Maas Logistics Dispatch
Trucking News Roundup: Diesel Near Record, Ohio Tax Holiday, Spot vs Contract Split, Fuel HOS Waiver, Driver Shortage (Oct 2, 2026)
October 2, 2026 · By Maas Logistics Dispatch · 5 min read
Diesel still sits near its September record while Ohio takes 90 days off the state diesel tax, spot volumes crater while contract rates hold a premium, the fuel-haul HOS waiver runs into December, and carriers rank driver shortage above fuel as their top worry. Here's what it means from a dispatch desk in Melissa, Texas.
Diesel still near the September record as Ohio cuts the diesel tax for 90 days
Columbus Dispatch / C.H. Robinson October freight update (into Oct. 2): The U.S. average on-highway diesel printed a record about $6.53 a gallon in September reporting and remains near that peak into early October. Ohio averages were reported near about $6.65 — roughly $3 above the same week a year earlier in that local coverage.
Ohio's gas-tax holiday bill cuts the state diesel tax by about 47 cents for 90 days beginning Sunday, Oct. 4. Industry voices in Ohio framed cash-flow pressure when fuel spikes faster than surcharges catch up, after a multi-year soft freight cycle.
What it means: A state tax holiday helps Ohio pumps; it does not reset national diesel risk for small fleets. Melissa/DFW company drivers and owner-operators who want a stable home base — company drivers / owner-operators. Shippers quoting fall lanes should still plan fuel-aware pricing — get a freight quote.
C.H. Robinson: diesel rising faster than crude on distillate fundamentals
C.H. Robinson North America freight insights (Oct. 1, 2026 diesel update): Robinson noted diesel has been climbing faster than crude, pointing to distillate inventory expected to stay below five-year lows into 2027 on export demand and reduced global diesel production — not just crude supply.
For truckload, cash flow hurts when diesel outruns shipper fuel surcharges; reefers feel it twice — the tractor and the unit. Robinson also flagged a widening cost gap versus intermodal on many lanes and urged 2027 budgets to assume elevated fuel and surcharges even if crude moderates.
What it means: Fuel is a structural cost story, not a one-week blip. OTR dry van and reefer seats out of Melissa/DFW — company drivers / owner-operators. Need an asset truck with clear fuel math — get a freight quote.
DAT / U.S. Bank: spot volumes crater while contract rates hold a premium
Truck News / CCJ covering the October 2026 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index with DAT (August data into early October coverage): Dry-van spot volumes fell about 32.1% month over month in August while contract volumes dropped about 13.5%.
Inclusive of fuel, dry-van spot eased from about $2.97 to $2.87 per mile; contract all-in rose from about $3.00 to $3.09. Ex-fuel, spot linehaul fell from about $2.35 to $2.17 while contract linehaul edged to about $2.39 — roughly a 22-cent contract premium. Average fuel surcharge climbed to about 70 cents per mile. Capacity leaving the market, not stronger demand, is still propping headline rates.
What it means: Soft volumes plus firm-ish contracts is a utilization fight, not a boom. Serious Class A OTR for company or owner-operator seats — company drivers / owner-operators. Shippers locking reliable FTL — get a freight quote.
FMCSA fuel-haul HOS waiver still runs through Dec. 16
Transport Topics / FreightWaves / NEFI (waiver active into October): FMCSA's limited hours-of-service waiver for interstate gasoline and diesel haulers remains in effect through Dec. 16, 2026. Covered drivers may operate up to 16 hours in a 24-hour window with required sleeper or off-duty breaks and must carry the waiver; conditional-rated carriers and out-of-service drivers are excluded.
This is a fuel-transport waiver — not a blanket HOS change for dry van or reefer general freight.
What it means: Most OTR dry-van/reefer clocks are unchanged; fuel haulers have a temporary path. Compliant Melissa/DFW hiring for general freight — company drivers / owner-operators. Asset truck for dry or reefer freight — get a freight quote.
Carrier survey: driver shortage and turnover outrank fuel and freight as top worries
The Trucker / 2026 carrier survey coverage (into fall 2026 reporting): About 71% of carriers ranked driver shortage a top concern and about 68% named turnover — ahead of compensation (about 42%), inflation, freight conditions, fuel, and regulation in that survey cut. Roughly 95% said they were actively recruiting experienced company drivers.
Many fleets reported recent or planned pay moves, but most still spot turnover risk late — under 30 days before exit, or only at resignation. Separate market notes continue to tie non-domiciled CDL tightening to a thinner interstate pool.
What it means: Experienced, paperwork-ready Class A drivers are the scarce resource. Apply when ready — company drivers / owner-operators. Need a truck that shows with compliant drivers — get a freight quote.
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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