EIA: U.S. DIESEL SLIPS TO $5.596/GAL FOR WEEK OF MAY 18; REGULAR GASOLINE AT $4.49
The Energy Information Administration’s weekly update shows on‑highway diesel averaging $5.596/gal (down 4.3¢ w/w) and regular gasoline at $4.49/gal, with West Coast diesel still above $6.50. Regional and state breakouts detail mixed week-over-week moves.
‘DO NOT DRIVE’ WARNING ISSUED FOR 2025–26 FONTAINE FUSION FLATBEDS
Overdrive reports Fontaine Trailer is warning owners of ~247 Fusion flatbeds to park them due to potential main‑beam cracking tied to hydrogen embrittlement; NHTSA recall 26V‑291 includes free inspections and repairs, with owner notices mailed May 11.
GEORGIA EXTENDS STATE FUEL‑TAX SUSPENSION THROUGH JUNE 2 TO EASE PUMP PRICES
Gov. Brian Kemp’s latest order prolongs Georgia’s excise tax holiday, slicing 37.3¢/gal off diesel and 33.3¢/gal off gasoline—timed ahead of Memorial Day travel and amid elevated fuel costs, per Overdrive’s May 19 brief.
EINRIDE, EASE LOGISTICS TO DEPLOY CAB‑LESS L4 AUTONOMOUS TRUCKS IN OHIO
A DriveOhio‑backed proof‑of‑concept will move goods between Ease warehouses in Marysville using Einride’s driverless electric trucks monitored by remote operators, generating real‑world safety and operations data starting this summer, Overdrive reports.
DAT: ROADCHECK WEEK SQUEEZED CAPACITY; LOAD POSTS JUMPED 29% TO 4.36M
During CVSA’s May 12–14 Roadcheck, brokers pushed freight into the spot market, lifting rates and total load posts to 4.36M last week as enforcement sidelined trucks, according to DAT data cited by TheTrucker.com.
USDOT LAUNCHES NEW ANTI‑FRAUD MOTOR CARRIER REGISTRATION PLATFORM “MOTUS”
The department says Motus adds government‑ID verification and digital facial scans to choke off identity fraud at registration, part of broader efforts to curb “chameleon carriers” and improve safety oversight of new entrants.
UP–NS MERGER FACES PUSHBACK AS RIVALS CRITIQUE REFILED STB APPLICATION
Rail competitors are urging the Surface Transportation Board to scrutinize Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern’s amended bid, arguing key details remain incomplete—raising potential downstream implications for intermodal and truck‑rail capacity balance.
PORT OF LOS ANGELES POSTS BEST MONTH SINCE AUGUST 2025 AT 890,861 TEUS
Executive Director Gene Seroka says spring/summer goods are flowing, with back‑to‑school and early holiday inventory already in the pipeline, as geopolitical risks keep shippers vigilant on routing and schedules.
JOINT U.S.–MEXICO TRUCK INSPECTIONS EXPANDING TO CUT BORDER DELAYS FOR AGRI FREIGHT
Officials are weighing additional sites after a pilot sped crossings for perishables; prospective locations include Tijuana/Mexicali, Nogales, El Paso, McAllen and Laredo, aiming to reduce wait times and spoilage risk.
AG LOGISTICS MIXED: GRAIN RAIL DEMAND RISES AS BARGE MOVEMENT SLOWS
The latest weekly snapshot shows stronger rail demand for grain shipments while river barge traffic eases, signaling potential modal shifts that can influence truckload positioning around elevators and inland ports.
ANALYSTS: SCOTUS BROKER‑LIABILITY RULING LIKELY TO LIFT TRUCKING COSTS, THIN BROKER RANKS
Following the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision allowing negligent‑selection claims against freight brokers, industry voices warn of tighter carrier vetting, higher insurance costs and potential consolidation among smaller intermediaries.
KNIGHT‑SWIFT: HEAVIER, LONGER LTL SHIPMENTS SIGNAL INDUSTRIAL DEMAND INFLECTION
AAA Cooper’s Q1 metrics improved, with average weight per shipment up 5.2% y/y to 1,033 lbs and length of haul up 8.5% to 693 miles, as the carrier targets more industrial customers amid a tightening capacity backdrop.
NEXT GENERATION IN TRUCKING NAMES 28 “CAREER CATALYST” COMPANIES FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The awards, presented with NTI and Engine, recognize fleets investing in apprenticeships, mentorships, school partnerships and leadership training to strengthen trucking’s talent pipeline across North America.
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