Freight Pulse & Law Update: Diesel Hits Record $5.90, Spot Rates Surge, Maersk Adds Peak Surcharges

Diesel has reached a new national record near $5.90 per gallon, while truckload spot rates increased for a second straight week. Ocean shippers also face elevated trans-Pacific pricing and new Maersk peak-season charges. Together, fuel, congestion, and compliance costs are tightening margins across the supply chain.

Why are freight costs rising?

Refinery constraints and Middle East supply disruptions are pushing diesel higher, increasing fuel surcharges and carrier operating costs. NPR reports that diesel reached approximately $5.90 per gallon in early September, with daily benchmarks moving above previous records.

According to DAT data reported by AJOT, national all-in spot rates for the week ending September 5 were:

• Dry van: $2.95 per mile, up $0.06

• Reefer: $3.54 per mile, up $0.09

• Flatbed: $3.54 per mile, up $0.04

• Tender rejections: approximately 14% around Labor Day

• Capacity: still down double digits year over year

What is happening in ocean freight?

Trans-Pacific rates remain near $9,500 per FEU to the U.S. East Coast, according to FreightWaves. Fuel costs, typhoon-related port delays, and resilient peak-season demand continue to restrict effective capacity.

Maersk announced a $250-per-container Peak Season Surcharge from the West Mediterranean to the United States and Canada, effective October 7, 2026, until further notice.

Which compliance costs should shippers budget?

The FMCSA’s 2027 UCR schedule increases fees by approximately 20%, effective October 1, 2026. Budget now for carrier, broker, and freight-forwarder registration costs.

Data from CVSA Brake Safety Week, August 23–29, 2026, is still being compiled. DOT/CVSA brake inspections remain a critical carrier-readiness issue, particularly as fuel pressure encourages tighter asset utilization.

How can shippers protect margins?

Use third party logistics providers that combine transportation planning, fulfillment, and compliance visibility. Lanta Logistics supports 3PL fulfillment services, inventory management for ecommerce, and Mid-Atlantic fulfillment from a food-grade warehouse. As a Hazmat certified 3PL operating from a Glen Burnie warehouse, Lanta can help supply chain management companies and growing brands respond faster to cost changes.

FlowOps by Lanta adds real-time visibility for $99/month, with unlimited SKUs, patent-pending Agentic AI, and 20+ integrated modules. Explore FlowOps or compare capabilities.