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Freight Pulse & Law Update: Emergency Relief Extends to 30 Days, Ohio's Diesel Tax Disappears, and Ocean Rates Peak

Writer: Lanta LLC
Lanta LLC
Oct 5
2 min read

FMCSA's emergency relief window doubles on October 5, Ohio's diesel tax drops to near zero, and Asia-U.S. container rates sit near 2022 highs. Update compliance files, fuel budgets, and import plans now.

What changes under FMCSA’s 30-day emergency rule?

FMCSA's final rule under Docket FMCSA-2025-0124 stretches 49 CFR 390.23 relief from 14 to 30 days, effective October 5.

  • Covers qualifying regional emergency declarations and direct-assistance operations.

  • Confirm each declaration's scope before dispatching — never treat it as a blanket waiver.

How does Ohio’s diesel holiday affect fleets?

Ohio's House Bill 519 cuts the state diesel tax from about 47 cents per gallon to a near-zero placeholder, from October 4 through January 2, 2027.

  • Roughly $70 saved on a 150-gallon fill; $141 on a 300-gallon dual-tank fill.

  • IFTA filers must still log clean Ohio miles across the split quarter.

  • National diesel averages near $6.53 per gallon; C.H. Robinson expects distillate stocks to stay tight into 2027.

Have ocean rates peaked?

Rates are elevated but may have topped the post-Hormuz peak, per ICIS reporting.

  • West Coast: $7,550–$8,400 per FEU.

  • East Coast: $9,600–$12,000 per FEU.

  • Rest-of-2026 forecast: $4,500–$5,500 West; $6,000–$7,000 East.

  • Blank sailings drop to 10 from 13; the Panama Canal adds a 33rd daily slot on October 15.

What should Mid-Atlantic operators watch?

Build Baltimore drayage plans around Howard Street Tunnel routing, Glen Burnie warehouse capacity, and variable Mid-Atlantic fulfillment lead times. 3PL Maryland rates track diesel, chassis availability, and import volume.

CVSA Brake Safety Week ran August 23–29, 2026; the unannounced Brake Safety Day can land anytime. Keep DOT brake inspection records and corrective actions current.

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