Maas Logistics Dispatch

Trucking News Roundup: Short-Haul Surge, Diesel Export Ban Talk, Schneider on Tight Capacity, NTDAW Congress Praise

September 25, 2026 · By Maas Logistics Dispatch · 5 min read

FreightWaves SONAR shows local truckload up about 35% year-to-date while long-haul van loads slip onto rail, GOP senators push diesel-export-ban talk as retail diesel clears $6.50, RXO warns high diesel could force more capacity out in Q4, Schneider's CEO says enforcement has tightened truckload and the cycle may run longer, and Congress closes out National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Here's what it means from a dispatch desk in Melissa, Texas.

Short-haul freight keeps winning while long-haul slips to rail

FreightWaves SONAR data presented Sept. 23 shows local truckload under 100 miles (CSTVI) up about 35% year-to-date and 11% since September 2024 — the strongest length-of-haul slice. Long-haul van loads over 800 miles (LSTVI) are down roughly 15% over two years and about 3% year-to-date on an all-mode basis as shippers push more freight onto intermodal.

The SONAR Outbound Rail Index is up about 6% over the past year, and that conversion creates more short-haul dray at both ends. National tender rejection sat at 14.21% on Sept. 23 — still high enough for carriers to stay selective into peak.

What it means: Networks are shortening. Asset fleets that can cover regional and DFW-fringe lanes stay useful when long-haul softens. Serious CDL-A drivers seeking a Melissa/DFW seat — company drivers / owner-operators. DFW shippers who need dry van or reefer — get a freight quote.

Source: FreightWaves: Short-haul freight is winning as long-haul slips

GOP diesel-export ban talk as retail diesel clears $6.50

Transport Topics and Bloomberg reported Sept. 23 that U.S. retail diesel has climbed above $6.50 a gallon for the first time, hitting farmers and truckers ahead of midterms. Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) urged a diesel export ban or embargo-style relief; Sullivan framed a temporary ban until the Iran conflict resolves.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he is open to exploring the idea. Refiner equities have run hard on elevated crack spreads, and Jefferies cut Valero and Marathon to hold from buy on Sept. 22 on policy-risk concerns.

What it means: Fuel policy noise is now a freight cost story, not just a pump story. All-in rates move even when linehaul is flat. Drivers and shippers watching fuel into peak — company drivers / owner-operators / get a freight quote.

Source: Transport Topics: GOP support grows for diesel export ban

RXO: high diesel could push more capacity out in Q4

FreightWaves interviewed RXO's Corey Klujsza on Sept. 23: spot linehaul is more than 40% above year-ago levels, but average carrier operating yields remain far below the last upcycle peak — a gap that can force exits even if demand stays muted. Rising diesel squeezes both consumers and carrier margins.

Klujsza said some Q3 softening reflects mini-bids pulling volume back to contract rather than a demand collapse, and that the Cass Freight Shipment Index printed its first year-over-year positive in roughly 40–42 months in August. He expects 2027 contract bids to need double-digit YoY increases; shippers are also shrinking broker/carrier tails for fraud and liability reasons.

What it means: Cost pressure plus compliance scrubbing favors verified asset capacity over the cheapest board truck. Melissa/DFW CDL-A seats and shippers who want asset trucks — company drivers / owner-operators / get a freight quote.

Source: FreightWaves: Diesel prices could push more capacity out in Q4

Schneider CEO: enforcement tightened capacity; cycle may run longer

FreightWaves reported Sept. 24 that Schneider CEO Jim Filter called truckload "relatively tight" after seven to eight months of heavier regulatory enforcement — non-domiciled CDL crackdowns, ELD compliance, and training scrutiny — pulled trucks off the road.

He said driver retirements still outpace new entrants and that immigration as a historic driver pipeline has largely closed. Bright spots include data-center construction freight and discount retail; housing and autos remain the swing demand variables.

Schneider cut its brokerage carrier base from about 60,000 to 14,000 over three years on cargo-theft and ownership-vetting concerns, and Filter said the Montgomery liability climate is pushing some shippers toward higher broker insurance floors and large asset carriers.

What it means: Enforcement and vetting are part of the capacity story. Legitimate Class A CDL holders with a DOT medical card remain the Maas standard — company drivers / owner-operators. Shippers who want verified Melissa capacity — get a freight quote.

Source: FreightWaves: What Schneider's CEO sees next for trucking

Congress and industry close out National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

Transport Topics reported Sept. 24 that National Truck Driver Appreciation Week ran Sept. 13–19. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) introduced a House resolution on Sept. 14 to formally recognize the week for the more than 3 million U.S. professional drivers.

ATA Chairman Greg Hodgen and carriers, suppliers, and ports ran cookouts, giveaways, donation drives, and safety events — Averitt, Shell Rotella (St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund), Port of Long Beach, Love's, Werner, C.H. Robinson, Geotab, and others.

What it means: Recognition weeks do not replace hiring standards — they remind the public who moves freight. Serious CDL-A applicants out of Melissa/DFW — company drivers / owner-operators. Shippers — get a freight quote.

Source: Transport Topics: Industry, Congress recognize National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

Running with Maas

Hiring CDL-A company drivers: company driver openings. Owner-operators: lease on with Maas. Need a truck: get a freight quote.

Maas Logistics LLC | 1817 Miller Rd #5, Melissa, TX 75454 | (916) 770-7323 | dispatch@maaslogistic.com

Dallas–Fort Worth | USDOT 3179194 | MC 124881

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