Diesel prices rose $0.10 per gallon in one week to just under $6.57 as of Monday, Sept. 28, while all-in truckload spot rates gained only $0.02 per mile. The National Truckload Index is 5.2% above last month’s $3.28 per mile, but diesel is up 16.5% over the same period, widening pressure on trucking companies. Julie Van de Kamp said fuel is rising faster than spot rates, while fuel surcharges protect carriers on contracted freight but not on empty miles. Tender rejections remain near 14%, supporting carrier negotiating leverage, while regulatory action involving non-domiciled CDLs and driving schools with inadequate training is tightening capacity. Weak automotive and housing demand, along with subdued consumer sentiment, continue to limit freight growth. Van de Kamp expects an elongated, stable peak, with contract rates climbing, intermodal gaining momentum as shippers seek savings and inbound import volumes remaining solid.