From supply chain shifts to fuel price changes, the freight world is always moving. Here are the latest updates every driver and logistics pro should know to stay ahead.
Fuel watch: diesel eases from early-August highs
The U.S. on-highway diesel average ticked down to $3.71/gal for the week of Aug 25, after climbing from early June’s ~$3.45/gal. Keep an eye on regional swings as hurricane season ramps up.
Rules & regs to know
- FMCSA drops the speed-limiter rulemaking. The agency formally withdrew both its 2016 joint NPRM and a 2022 notice of intent—so there’s no federal speed-limiter mandate moving forward.
- AEB on heavy trucks: still pending. NHTSA/FMCSA’s proposed rule for heavy-vehicle automatic emergency braking (AEB) remains in the proposal phase; watch for next steps. (Light-vehicle AEB was finalized in 2024 and begins phasing in later this decade.)
- California emissions fight escalates. DOJ sued to block California’s tougher truck standards, while major OEMs filed suit over the state’s Clean Truck Partnership; meanwhile CARB paused its federal waiver request for the Advanced Clean Fleets regulation and is evaluating next steps. Expect policy whiplash and plan equipment purchases with flexibility.
Supply chain pulse
- Peak season heat at the ports. The Port of Los Angeles just logged its busiest month ever in July (1.02M TEUs), with record imports—an indicator for inland demand over the next 4–8 weeks.
- Ocean rates & routings. Analysts see Asia→U.S. spot rates drifting lower as capacity outpaces demand, though Red Sea detours continue to blunt the drop in some lanes.
- Panama Canal outlook: Water levels are healthy and no repeat of 2023–24 drought curbs is expected; transits have rebounded versus last year, though still below pre-drought norms.
Safety calendar (this week)
- CVSA Brake Safety Week is underway: Aug 24–30. Inspectors across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are focusing on brake drums & rotors this year. Quick checklist: look for cracks, heat-checking, scoring, leaks, and low linings before you roll.
- Under-21 Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot: FMCSA says the final deadline to submit apprentice applications is Aug 31, 2025; the program concludes Nov 7, 2025.
Parking & infrastructure
Federal awards this summer include funds that expand truck parking capacity (e.g., West Virginia’s statewide project), alongside other multimodal freight upgrades. More competitive grants are in the pipeline.
What this means for your week
- Budget fuel using the latest EIA number but watch Gulf and Southeast weather for price and supply blips.
- Equipment & spec decisions: with speed-limiters off the table (for now) and California policy in flux, keep purchase/lease terms flexible and follow your customers’ corridor requirements.
- Ops planning: expect strong import-driven volumes pushing into the Midwest and interior distribution hubs through September. Stage capacity accordingly.
Safety: tighten brake inspections all week—drums/rotors are the spotlight.