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Freight Pulse & Law Update: Driver Pool Shrinks, FMC Opens a New Complaint Path, and Rail Keeps Climbing

Writer: Lanta LLC
Lanta LLC
Sep 15
2 min read

September freight faces a sharper capacity test. More than 48,000 non-compliant drivers are leaving the market as federal audits reduce the qualified pool, while LTL industrial freight reaches record pricing. Ocean congestion, canal restrictions, higher UCR fees, and CVSA Brake Safety Week add compliance and cost pressure heading into Q4.

Why could truckload and LTL rates rise this fall?

Carrier executives expect a choppy peak season. Uber Freight warns that tight capacity could trigger a Q4 spot-rate surge, particularly as heavier industrial freight pushes LTL pricing higher.

Key truck-market signals:

  • Federal audits are shrinking the driver pool.

  • More than 48,000 non-compliant drivers are exiting.

  • Industrial and LTL freight faces record pricing pressure.

  • DOT/CVSA brake inspections remain a critical operating risk following CVSA Brake Safety Week.

What changed in FMC charge complaints?

The FMC clarified that complaints under 46 U.S.C. § 41310 may proceed through the formal or small-claims process: not only the interim email pathway. There is no statute of limitations for covered charges assessed on or after June 16, 2022. Under OSRA 2022, carriers still bear the burden of proving demurrage and detention charges reasonable.

Review the FMC final rule before disputing older invoices.

What else should carriers and importers track?

  • FMCSA temporarily suspended USDOT deactivations for missed biennial updates during the Motus rollout; the filing requirement remains.

  • U.S. rail has posted 22 consecutive weeks of year-over-year traffic gains, while grain fuel surcharges hit records.

  • Typhoon congestion and canal restrictions make September one of 2026’s busiest import months. Rates remain elevated ahead of Golden Week.

  • UCR fees rise approximately 20% on October 1, 2026. Review the registration update.

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