Diesel finally drops — $5.26/gal — but spot rates keep sliding
DieselThe EIA's U.S. on-highway average diesel fell to $5.257/gal for the week of Aug 10 — down 9.1 cents from the week before and the first drop after four straight weekly rises (EIA, released Aug 11, 2026). It's still about $1.50 higher than a year ago, so don't tear up your fuel-surcharge math yet — but a lower pump price this week puts a few cents back on every mile.RatesSpot linehaul rates have now fallen five weeks in a row. For the week of Aug 2–8, DAT's national 7-day all-in averages (linehaul + fuel surcharge) were $2.95/mi dry van (down 1 cent), $3.38/mi reefer (up 2 cents), and $3.60/mi flatbed (little changed). Since the week of July 5, van is down 22 cents, reefer 19, and flatbed 21 as summer demand softens (DAT via AJOT, Aug 11). Dry-van load-to-truck sits at 10.4 — book tight and watch your deadhead.DeadlinesForm 2290 (Heavy Vehicle Use Tax) is due Monday, Aug 31 for any truck first used since July 2026 — file and pay before the deadline to keep your registration clean. Also mark Sept 15 for your Q3 federal estimated-tax payment.With diesel dipping but rates softer, the load that pays is the one that clears your cost per mile — including your own pay. Run any load through the rate-per-mile calculator before you book it: https://truckmargin.com/rate-per-mile-calculator— TruckMargin
