Freight Pulse & Law Update: Diesel Tops $6, Flatbed Rates Jump, and FMCSA's 16-Hour Fuel Haul Waiver

Fuel is lifting all-in costs while linehaul pricing stays flat to soft. At the same time, new federal rules and trade restrictions are increasing compliance and planning pressure for carriers and shippers.

What is driving truckload rates this week?

Direct answer: Diesel above $6 per gallon and tender rejections above 14% are pushing transportation costs higher even as some base rates weaken.

• DAT reported national diesel at more than $6 per gallon for Sept. 13–19.

• Fuel surcharges are doing most of the work behind rising all-in spot rates.

• Flatbed rates jumped late in the week, while dry van and reefer rates declined.

• Reefer capacity remains highly uneven: Yakima apple shipments to the East reportedly topped $14,000 per load.

See the DAT Truckload Market Report and DAT’s Yakima reefer update.

What does FMCSA’s fuel-hauler waiver allow?

Direct answer: From Sept. 16 through Dec. 16, 2026, eligible gasoline and diesel haulers may drive up to 16 hours in a 24-hour period, subject to rest and safety conditions.

• Sleeper-berth operations require six consecutive hours of sleeper rest.

• Non-sleeper operations require eight consecutive hours off duty.

• Drivers must remain qualified, rested, and free of applicable out-of-service restrictions.

• Pair the waiver with DOT brake inspections and CVSA Brake Safety Week.

Review the FMCSA waiver before dispatching covered loads.

Which compliance deadlines matter now?

Direct answer: File early, document decisions, and audit carrier records before October.

• 2027 UCR fees rise about 20%, effective Oct. 1. Federal Register notice

• FMCSA DataQs now uses a three-step independent review process for qualifying Requests for Data Review. DataQs

How should shippers manage trade and capacity risk?

Direct answer: Favor dedicated capacity and tighter procurement controls on vulnerable cross-border lanes.

Canada’s tariffs of up to 50% on more than 700 U.S. products, plus selected import bans, are raising planning risk for cross-border freight. FreightWaves coverage outlines the exposure.

How can FlowOps improve freight visibility?

Direct answer: FlowOps by Lanta gives operators one live view of inventory, dispatch, and compliance activity.

FlowOps is operator-built at a $99/month flat rate with unlimited SKUs, 20+ modules, patent-pending Agentic AI, and real screenshots. Use it as a warehouse management system instead of disconnected logistics software. Explore FlowOps or compare plans.

Lanta Logistics supports third party logistics providers with 3PL fulfillment services, inventory management for ecommerce, and Mid-Atlantic fulfillment from a food-grade warehouse and Hazmat certified 3PL network, including its Glen Burnie warehouse.

Work with Lanta Logistics to reduce fuel exposure, strengthen compliance, and improve supply chain visibility.