Freight Pulse & Law Update: Flatbed Breaks Rank, Short-Haul Wins, and a 90-Day Fuel Hauler Waiver

As of Sept. 24, freight is separating by lane and equipment: flatbed spot rates rose while dry van and reefer declined; short-haul freight under 100 miles is up about 35% year to date. Meanwhile, a temporary fuel-hauler waiver expands operating flexibility as enforcement, fuel costs, and customs rules reshape capacity.

Why is truckload capacity tightening?

DAT and FleetOwner data shows August posted record seasonal spot-rate declines, but flatbed is now breaking higher while van and reefer soften. FreightWaves identifies sub-100-mile freight as the most resilient segment; long-haul volume continues moving toward intermodal. Aggressive FMCSA enforcement against noncompliant carriers is driving a capacity exodus. An emerging capacity-driven upcycle.

• Diesel exceeded $6 per gallon in September, pressuring small spot carriers.

• Montgomery ruling fallout is raising insurance requirements and favoring asset-based carriers.

• UCR fees rise about 20% on Oct. 1.

What does the fuel-hauler waiver change?

Effective Sept. 16 through Dec. 16, the FMCSA waiver permits qualifying gasoline and diesel haulers to operate up to 16 hours in a 24-hour period, subject to rest, good-standing, and incident-reporting conditions. It is targeted relief, not a suspension of safety rules. After CVSA Brake Safety Week on Aug. 23–29, carriers should keep brake inspections, maintenance records, and driver fitness central.

What customs dates require action?

CBP is voiding Importer of Record numbers tied to bad Form 5106 data. A voluntary Electronic Export Manifest test for truck cargo starts Oct. 23; Maersk’s EU-bound “No MRN, No Load” policy starts Sept. 30. Validate master data and documents before tendering.

How can operators protect visibility?

FlowOps by Lanta is an operator-built platform for third party logistics providers and supply chain management companies. At a $99/mo flat rate, it offers unlimited SKUs, patent-pending Agentic AI, 20+ modules, and real-time inventory, dispatch, HOS, and shipment visibility. Explore FlowOps or compare plans to strengthen inventory management for ecommerce and 3PL fulfillment services.

For 3PL Maryland, Mid-Atlantic fulfillment, food-grade warehouse, Hazmat certified 3PL, or Glen Burnie warehouse needs, contact Lanta Logistics for structured execution.