTL tonnage and revenue per shipment, helping it beat Q3 expectations.
- Norfolk Southern and Schneider are partnering to expand East Coast intermodal reach, adding competition for some long-haul lanes.
Source: Supply Chain Dive: Manufacturing expands for 10th straight month, but Iran war weighs heavily · FreightWaves: Higher shipment weights help ArcBest beat Q3 expectations · Supply Chain Dive: Norfolk Southern, Schneider National team to scale East Coast intermodal reach
Walmart Bets Big on Automation
- $6B: Walmart's commitment to automate distribution centers with Symbotic technology.
- 25 regional facilities will get the systems, aimed at faster inventory replenishment.
- Faster DC throughput could change appointment timing and dwell for carriers serving Walmart freight.
Source: FreightWaves: Walmart in $6B Symbiotic deal to automate warehouses · Supply Chain Dive: Walmart commits $6B to up distribution center automation with Symbotic
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