Executive Summary
The Global Cargo Corporation Weekly Market Intelligence Report, dated October 14, 2026, presents the latest developments in the U.S. transportation and logistics market, covering national weather conditions, on-highway diesel fuel prices, container volumes and port dwell times, and FTL and LTL freight rates.
The weather forecast for October 14–16 highlights heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, and flash flood risks across the Southern Plains. Meanwhile, exceptionally high temperatures persist across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, while a cold front advances across the central and eastern United States, bringing the possibility of the season’s first widespread frost.
Diesel fuel prices experienced minor weekly fluctuations. The national average decreased from $6.20 to $6.18 per gallon. While most regions recorded declines, the Rocky Mountains, West Coast, and California experienced modest increases.
Estimated container volumes declined during Week 41. Los Angeles recorded approximately 199,800 TEUs, followed by New York/New Jersey with 177,500 TEUs. These figures represent estimates derived from port authority statistics and Drayage.com demand indicators.
In the trucking freight market, Dry Van spot rates remained nearly unchanged at $2.86 per mile, Flatbed rates decreased slightly to $3.34 per mile, and Reefer rates increased to $3.55 per mile, according to Truckstop/FTR data, including fuel.
U.S. National Weather Forecast
Period: October 14–16, 2026
Sources: NOAA / Weather Prediction Center (WPC)
The weather forecast for this period indicates heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and flash flood risks across the Southern Plains, while the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic continue experiencing exceptionally high temperatures.
An advancing cold front is expected to bring a significant temperature decline across the central and eastern United States, accompanied by frost and freezing risks.
Wednesday, October 15, 2026
A slow-moving frontal system brings heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and severe thunderstorms to portions of the Southern Plains.
The Weather Prediction Center forecasts rainfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches over a 48-hour period, extending from south-central Kansas to the Texas Big Bend region.
The slow movement of the system allows thunderstorms to repeatedly affect the same areas, increasing the potential for flash flooding.
In the Colorado Rockies, snowfall accumulations of up to approximately one foot are possible in the northern mountain regions.
Meanwhile, the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic continue experiencing exceptionally high temperatures, with the potential for additional records.
Weather conditions may cause transportation delays along the I-35, I-40, and I-44 highway corridors. Elevated temperatures may also increase operating requirements for refrigerated transportation across the Southeast.
Thursday, October 16, 2026
Rainfall expands toward the Lower Ohio and Mid-Mississippi Valleys as a Canadian high-pressure system moves southward into the Northern Plains.
Heavy precipitation and severe thunderstorms continue across Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
At the same time, exceptionally high temperatures persist across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic for another day.
Behind the cold front, temperatures drop by approximately 20°F to 25°F from the Dakotas to Iowa.
These weather conditions may affect freight transportation associated with the Houston and Dallas–Fort Worth markets, as well as the Memphis and St. Louis rail hubs.
Friday, October 17, 2026
The cold front reaches the eastern United States, while the season’s first frost threatens much of the central region of the country.
Overnight low temperatures near freezing are forecast from the Dakotas to Kansas and Missouri.
Rainfall and thunderstorms shift eastward ahead of the advancing cold front.
A deep low-pressure system is expected to strengthen over the Northeast into Saturday, bringing gusty winds.
Frost and freezing risks may extend into the Midwest and eastern United States during the weekend.
These conditions may affect temperature-sensitive freight transportation across the Midwest, as well as operations along the I-75, I-81, and I-95 highway corridors.
On-Highway Diesel Fuel Prices in the United States
Comparison Period: October 5 and October 12, 2026
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
Average on-highway diesel fuel prices experienced minor fluctuations during the week ending October 12, 2026.
The national average declined from $6.20 to $6.18 per gallon, representing a weekly decrease of $0.02.
Most regions recorded modest price reductions, while the Rocky Mountains, West Coast, and California experienced increases.
