Daily Trucking Digest – April 3, 2026

Daily Trucking Digest – April 3, 2026

AMAZON SLAPS 3.5% FUEL AND LOGISTICS SURCHARGE ON THIRD-PARTY SELLERS

Effective April 17, Amazon will add a 3.5% surcharge for U.S. and Canadian sellers using its fulfillment services as fuel costs surge amid the Iran war, following similar carrier actions. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/6b15b3bf56521e290063147697358f29?utm_source=openai))


U.S. DOUBLES HORMUZ SHIPPING REINSURANCE GUARANTEES TO $40B

The U.S. International Development Finance Corp. added major insurers including AIG and Berkshire Hathaway, expanding coverage to encourage vessel traffic through the war-hit Strait of Hormuz—an upstream relief valve for global supply chains. ([ttnews.com](https://www.ttnews.com/articles/us-double-hormuz-reinsurance?utm_source=openai))


DIESEL PRICE SURGE TURNS FUEL INTO FREIGHT MARKET’S WILD CARD

Diesel has jumped roughly 39% to near $5.40/gal since late February, lifting spot rates and surcharges as carriers scramble to manage costs and shippers brace for higher transport bills. ([ttnews.com](https://www.ttnews.com/articles/iran-war-fuel-trucking?utm_source=openai))


OIL PRICES CONTINUE SURGE AS CONFLICT FEARS LINGER, PRESSURING TRUCKING COSTS

Energy markets extended gains tied to the Iran war, signaling sustained pressure on carrier operating expenses and potential pass-throughs to shippers via fuel surcharges. ([ttnews.com](https://www.ttnews.com/articles/oil-prices-continue-surge?utm_source=openai))


U.S. ADDS 178,000 JOBS IN MARCH; UNEMPLOYMENT DIPS TO 4.3%

A better-than-expected jobs report hints at steady freight demand drivers, though higher fuel and trade uncertainty could temper hiring across transport and warehousing. ([ttnews.com](https://www.ttnews.com/articles/employers-178000-jobs-march?utm_source=openai))


HANKOOK TO START U.S. TRUCK TIRE PRODUCTION IN JULY AT TENNESSEE PLANT

Hankook will launch domestic TBR output in Clarksville, Tenn., as part of a $1.6B expansion adding 400 jobs—aiming to cover up to 90% of U.S. demand by 2027 and shorten OEM supply lines. ([ttnews.com](https://www.ttnews.com/articles/hankook-tennessee-july?utm_source=openai))


TITANIUM TRANSPORTATION COMPLETES MANAGEMENT-LED BUYOUT, SETS DELISTING

The North American logistics and trucking provider closed its take-private deal at $2.22 per share and expects TSX delisting, as ownership shifts to a management-backed entity. ([ttnews.com](https://www.ttnews.com/articles/titanium-transportation-buyout?utm_source=openai))


SPOT RATES NARROW GAP WITH CONTRACT PRICING AS MARKET REBALANCES

U.S. Bank/DAT data show the contract–spot spread shrinking to about 11¢/mile by March, with DAT forecasting 2026 gains of ~8% for contract and ~12% for spot as capacity tightens. ([truckingdive.com](https://www.truckingdive.com/news/trucking-spot-contract-rates-us-bank-dat-2026-spread/816351/?utm_source=openai))


WHITE HOUSE ADJUSTS METALS TARIFFS; 50% ON PURE GOODS, 25% ON SOME DERIVATIVES

A new proclamation effective April 6 reshapes Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum and copper items—likely influencing flatbed demand, inventory strategies, and project costs. ([truckingdive.com](https://www.truckingdive.com/news/trump-steel-aluminum-copper-tariff-adjustments/816578/?utm_source=openai))


TRUCK AND ENGINE MAKERS SIDE WITH EPA IN PHASE 3 EMISSIONS COURT FIGHT

The Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association moved to support EPA against a suit challenging heavy-duty GHG Phase 3 rules, keeping 2027–2032 compliance targets in focus for fleets. ([truckingdive.com](https://www.truckingdive.com/news/ema-epa-lawsuit-phase-3-emissions/816405/?utm_source=openai))


AIR CARGO FUEL SURCHARGES SPLINTER AS JET FUEL NEARLY DOUBLES IN MARCH

Forwarders report long-haul FSCs ranging widely as jet fuel costs spike, with some carriers reinstating or hiking surcharges—raising modal and routing stakes for time-sensitive freight. ([theloadstar.com](https://theloadstar.com/air-cargo-fuel-surcharges-diverge-sharply-as-oil-price-surges/?utm_source=openai))


C.H. ROBINSON ROLLS OUT FUEL RELIEF FOR CARRIER NETWORK

To cushion small carriers from spiking diesel, C.H. Robinson launched a fuel-support offering tied to its Robinson Fuel Card, waiving application fees through May as costs soar. ([ttnews.com](https://www.ttnews.com/articles/ch-robinson-fuel-relief?utm_source=openai))

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