Freight Pulse & Law Update: REVOKE Act Targets Chameleon Carriers, Bunker Costs Surge, and Peak Rates Hold

The immediate answer: Freight risk is tightening from three directions: H.R. 10237 targets unsafe “chameleon carriers,” bunker fuel costs are lifting ocean pricing, and trucking capacity remains constrained despite flat demand. Shippers should verify carrier compliance, protect margins, and maintain real-time supply chain visibility.

What would the REVOKE Act change?

Introduced September 4 by Reps. Dave Taylor and Shomari Figures, the REVOKE Act has received American Trucking Associations support. It targets carriers that shut down and reopen under new USDOT numbers to evade safety enforcement.

The bill would:

• Require carriers to maintain an active USDOT number.

• Restrict new active numbers until registration requirements are verified.

• Authorize immediate inactivation for invalid registrations or missed periodic updates.

FMCSA’s UCR final rule also raises compliance stakes ahead of the 2027 registration year.

Why are freight rates holding firm?

Reuters reported that very low sulfur fuel oil has climbed more than 70% since the Iran conflict began. Refiners are prioritizing diesel and other distillates, tightening ship-fuel supply and pushing diesel costs higher for truckload operators.

FleetOwner reports that enforcement, stricter driver requirements, insurance costs, and carrier exits are keeping capacity tight.

• Trans-Pacific rates: approximately $9,500 per FEU to the East Coast and $7,200–$7,600 to the West Coast, according to FreightWaves.

• Use the August 23–29 CVSA Brake Safety Week as a continuing brake-readiness standard: inspect equipment before a compliance event removes capacity.

How should shippers respond now?

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