Weekly Diesel Price Comparison
| Region | Oct. 5 ($/gal) | Oct. 12 ($/gal) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. National Average | 6.20 | 6.18 | -0.02 |
| East Coast | 5.95 | 5.91 | -0.04 |
| New England | 6.48 | 6.44 | -0.04 |
| Central Atlantic | 6.49 | 6.47 | -0.02 |
| Lower Atlantic | 5.70 | 5.65 | -0.05 |
| Midwest | 6.29 | 6.26 | -0.03 |
| Gulf Coast | 5.82 | 5.81 | -0.01 |
| Rocky Mountains | 6.27 | 6.30 | +0.03 |
| West Coast | 7.23 | 7.24 | +0.01 |
| California | 8.08 | 8.09 | +0.01 |
Regional Price Developments
The national average decreased by $0.02 per gallon, moving from $6.20 to $6.18.
On the East Coast, diesel prices declined by $0.04, ending the period at $5.91 per gallon.
New England also recorded a $0.04 decrease, with an average price of $6.44.
The Central Atlantic experienced a reduction of $0.02, declining from $6.49 to $6.47.
The Lower Atlantic registered the largest absolute decrease among the regions presented, falling by $0.05 per gallon to $5.65.
In the Midwest, the average price declined from $6.29 to $6.26, while the Gulf Coast experienced a slight decrease of $0.01, ending the week at $5.81.
In contrast, the Rocky Mountain region recorded an increase of $0.03, reaching $6.30.
The West Coast registered a $0.01 increase, reaching $7.24.
In California, diesel prices rose from $8.08 to $8.09 per gallon, remaining the highest among the monitored regions.
The next EIA diesel fuel price update is scheduled for October 20, 2026.
Container Volumes and Port/Ramp Dwell Times
Period: Weeks 38–41, 2026
Sources: Port Authorities and Drayage.com
Container volumes represent estimated weekly averages based on the latest monthly statistics published by port authorities and national demand indicators from Drayage.com.
Week 38 figures were calculated using weekly averages derived from port authorities’ monthly statistics.
Weeks 39 and 40 reflect previously calculated estimates.
For Week 41, container volumes were estimated using the average of Weeks 37–40, adjusted by approximately -8% compared with the previous four weeks, according to the Drayage.com national demand indicator.
Container Volumes at Major U.S. Ports
| Port | Wk 38 | Wk 39* | Wk 40* | Wk 41** | Dwell (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 220,600 | 222,200 | 206,700 | 199,800 | 3.0 |
| New York/NJ | 196,200 | 197,200 | 183,500 | 177,500 | 4.0 |
| Houston | 78,300 | 79,000 | 73,400 | 71,000 | 3.2 |
| Savannah | 122,900 | 123,300 | 114,700 | 111,000 | 3.5 |
| Charleston | 66,700 | 67,100 | 62,400 | 60,300 | 3.0 |
| Norfolk | 66,700 | 67,200 | 62,400 | 60,400 | 3.1 |
| Port Everglades | 31,000 | 31,200 | 29,000 | 28,100 | 2.8 |
| Philadelphia | 16,100 | 16,200 | 15,100 | 14,600 | 2.5 |
Volumes expressed in TEUs. Weeks 39 and 40: prior estimates. Week 41: estimate adjusted using the -8% demand indicator.
Inland Intermodal Ramp Volumes
| Inland Ramp | Wk 38 | Wk 39* | Wk 40* | Wk 41** | Dwell (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | 55,000 | 55,200 | 51,400 | 49,700 | 5.5 |
| Atlanta, GA | 40,000 | 40,200 | 37,400 | 36,200 | 4.2 |
| Charlotte, NC | 26,000 | 26,200 | 24,400 | 23,600 | 3.5 |
Dwell Times and Container Movement
The Port of Los Angeles recorded the highest estimated weekly volume among the monitored ports, with 199,800 TEUs in Week 41.
New York/New Jersey recorded 177,500 TEUs, while Savannah reported 111,000 TEUs.
Houston registered an estimated volume of 71,000 TEUs, followed by Norfolk with 60,400 TEUs and Charleston with 60,300 TEUs.
Port Everglades recorded 28,100 TEUs, while Philadelphia registered 14,600 TEUs.
Among inland intermodal terminals, Chicago recorded the highest estimated volume, with 49,700 TEUs.
Atlanta registered 36,200 TEUs, while Charlotte reported 23,600 TEUs.
