Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, April 1, 2026:
Diesel’s recent surge slowed last week
After three consecutive weeks of skyrocketing diesel prices that saw the national average jump well above the $5 per gallon mark, prices seemed to have leveled off some at the national level, according to the latest weekly report from the Energy Information Administration.
During the most recent week ending March 30, the national average price for a gallon of on-highway diesel increased by just 2.6 cents to $5.40 per gallon.
Looking at diesel prices by region, some areas of the country actually saw prices fall during the most recent week, while other parts of the country continued to see prices soar.
The Midwest region saw a 5.5-cent decline last week, while the Gulf Coast region saw a 2.9-cent decrease in fuel prices. Prices in the Lower Atlantic were flat during the week.
California, on the other hand, saw a 34.9-cent jump in prices, which blew past the $7/gallon average in the state.
Diesel prices by region, according to EIA:
- New England -- $5.83
- Central Atlantic -- $5.83
- Lower Atlantic -- $5.39
- Midwest -- $5.11
- Gulf Coast -- $5.11
- Rocky Mountain -- $5.27
- West Coast less California -- $6.06
- California -- $7.22
ProMiles’ diesel averages during the same week jumped by 22 cents to $5.31/gallon nationwide. According to the ProMiles Fuel Surcharge Index, the most expensive diesel can be found in California at $7.06/gallon, the cheapest in the Midwest region at $4.96/gallon.
Carter Express rebranding to reflect LOGISTEED ownership
Carter Express and Carter Logistics this week announced their rebranding to align more closely with their long‑standing relationship with global logistics firm LOGISTEED. The companies will now be known as Carter LOGISTEED Express, Inc. and Carter LOGISTEED Logistics, LLC.
With the rebranding, the companies said they will retain the same leadership, culture, and commitment to drivers, employees, and customers.
LOGISTEED has held majority ownership of Carter Express and Carter Logistics since 2009 and full ownership since 2021. The announcement does not represent a sale or new acquisition, but rather a strategic step to align the Carter brands more closely with the global LOGISTEED organization and its expanding capabilities.
“This is about clarity and growth – not change to who we are,” said Jessica Warnke, President & CEO of Carter LOGISTEED. “Our leadership team, operations, and culture remain exactly the same. What this alignment does is strengthen our connection to a global network while continuing to deliver the driver-focused, customer-first service Carter has always been known for.”
Carter LOGISTEED will continue operating as a specialized transportation provider in North America, maintaining its established operational structure and leadership team. Drivers, employees, and customers can expect business as usual, with no changes to pay, benefits, routes, home time, service agreements, or points of contact.
“Carter has always been a company built on people – our drivers, our employees, and our customers,” Warnke added. “That foundation isn’t changing. If anything, this strengthens our ability to support them for the long term.”
As part of this transition, the Carter Express and Carter Logistics names and logos will be retired in favor of Carter LOGISTEED, reflecting a unified global brand.
Three women named finalists for 2026 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award
The Women in Trucking Association (WIT) had announced three finalists for its 2026 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award (DWLA), an annual honor recognizing exceptional leadership by women in the trucking and logistics industry.
Sponsored by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) and Truck Parking Club, the award highlights exceptional leaders who are driving innovation, operational excellence, and the advancement of women across the supply chain.
The 2026 finalists are:
- Eileen Dabrowski, founder and Chief Executive Officer, Apex Tide Consulting
- Aurélie Doucette, Vice President of Dedicated Contract Carriage Operations, Penske Logistics (CCJ Top 250, No. 13)
- Erin Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer, YMX Logistics
These women have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing the logistics and transportation industry, leaving a lasting impact on their organizations and communities, WIT said.
The finalists were selected based on their professional accomplishments, leadership, mentorship, and contributions to the industry.
The 2026 award recipient will be announced during the TIA Capital Ideas Conference and Exhibition on Friday, April 17 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The DWLA continues to spotlight the growing influence of women in trucking and logistics while inspiring the next generation of industry leaders.
