CHEVRON ADJUSTS OPERATIONS AT EL SEGUNDO REFINERY AFTER JET-FUEL UNIT FIRE
Chevron said it’s making operational adjustments and warned of intermittent flaring after a major fire at its 285,000 bpd El Segundo refinery, which supplies roughly 20% of SoCal motor fuel and 40% of its jet fuel. The incident could ripple through regional fuel supplies as the facility stabilizes production.
CALIFORNIA GAS PRICES SEEN JUMPING 10–20¢ AFTER EL SEGUNDO REFINERY BLAZE
Analysts expect a short-term spike at the pump following the Chevron fire, with the extent and duration hinging on damage assessments and repair timelines. Experts advise against panic buying as inventories and timing of shipments will vary by station and region.
TEXAS APPEALS COURT REBUKES PORT FREEPORT IN EMINENT DOMAIN CASE
A Houston appeals court sided with former Freeport residents, finding the port improperly used eminent domain to seize property. The ruling injects uncertainty into port land-use plans amid ongoing expansion to serve Gulf Coast trade flows.
USPS HOLIDAY SURCHARGES TAKE EFFECT TODAY THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2026
Temporary peak-season price increases begin October 5 for Priority Mail, Ground Advantage and other USPS services, adding $0.30 to $16 per parcel depending on size and zone. The Postal Service says surcharges help offset peak handling costs during the holiday rush.
FEDEX PEAK “DEMAND SURCHARGES” SET; CALCULATION WEEKS START OCT. 6
FedEx will apply volume-based residential delivery surcharges and higher handling/oversize fees during peak season, with peaking factors derived from shipping in the week of Oct. 6. Shippers exceeding baseline volumes could face surcharges up to $7.50–$8.75 per package on residential deliveries later this fall.
FMCSA SAYS TRUCKING OVERSIGHT CONTINUES DESPITE FEDERAL SHUTDOWN
DOT’s shutdown plan keeps FMCSA and FHWA operating using Highway Trust Fund resources, minimizing disruption to carrier oversight and highway programs. Hazmat and maritime offices face tighter staffing, but core safety functions remain in place, according to the agency plan released this week.
UNION PACIFIC ENGINEERS RATIFY 5-YEAR DEAL AS RAIL CONSOLIDATION LOOMS
Nearly 6,000 BLET-represented locomotive engineers approved a contract with wage increases and benefits. The vote comes as Union Pacific prepares a formal filing on its proposed $85B acquisition of Norfolk Southern, a move with major freight implications pending STB review.
PORT OF LONG BEACH BREAKS GROUND ON $1.5B ON-DOCK RAIL EXPANSION
Dubbed “America’s Green Gateway,” the project will more than triple on-dock rail capacity to nearly 5 million containers annually by 2032, easing truck congestion and cutting emissions. USDOT says the program will connect to 30 major rail hubs nationwide to strengthen supply chains.
CALTRANS SHUTS SR‑84 THROUGH NILES CANYON OCT. 4–5 FOR “EXTREME MAINTENANCE”
A full daytime closure (5 a.m.–3 p.m.) both days enables vegetation removal, drainage clearing, rail work and guardrail repairs on a critical Bay Area connector. Truckers should detour early to avoid narrow canyon congestion and time restrictions during the closure windows.
VIRGINIA: I‑95/ROUTE 58 RAMPS IN EMPORIA, I‑664 AND I‑64 RAMPS FACE NIGHTLY CLOSURES THIS WEEK
VDOT’s Oct. 5–11 advisory details multiple overnight ramp and lane closures affecting I‑95 in Emporia and key Hampton Roads corridors. Carriers should plan alternate routes and schedule adjustments to avoid delays through these work zones.
UNION PACIFIC SETS 33% INTERMODAL FUEL SURCHARGE FOR OCT. 6–12
UP confirmed a 33% weekly intermodal fuel surcharge for the upcoming week, with the October monthly surcharge at the same level. Shippers should factor the adjustment into all-domestic intermodal cost forecasts and bids starting Monday, Oct. 6.
RUSSIA SAYS NO NEW DIESEL EXPORT BAN FOR PRODUCERS, KEEPING MARKETS ON EDGE
Moscow said it’s not considering a fresh diesel export ban for refiners after recent restrictions targeting resellers, a stance that could steady global diesel flows. U.S. trucking fuel buyers remain sensitive to overseas supply shifts feeding into domestic rack prices.
OFFICIALS LIFT SHELTER-IN-PLACE AS EL SEGUNDO REFINERY FIRE IS CONTAINED
Local and state agencies reported no evacuation orders and no fence-line air quality exceedances after the blaze was contained. Attention now turns to restoration timelines and potential knock-on effects for gasoline, diesel and jet supply in the region.
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