Freight Pulse & Law Update: Short-Haul Freight Wins, Diesel Bites, and a $600K Cargo Bust

Short-haul freight is winning while long-haul contracts, fuel budgets, and cargo-security teams absorb fresh pressure. Here are the market, regulatory, and theft developments shaping Sept. 24.

Why is short-haul freight outperforming?

Short-haul truckload moves under 100 miles are up 35% year to date and 11% since September 2024, according to SONAR data reported by FreightWaves. Freight over 800 miles is down 15% in two years as shippers shift to intermodal; outbound rail is up 6% year over year.

• Distribution networks are shrinking.

• Intermodal conversions create short drayage moves at both ends.

• Drayage capacity is tightening as regional freight grows.

What are rates, fuel, and ocean markets doing?

The national tender rejection rate reached 14.21% on Sept. 23, giving carriers continued selectivity before peak season. Diesel is pushing above $6 nationally, lifting surcharges and all-in costs; DAT reported spot-rate increases for Sept. 13–19.

Trans-Pacific rates remain elevated before China’s Golden Week: Far East–West Coast is about $8,100+/FEU, up 4%, while East Coast is approximately $9,600/FEU, flat. Asia–North Europe fell 15% to roughly $3,700/FEU; the Mediterranean fell 7% to $3,900/FEU. Freightos says rates remain below 2021 extremes, but a possible indefinite German port strike could tighten October capacity.

What changed in freight law and cargo security?

FMCSA is accepting comments through Oct. 13 on seven epilepsy/seizure exemption applications under Docket FMCSA-2026-0045. DataQs’ new three-step review timeline began Sept. 18: 21 days for initial review, 21 for reconsideration, and 45 for final review. Comments on permanent English-proficiency out-of-service orders are due Oct. 9 under Docket FMCSA-2026-0826.

A 90-day fuel-truck waiver now permits up to 16 hours in 24 with required rest breaks. Still, operators must maintain safe equipment: use the DOT/CVSA brake-inspection angle as a standing control, especially during CVSA Brake Safety Week.

Federal indictments in Memphis tie nearly $600,000 in stolen switches, televisions, and tires to CSX shipments across California, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas. SmartSense found 40% of 150 loss-prevention professionals report annual theft above $1 million; fraudulent pickups and carrier impersonation lead the concern list.

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