Freight Pulse & Law Update: Diesel Hits $6.29, Capacity Keeps Walking, and FMCSA Pauses Enforcement During the Motus Rollout
Logistics software and 4PL coordination matter more when capacity leaves the market. Diesel reached approximately $6.29 per gallon for the week ending September 14-about 68% above last year, while truckload tender rejections climbed to 14.32%, compared with roughly 5.5% a year ago.
Why are rates rising if demand is not surging?
Capacity is exiting. FreightWaves reports spot rates near $3.42 per mile, up about 90 cents year over year, while fuel surcharges lag and often fail to cover empty or repositioning miles. Fuel bills arrive within days; freight payments can take 60–90 days.
That supply-side squeeze is pushing rates higher heading into peak season and the 2027 bid cycle. DAT and Uber Freight data point to firmer pricing, but carriers still face severe cash-flow pressure.
What changed for carrier compliance?
FMCSA has temporarily paused enforcement of biennial updates and USDOT number deactivations for deadlines on or after June 1, 2026, during the Motus rollout. Carriers should still complete updates through the official Motus portal and avoid phishing sites.
UCR 2027 fees rise an average of 20% beginning October 1. Bracket A increases to $55, with registration due by December 31, 2026. A temporary FMCSA waiver also allows qualifying interstate gasoline and diesel haulers up to 16 driving hours in 24 hours from September 16 through December 16-but only with required rest and safety conditions. It is a capacity band-aid, not a market fix.
What should shippers verify now?
Brake-related violations remain the top out-of-service category. CVSA Brake Safety Week, held August 23–29, reinforced the point: one serious brake defect can park a truck immediately. Verify carrier safety records, fuel policies, insurance, and backup capacity before tendering critical freight.
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Shipper takeaway: lock capacity and verify compliance now, before peak and the 2027 bid season.
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