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Motor Fuel Prices Spike in April 2026: A Major Challenge for U.S. Shippers
U.S. shippers are facing another sharp increase in operating costs as diesel prices surged in April, according to new data released today by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). April 2026 Motor Fuel Prices Regular Motor Gasoline: National average $4.10 per gallon → +12.8% from March 2026 → +29.4% from April 2025 Diesel No. 2: National average $5.50 per gallon → +11.8% from March 2026 → +54.2% from April 2025 Regional Regular Gasoline Prices (April 2026): West Coast
Kelsea Ansfield
May 52 min read


Transportation’s Critical Role in the U.S. Economy: New BTS Data Highlights Ongoing Importance
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) recently updated its National Transportation Statistics (NTS) database, providing fresh insights into how transportation continues to shape the American economy. While BTS releases data across infrastructure, safety, energy, and economic categories each month, this latest update places special emphasis on transportation’s broad economic footprint — including its contributions to GDP, employment, wages, and consumer spending. Why T
Kelsea Ansfield
Apr 302 min read


North American Transborder Freight Slips 0.7% in February 2026 as Canada Trade Weakens
U.S. transborder freight with Canada and Mexico totaled $130.8 billion in February 2026, a modest 0.7% decrease compared to February 2025, according to the latest data released by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). While overall trade was slightly down, the numbers reveal a tale of two borders: continued strength with Mexico and further softening with Canada. Key February 2026 Highlights Total Transborder Freight: $130.8 billion (−0.7% vs. Feb 2025) U.S.–Canada: $
Kelsea Ansfield
Apr 292 min read


Truckload Spot Rates Hit 2-Year Highs in March 2026 – What This Means for U.S. Shippers
According to the latest report from DAT Freight & Analytics, truckload spot rates reached two-year highs in March 2026, driven largely by the sharp surge in diesel prices caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The report shows that both spot and contract rates climbed significantly, while truckload freight volumes increased across all major haul types (dry van, reefer, and flatbed). Key Takeaways from DAT’s March Report: Truckload spot rates hit their highest
Kelsea Ansfield
Apr 172 min read


Freight Transportation Services Index Rises 1.5% in February 2026, Marking Second Straight Monthly Gain
The U.S. freight transportation sector showed continued momentum in February 2026, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) increased 1.5% from January, marking the second consecutive month of growth. Year-over-year, the index rose 1.9% from February 2025. The Freight TSI, which measures the volume of freight carried by for-hire transportation providers, reached 139.8 in February. Key
Kelsea Ansfield
Apr 142 min read


Manufacturing PMI Rises to 52.7% in March 2026: Steady Expansion Continues Despite Headwinds
The U.S. manufacturing sector extended its expansion for the third consecutive month in March 2026, according to the latest ISM® Manufacturing PMI® Report. The headline PMI rose slightly to 52.7% , up 0.3 percentage points from February’s reading of 52.4%. While the overall economy has now been in expansion for 17 straight months, the report reveals a mixed picture with notable cost pressures and growing external uncertainties. Key March 2026 Highlights Manufacturing PMI® : 5
Kelsea Ansfield
Apr 32 min read


NMFTA Proposes Major Changes to Mixed Freight Rule 640: What U.S. Shippers Need to Know
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is considering significant updates to Rule 640 , the long-standing provision governing how mixed freight shipments are classified when they are not fully itemized on the bill of lading. The proposal, currently open for industry feedback, could have widespread ripple effects across the Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) sector. What’s Changing? The most notable shift in the proposed rule is the introduction of a 13-sub density scal
Kelsea Ansfield
Apr 12 min read


EPA Removes DEF Sensor Requirement for Trucks and Diesel Equipment: Major Relief for U.S. Shippers and Fleets
In a significant regulatory win for the trucking and logistics industry, the EPA has officially eliminated the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sensor requirement for trucks, farm machinery, and all other diesel-powered equipment. This change, announced on March 27, 2026, ends a long-standing source of frustration and costly downtime for carriers and shippers across the country. What Changed? DEF sensors (urea quality sensors) have been a major pain point for diesel operators. The
Kelsea Ansfield
Mar 303 min read


North American Transborder Freight Update: January 2026 Shows Mixed Results Amid Ongoing Economic Pressures
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) has released its January 2026 TransBorder Freight Data, providing a detailed snapshot of U.S. trade with Canada and Mexico. Total transborder freight reached $126.9 billion , representing a 5.5% decrease compared to January 2025. While trade with Mexico showed resilience, a sharp decline with Canada drove the overall reduction. These statistics, reported in nominal U.S. dollars and not adjusted for inflation or tonnage, help info
Kelsea Ansfield
Mar 273 min read
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