Trucking recovery threatened by war, diesel prices

Plus: OOIDA supports 'Dalilah’s Law' | Georgia axes gas tax til May

Trucking recovery remains a mixed picture. While capacity is exiting, the war in Iran and spiking diesel prices are throwing a curveball at the market.

Plus, tips to be intentional with your freight and avoid too much deadheading.

But first, this cute "good luck on your CDL test" note will bring a smile to your face.

⬆️ $5.375

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 3/23, UP 0.304¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

Last week, owner-operator Stevie Parker wrote in to say, "With fuel prices this high, gonna have to raise rates to haul the freight."

ROADSIDE READS

Diesel consequences. Could spiking fuel prices shift some freight from road to rail? History says yes, but so far, it's not happening.

"Too much unpredictability." And on the subject, this podcast interviews a truck driver about the impact of rising diesel prices—and why she's glad to not be an owner-operator right now.

Mixed signals. Trucking supply is shrinking, hinting at a possible market recovery, but the ATA's chief economist says don't expect a "tidal wave of freight."

Honoring women. For Women's History Month, U.S. Xpress spotlights one of its female drivers, from how she got started in trucking to what she still loves about the career.

INDUSTRY VOICES

Bill focused on English, CDL crackdown would improve safety

"No one cares more about highway safety than professional truck drivers." —Lewie Pugh, OOIDA

That's what Lewie Pugh, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, wrote in a recent opinion article, voicing support for the passage of Dalilah's Law. The legislation would mandate drivers demonstrate English proficiency, restrict motor carriers from certain foreign dispatch services and crack down on self-certified CDL training, all in an effort to boost safety. Just last week, the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure moved the bill forward.

Why this matters: From driver to top exec, from owner-operator to mega-fleet, motor carriers consistently name safety as their top priority. Public-sector regulations can help support private-sector efforts to make roads safer for everyone. If the bill becomes law, it could shake up how various industry players conduct their businesses. (The Hill)

FAST LANE

POLICY CHANGE: New SBA rule excluding green card holders could impact logistics, trucking

TAX PAUSE: Georgia suspends state gas tax for two months

OUT OF SERVICE: Four trucking companies OOS after fatal crash

ROAD DAMAGE: Trucker hit more than a dozen overpasses, facing charges

COSTS DOWN: Trucking parts and labor costs fell at end of last year

BIG SAVINGS: Autonomous trucks projected to save $9B annually by 2035

SEEN & HEARD

"It's easy to go out and chase rate per mile. But it's very valuable to be intentional with freight that is going to land your truck tomorrow or the next day in an area where you know you have freight coming out."—Zach Schuchart, Optimal Dynamics

At the 2026 Truckload Carriers Association Annual Conference, Schuchart talked about some of the ways carriers can optimize their networks and loads. Avoiding deadheading and empty miles can be even more valuable to a fleet, versus going after freight with a high rate per mile. (Driving Forward)

ROAD REPORT

Iran war, diesel prices threaten 2026 trucking recovery

As the freight recession lingers on, unfortunately there's more bad news. American Trucking Associations CEO Chris Spear said higher diesel costs, resulting from the war in Iran, are hampering trucking's chance of a recovery this year. Before the war began, he was expecting an upturn. But now? “I'm not seeing that, candidly," Spear said at ATA's Technology and Maintenance Council conference last week.

Why this matters: Last year it was tariffs, this year it's a war. Geopolitical conflicts are creating global business uncertainty—leading to ripple effects impacting U.S. trucking businesses and stalling any momentum the market starts to see. (CCJ)

CONNECTED FLEET

How AI is supercharging telematics in the trucking industry

AI isn't magic. But the technology does process vast amounts of information quickly and amplify what telematics can do for a fleet. Instead of simply collecting data, AI helps synthesize info and spot patterns. Plus, it can predict when equipment or parts will fail, aiding predictive maintenance. This all helps fleet execs make decisions and take action faster.

Why this matters: Tech adoption is just one piece of the puzzle. Trucking businesses also need clean data to support AI tools, and modern processes that allow fleet owners to fully utilize technology that's available today. (Heavy Duty Trucking)