Commerce Express Weekly Road Map:
August 19th, 2025
Keeping you informed on the latest news/insights in our industry.
Diesel update: The average price of diesel decreased by 4.1 cents a gallon. Putting the average price of diesel at $3.713, per the U.S. EIA.
Diesel continued to see decreases in many regions. The Midwest was down 4.5 cents, the USWC was down 3.7 cents, the USGC was down 5.7cents, and the USEC was down 2.4 cents.
Tariffs: Following an Executive Order, certain country-specific reciprocal tariffs have now taken effect. According to FreightWaves, the U.S. and Mexico have agreed to a 90-day extension as trade talks continue. The U.S. and China have also reached a similar agreement, extending their original deal—which was set to expire, August 12—until 12:01 a.m. EST on November 10, per the Executive Order.
Labor actions: Air Canada flight attendants staged a strike late last week, disrupting operations on Saturday. Flights were initially expected to resume Sunday after the Canadian Industrial Relations Board ruled the strike unlawful and ordered the union to have members return to work according to Freightwaves. The union declined, however, delaying the restart until Monday evening. Latest update: According to an official statement from Air Canada, a mediated agreement between the airline and the flight attendants’ union was finally reached Monday night.
Commerce Blog
It is common for there to be a significant demand surge from shippers to get their freight moving before a major storm system makes landfall. As a result, rates become strikingly volatile, while capacity lurches. Hurricanes bound to the East or Gulf coasts are also likely to affect a major U.S. market as these regions of the country are densely populated, further tightening a storm’s grip over truckload conditions.
Of course, once a hurricane makes landfall, truckload movement within the storm’s path grinds to a halt. Afterward, roadways and interstates are also subject to lingering conditions, like flooding or downed trees or powerlines, which prevent vehicles from traveling onward.
CVSA Brake Safety Week is Near
From August 24th-30th, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance will hold its annual Brake Safety Week.
During this time, inspectors throughout North America will perform commercial motor vehicle inspections and provide education to drivers and motor carriers on the importance of proper brake maintenance. The CVSA will compile and publish the data collected from these efforts.
This year’s Brake Safety Week will center on brake systems and components, with particular attention given to drums and rotors. Any vehicle found in violation will be taken out of service until the issue is resolved.
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