Average container dwell times and truck gate turnaround times are also available for the primary monitored markets.
| 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 intermodal terminals, at 5.5 days, as well as the longest average gate turnaround time, at 2.3 hours.
Drayage.com’s metropolitan daily activity indicators require authenticated access. Therefore, the weekly volumes presented are estimates rather than direct daily counts extracted from the platform.
FTL and LTL Freight Rates by Equipment Type
Period: Week Ending October 9, 2026
Sources: Truckstop, FTR Transport Intelligence, and DAT Freight & Analytics
Spot trucking rates experienced minor fluctuations during the week ending October 9, 2026.
The Dry Van segment remained nearly unchanged, Flatbed recorded a slight decline, and Reefer experienced an increase.
Truckstop/FTR rates include fuel, while DAT Freight & Analytics provides additional comparisons related to freight rates and seasonal market averages.
Weekly Spot Rate Comparison
| Equipment Type | Oct. 2 ($/mi) | Oct. 9 ($/mi) | Reported Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Van | 2.86 | 2.86 | +0.4 cent |
| Flatbed | 3.35 | 3.34 | -0.7 cent |
| Reefer | 3.54 | 3.55 | +1.2 cents |
Truckstop/FTR rates include fuel. Rates are rounded to two decimal places; therefore, the exact reported changes may not match the difference between the displayed values.
Dry Van — General Freight Transportation
The Truckstop/FTR Dry Van spot rate increased by 0.4 cent per mile, remaining at approximately $2.86.
This represented the sixth weekly increase recorded over the previous seven weeks.
The rate was approximately 49% above the level recorded during the same period in 2025.
Load postings declined by 14.7% following the increase in freight activity associated with quarter-end shipping.
DAT also recorded increases in linehaul rates across all three major equipment segments, which remained, on average, 23% above their nine-year seasonal averages.
Flatbed — Open-Deck Transportation
The Truckstop/FTR Flatbed spot rate decreased by 0.7 cent per mile, reaching $3.34.
This represented the first weekly decline in the segment following four consecutive weeks of increases.
Load postings decreased by 10.6% during the period.
Despite the weekly reduction, rates remained approximately 43% above the levels recorded during the same period in the previous year.
According to DAT, Flatbed rates remained approximately 25% above their historical seasonal average.
Reefer — Refrigerated Transportation
The Truckstop/FTR Reefer spot rate increased by 1.2 cents per mile, reaching $3.55.
This movement followed an increase of more than 5 cents recorded during the previous week.
Rates remained 45.5% above the levels observed during the same period in 2025.
According to DAT, Reefer rates were approximately 28% above their nine-year seasonal average.
This represented the largest premium over the seasonal average among the three equipment segments analyzed.
Year-Over-Year Freight Rate Comparison
| Equipment Type | Current Spot Rate | Year-Over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.86/mi | +49.0% |
| Flatbed | $3.34/mi | +43.0% |
| Reefer | $3.55/mi | +45.5% |
Comparison With Seasonal Averages
| Indicator | Reported Result |
|---|---|
| DAT Average Across Three Equipment Segments | +23% |
| Flatbed | +25% |
| Reefer | +28% |
Percentages represent comparisons with historical nine-year seasonal averages.
LTL Market — Less-Than-Truckload Transportation
LTL freight rates are primarily calculated by weight, frequently using hundredweight units, rather than per-mile pricing.
For this reason, there is no published average per-mile rate directly comparable with FTL segment values.
The national average diesel price declined by another $0.02, reaching $6.18 per gallon.
This marked the third consecutive weekly decline, a movement associated with moderating diesel-indexed fuel surcharges.
Less-than-truckload carriers continue to maintain pricing discipline ahead of general rate increases scheduled for the fourth quarter.
Week-over-Week Market Movement
Total broker-posted rates on the Truckstop platform remained essentially unchanged during Week 41.
The overall movement was approximately -0.1 cent per mile, consistent with seasonal patterns.
Despite the overall stability, individual equipment segments experienced different weekly movements.
DAT RateCast also provides linehaul rate projections for mid-November.
| Equipment Type | Projected Linehaul Rate |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.23/mi |
| Reefer | $2.77/mi |
| Flatbed | $2.59/mi |
