Freight Pulse & Law Update: Fuel Haulers Get 16-Hour Days, Van Rates Hold $2.17, and the October 1 UCR Bill

FMCSA’s temporary fuel waiver now allows eligible gasoline and diesel haulers to drive up to 16 hours in a 24-hour period. At the same time, carriers face higher 2027 UCR fees effective October 1, while tightening capacity keeps truckload rates firm.

What does the fuel waiver allow?

The FMCSA waiver runs from September 16 through December 16, 2026.

• Maximum driving: 16 hours in any 24-hour period.

• Rest: six consecutive sleeper-berth hours, or eight consecutive off-duty hours without a sleeper berth.

• Eligibility: valid CDL and endorsements, no out-of-service order, and no conditional safety rating.

• Documentation: drivers must carry a physical or digital copy of the waiver.

• Accountability: carriers must track which drivers operate under it and report qualifying crashes to FMCSA within two business days.

The waiver does not suspend hazmat, insurance, drug-and-alcohol testing, vehicle-weight, or other applicable requirements.

Why does October 1 matter for UCR?

The final UCR rule raises 2027 fees by an average of about 20%. Increases range from approximately $9 to $9,329 per entity, depending on fleet size.

Audit your vehicle count and UCR bracket now. Use the official fee schedule and file before October 1.

What are truckload markets signaling?

Capacity continues to exit while demand remains uneven. National tender rejections are holding near 14%. For the week ending September 18, dry van spot linehaul averaged about $2.17 per mile, excluding fuel; reefer averaged approximately $2.71.

How should fleets tighten compliance visibility?

CVSA Brake Safety Week ran August 23–29, 2026. Brake defects remain a leading out-of-service category, making documented pre-trip inspections essential heading into fall.

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