Executive Summary
The Global Cargo Corporation Weekly Market Intelligence Report, dated October 7, 2026, presents information on weather conditions across the United States, on-highway diesel fuel prices, major developments in the international maritime transportation industry, container volumes at U.S. ports, the commercial truck driver market, and FTL and LTL freight rates.
In this edition, the weather forecast highlights a persistent heat wave across California and the southwestern United States, frost conditions in the Northeast, and the possibility of a tropical system reaching the central Gulf Coast between October 9 and 10. The document also identifies risks of heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and disruptions to highway corridors and port operations.
Diesel fuel prices declined across all monitored regions. The national average decreased from $6.38 to $6.20 per gallon, while the Lower Atlantic recorded the largest weekly decline of $0.25 per gallon.
In the maritime sector, major developments include rising trans-Pacific spot freight rates, CMA CGM’s acquisition of FedEx Supply Chain, an international labor campaign against port automation, changes in UNCTAD’s maritime connectivity indicators, and the operational restructuring of Ocean Network Express (ONE).
Estimated container volumes declined at the major ports and intermodal terminals monitored during Week 40, reflecting reduced activity associated with China’s Golden Week holiday. Los Angeles recorded an estimated volume of 206,700 TEUs, followed by New York/New Jersey with 183,500 TEUs.
The commercial truck driver market continues to be characterized by approximately 3.46 million active CDL drivers, an estimated shortage of 82,000 drivers, and annualized turnover of approximately 90% among large over-the-road carriers.
In the trucking freight market, all three major equipment segments recorded weekly rate increases. Truckstop/FTR spot rates, including fuel, reached $2.86 per mile for Dry Van, $3.35 for Flatbed, and $3.54 for Reefer.
U.S. National Weather Forecast
Period: October 7–9, 2026 Sources: NOAA / Weather Prediction Center (WPC) / National Hurricane Center (NHC)
The weather forecast for this period presents extreme heat across the western United States, cooler temperatures in the Northeast, thunderstorms in Florida, and the potential development of a tropical system in the Gulf of Mexico.
The primary forecast conditions include exceptionally high temperatures in California and the Southwest, frost and freeze risks in the Northeast, and heavy rainfall associated with an approaching tropical system along the Gulf Coast.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
An intense heat wave persists across California and the Desert Southwest.
High temperatures are expected to range from 15°F to 20°F above normal, reaching approximately 90°F to 100°F in several locations.
The report indicates that significant heat alerts, classified within the Major and Extreme HeatRisk categories, are in effect along coastal California.
At the same time, the Northeast is experiencing conditions favorable for frost and freezing temperatures, particularly across parts of New England and the northern Mid-Atlantic region.
In Florida, moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, combined with a stalled frontal boundary, continues to support widespread thunderstorm development.
These storms may produce localized urban flooding across different parts of the Florida Peninsula.
Operational conditions described in the source document: Extreme heat may increase refrigerated equipment fuel consumption along Southern California operations and the I-10 and I-15 corridors. Lower temperatures in the Northeast may also affect the transportation of temperature-sensitive cargo.
Thursday, October 8, 2026
The heat wave begins to ease along the California coast as a frontal system moves across the Upper Great Lakes and interior Northeast.
Temperatures in the Northeast become more moderate, with highs near 70°F.
Across the western and central United States, temperatures remain above normal, with highs in the 70s and 80s and the possibility of additional daily records in some locations.
Thunderstorms continue across Florida and extend toward South Texas.
The report also indicates that newly formed Tropical Depression Nine is forecast to move toward the Gulf Coast.
Operational conditions described in the source document: The ports of Houston, New Orleans, Mobile, and Florida gateways are identified as locations associated with evolving weather conditions in the Gulf of Mexico.
Friday, October 9, 2026
A tropical system is expected to potentially make landfall along the central Gulf Coast late Friday or Saturday, bringing heavy rainfall and flash flooding.
The Weather Prediction Center forecasts storm-total rainfall accumulations between 3 and 6 inches, with amounts approaching 10 inches in more severe scenarios.
The areas of greatest concern extend from eastern Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle.
The source document indicates that the system’s remnants may move toward the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic region during the following week.
At the same time, a strong cold front advances across the northern Rockies, bringing lower temperatures and the season’s first accumulating mountain snow.
Operational conditions described in the source document: The I-10 and I-65 highways, port terminals in Mobile, Gulfport, and New Orleans, and container drayage operations along the Gulf Coast are among the activities potentially affected by these weather conditions.
