{
  "id": 14221372,
  "title": "Diesel Prices & Freight Trends: What’s Driving the Market in Q4?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/diesel-prices-freight-trends-whats-driving-the-market-in-q4",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-13T14:38:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "FreightWaves",
    "slug": "freightwaves",
    "url": "https://www.freightwaves.com/news/diesel-prices-freight-trends-whats-driving-the-market-in-q4"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Craig Fuller's analysis of recent SONAR data sheds light on the current state of the freight market. Contract rates have reached their highest levels since the freight recession ended, with an index reading of 274, significantly outpacing the previous two years. This indicates that shippers are securing higher committed rates as the market searches for a peak-season catalyst. However, spot rates have since cooled and are beginning to trend upward again, heading into November. Diesel prices, meanwhile, have reached an all-time high of $6.50 per gallon before moderating. Uncertainty surrounding a potential Russia supply deal, ongoing drone strikes on Russian refineries, and discussions of a possible U.S. export ban have all contributed to the volatility in diesel prices. Despite a modest decrease, Fuller stated that there is not much relief in sight. Freight volumes have softened compared to their peak levels in the first half of 2025, with a decline attributed to AI data center-related freight shifts and increased pressure in food and beverage sectors due to rising inflation, reduced SNAP benefits, and the use of GLP-1 medications. The tender rejection index, currently at 1,373, remains elevated but falls short of the robust readings necessary to confirm peak season has arrived. With November on the horizon, the freight market is in a state of uncertainty, with contract rates firming, diesel prices remaining high, and capacity utilization tighter than a year ago. No single data point has yet solidified the arrival of peak-season volumes.",
  "summary": "Craig Fuller dives deep into the latest SONAR data, revealing how contract rates are climbing past recession highs, spot rates are trending up towards peak, and why demand isn’t the primary driver of current market volume. Get the essential insights on diesel prices and tender rejections affecting your supply chain. Contract rates have climbed to […] The post Diesel Prices & Freight Trends:…",
  "key_points": [
    "Contract rates hit highest since freight recession ended at 274 index",
    "Diesel prices peak at $6.50 per gallon before moderating",
    "Freight volumes decline due to AI shifts and inflation pressures"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}