Heavy Haul Market Conditions: Week of Oct 12, 2026

Fuel

Diesel: on-highway retail ($/gal)

The U.S. average was $6.179 for the week of Oct 12, down 2.0¢ from the week before and $2.51 above a year ago. In the Northwest, the West Coast excluding California (which includes Oregon and Washington) was $6.503, up 1.3¢. The Rocky Mountain region (which includes Idaho) was $6.302, up 3.5¢.

Region	9/28	10/5	10/12	Week	vs. year ago
U.S. average	$6.382	$6.199	$6.179	−2.0¢	+$2.514
West Coast less California (incl. OR, WA)	$6.643	$6.490	$6.503	+1.3¢	+$2.451
West Coast (PADD 5)	$7.357	$7.229	$7.240	+1.1¢	+$2.776
Rocky Mountain (PADD 4, incl. ID)	$6.407	$6.267	$6.302	+3.5¢	+$2.644
California	$8.181	$8.082	$8.091	+0.9¢	+$3.151
Midwest (PADD 2)	$6.526	$6.286	$6.259	−2.7¢	+$2.653
Gulf Coast (PADD 3)	$5.955	$5.819	$5.809	−1.0¢	+$2.510
East Coast (PADD 1)	$6.137	$5.951	$5.908	−4.3¢	+$2.187

Source: EIA Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update, released Oct 14, 2026 (next release Oct 20). EIA doesn't publish separate Oregon, Washington or Idaho diesel averages in this table. Checked Oct 15, 2026.

Capacity and demand

Flatbed is still tight compared with last year. DAT's flatbed load-to-truck ratio eased to 36.6 (from 44.1) for Oct 4–10 after the quarter-end push. That's still about 35% tighter than a year ago (27.2). (DAT, Oct 13)

Fewer trucks. Truck posts on DAT One are more than 20% below a year ago, while load posts are higher. (DAT via AJOT)

Project freight is holding. Infrastructure, manufacturing, energy and data center construction are supporting flatbed demand. The summer surge has cooled to normal seasonal levels, and the Northeast is the tightest region. (C.H. Robinson, Oct 2026)

West Coast flatbed: Truckstop reports flatbed activity rising for West Coast and Northeast origins, and falling elsewhere, for the week ended Oct 9. (FTR/Truckstop SMI, Oct 13)

Vector Logistics doesn't publish freight rates. For a price on your load, request a quote.

Seasonal factors for the Northwest

Winter is coming to the passes. In Washington, oversize permit loads can't move where traction-advisory or chains-required signs are posted (WSDOT). In Oregon, ODOT lists weather and wildfire among the factors that can restrict movement (ODOT).

Shorter days: daylight-only moves get shorter travel windows in November and December. Plan transit times with that in mind.

Construction slowing: the construction season is starting its usual gradual Q4 slowdown (C.H. Robinson).

Thanksgiving 2026 oversize restrictions

State	Restriction
Oregon	No movement over 8 ft 6 in wide from noon Wed, Nov 25 to ½ hour before sunrise Mon, Nov 30 (limited route/width exceptions)
Washington	Restricted from noon Wed, Nov 25 through Fri, Nov 27
Idaho	Thanksgiving (Nov 26) is a designated holiday. Red-route travel stops at 2 p.m. the day before.

Book Thanksgiving-week oversize moves now, or plan to deliver by Tuesday, Nov 24.

Heavy Haul Market Conditions, Week of Oct 12

Diesel: on-highway retail ($/gal)

Capacity and demand

Seasonal factors for the Northwest

Thanksgiving 2026 oversize restrictions

Need equipment moved before the holidays?