On-Highway Diesel Fuel Prices in the United States
Comparison Period: September 28 and October 5, 2026 Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
Average on-highway diesel fuel prices declined across all U.S. regions presented in the report during the week ending October 5, 2026.
The national average decreased from $6.38 to $6.20 per gallon, representing a reduction of $0.18 compared with the previous week.
The Lower Atlantic recorded the largest weekly decline among the detailed regions, followed by the Midwest and East Coast.
Weekly Diesel Price Comparison
| Region | Sep. 28 ($/gal) | Oct. 5 ($/gal) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. National Average | 6.38 | 6.20 | -0.18 |
| East Coast | 6.14 | 5.95 | -0.19 |
| New England | 6.51 | 6.48 | -0.03 |
| Central Atlantic | 6.53 | 6.49 | -0.04 |
| Lower Atlantic | 5.95 | 5.70 | -0.25 |
| Midwest | 6.53 | 6.29 | -0.24 |
| Gulf Coast | 5.96 | 5.82 | -0.14 |
| Rocky Mountains | 6.41 | 6.27 | -0.14 |
| West Coast | 7.36 | 7.23 | -0.13 |
| California | 8.18 | 8.08 | -0.10 |
Regional Price Developments
The national average recorded a reduction of $0.18 per gallon, declining from $6.38 to $6.20.
On the East Coast, the average price decreased from $6.14 to $5.95, representing a decline of $0.19.
The Lower Atlantic recorded the largest reduction among the detailed regions, falling by $0.25 per gallon, from $5.95 to $5.70.
In the Midwest, the average price declined from $6.53 to $6.29, a reduction of $0.24.
The Gulf Coast recorded a price of $5.82 per gallon, following a reduction of $0.14 compared with the previous week.
In the Rocky Mountain region, diesel prices declined from $6.41 to $6.27 per gallon.
The West Coast recorded a reduction of $0.13, ending the period at $7.23.
In California, the average price decreased from $8.18 to $8.08 per gallon, remaining the highest among the monitored regions.
The source document indicates that the next EIA diesel price update is scheduled for October 14, 2026.
Container Volumes and Port/Ramp Dwell Times
Period: Weeks 37–40, 2026 Sources: Port Authorities and Drayage.com
The volumes presented correspond to estimated weekly averages based on the latest monthly statistics published by port authorities.
Data for Weeks 37 and 38 use weekly averages derived from these statistics.
Week 39 presents estimates adjusted for a 2% increase in Drayage.com’s national demand indicator.
For Week 40, values were calculated using the average of Weeks 36–39, with an adjustment of approximately -6%, reflecting reduced activity associated with China’s Golden Week holiday.
Container Volumes at Major U.S. Ports
| Port | Wk 37 | Wk 38 | Wk 39* | Wk 40** | Dwell (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 219,300 | 220,600 | 222,200 | 206,700 | 3.0 |
| New York/NJ | 194,800 | 196,200 | 197,200 | 183,500 | 4.0 |
| Houston | 77,900 | 78,300 | 79,000 | 73,400 | 3.2 |
| Savannah | 121,800 | 122,900 | 123,300 | 114,700 | 3.5 |
| Charleston | 66,100 | 66,700 | 67,100 | 62,400 | 3.0 |
| Norfolk | 66,200 | 66,700 | 67,200 | 62,400 | 3.1 |
| Port Everglades | 30,800 | 31,000 | 31,200 | 29,000 | 2.8 |
| Philadelphia | 16,000 | 16,100 | 16,200 | 15,100 | 2.5 |
Volumes expressed in TEUs. Week 39 estimated using a +2% demand adjustment. Week 40 estimated using a -6% demand adjustment.
Inland Intermodal Ramp Volumes
| Inland Ramp | Wk 37 | Wk 38 | Wk 39* | Wk 40** | Dwell (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | 54,500 | 55,000 | 55,200 | 51,400 | 5.5 |
| Atlanta, GA | 39,700 | 40,000 | 40,200 | 37,400 | 4.2 |
| Charlotte, NC | 25,900 | 26,000 | 26,200 | 24,400 | 3.5 |
Dwell Times and Container Movement
The Port of Los Angeles recorded the highest estimated weekly volume among the monitored ports, with 206,700 TEUs in Week 40.
New York/New Jersey recorded 183,500 TEUs, while Savannah reported 114,700 TEUs.
Houston recorded an estimated volume of 73,400 TEUs, followed by Charleston and Norfolk, both with 62,400 TEUs.
Among inland intermodal terminals, Chicago recorded the highest volume, with 51,400 TEUs, followed by Atlanta with 37,400 TEUs and Charlotte with 24,400 TEUs.
The report also presents average container dwell times and truck gate turnaround times at the monitored terminals.
| Location | Average Dwell | Average Gate Turn Time |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 3.0 days | 1.4 hours |
| New York/NJ | 4.0 days | 1.1 hours |
| Houston | 3.2 days | 0.8 hours |
| Savannah | 3.5 days | 0.6 hours |
| Charleston | 3.0 days | 0.7 hours |
| Norfolk | 3.1 days | 0.8 hours |
| Port Everglades | 2.8 days | 0.6 hours |
| Philadelphia | 2.5 days | 0.5 hours |
| Chicago | 5.5 days | 2.3 hours |
| Atlanta | 4.2 days | 1.8 hours |
| Charlotte | 3.5 days | 1.5 hours |
Chicago recorded the longest average dwell time among inland terminals, at 5.5 days, as well as the longest average gate turnaround time, at 2.3 hours.
The source document clarifies that metropolitan activity data from Drayage.com require authentication and could not be extracted directly.
FTL and LTL Freight Rates by Equipment Type
Period: Week Ending October 2, 2026 Sources: Truckstop, FTR Transport Intelligence, and DAT Freight & Analytics
Spot trucking rates increased across all three major equipment segments during the week ending October 2, 2026.
The report presents Truckstop/FTR rates, including fuel, alongside linehaul rates published by DAT Freight & Analytics.
Weekly Spot Rate Comparison
| Equipment Type | Sep. 25 ($/mi) | Oct. 2 ($/mi) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Van | 2.78 | 2.86 | +0.08 |
| Flatbed | 3.32 | 3.35 | +0.03 |
| Reefer | 3.49 | 3.54 | +0.05 |
Truckstop/FTR rates include fuel. The exact changes reported in the source document are 7.6 cents for Dry Van, 3.0 cents for Flatbed, and 5.4 cents for Reefer.
Dry Van — General Freight Transportation
The Truckstop/FTR Dry Van spot rate increased by 7.6 cents per mile, reaching $2.86.
According to the source document, this represents the highest level recorded since mid-July.
The weekly increase was the strongest for this time of year since at least 2008.
Load postings increased by 10.5% during the week.
The DAT linehaul rate rose by 7 cents, reaching $2.25 per mile.
The load-to-truck ratio increased from 11.1 to 13.7, accompanying higher freight activity associated with quarter-end shipping.
Flatbed — Open-Deck Transportation
The Truckstop/FTR Flatbed spot rate increased by 3.0 cents per mile, reaching $3.35.
This marked the third consecutive weekly increase in the segment.
The source document states that the rate remains approximately 42% above the level recorded during the same period in the previous year.
The DAT linehaul rate increased by 6 cents, reaching $2.65 per mile.
The load-to-truck ratio reached 44.1, maintaining Flatbed as the tightest capacity market among the three equipment segments presented.
Reefer — Refrigerated Transportation
The Truckstop/FTR Reefer spot rate increased by 5.4 cents per mile, reaching $3.54.
This movement reversed two consecutive weeks of seasonal declines.
The source document reports that rates remained more than 46% above the levels recorded during the same period in the previous year.
DAT refrigerated truck postings declined by 12% during the week.
The reduction in advertised availability contributed to an increase in the load-to-truck ratio to 21.7, compared with 17.6 in the previous week.
The DAT linehaul rate increased by 2 cents, reaching $2.74 per mile.
Truckstop/FTR and DAT Rate Comparison
| Equipment Type | Truckstop/FTR Rate, Including Fuel | DAT Linehaul Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.86/mi | $2.25/mi |
| Flatbed | $3.35/mi | $2.65/mi |
| Reefer | $3.54/mi | $2.74/mi |
LTL Market — Less-Than-Truckload Transportation
The report states that LTL freight rates are primarily calculated by weight, frequently using hundredweight units, rather than per-mile pricing.
For this reason, the source document does not provide an average per-mile rate directly comparable with FTL segment values.
The reduction in the national average diesel price to $6.20 per gallon is presented as a factor associated with lower diesel-indexed fuel surcharges.
The document also reports that less-than-truckload carriers continue to maintain pricing discipline ahead of general rate increases planned for the fourth quarter.
Week-over-Week Market Movement
Rates increased across all three equipment segments monitored by Truckstop/FTR and DAT.
The report states that DAT characterizes this movement as a quarter-end increase rather than necessarily a lasting shift in freight demand.
The source document also presents DAT RateCast projections for early November.
| Equipment Type | Projected Linehaul Rate |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.24/mi |
| Reefer | $2.75/mi |
| Flatbed | $2.62/mi |
