Escalating tensions in the Middle East are creating uncertainty for international trade, particularly for cargo moving through key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. The region plays a critical role in global energy markets and ocean freight corridors, meaning disruptions can quickly affect fuel prices, vessel schedules and overall transportation capacity.
Mike Jarrett, Jarrett’s President & CEO, explains how supply chains are adjusting through rerouting and timeline changes in response to the evolving situation.
The national average price of diesel has increased for 10 consecutive weeks, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), reaching $4.859 per gallon for the week of March 9. The steady rise follows a period of declining prices late last year and signals renewed cost pressure across the transportation sector.
Analysts attribute the recent increase in part to rising crude oil prices tied to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. With roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply moving through the Strait of Hormuz, instability in the region can quickly influence global energy markets and fuel costs for carriers and shippers.
“Diesel prices influence nearly every part of the freight ecosystem, from carrier costs to transport budgets and planning,” said Mark Gordon, Chief Operating Officer at Jarrett. "Companies that monitor fuel trends, optimize routes and modes and keep flexible shipping plans will better manage volatility and protect supply-chain performance.”
Read the full story in Supply Chain 247.
Large U.S. truckload carriers added some capacity in the fourth quarter, lifting the Journal of Commerce Truckload Capacity Index (TCI) from 72.4% to 73.5%, but overall availability remains tight.
Much of the new equipment is going to higher-paying dedicated and specialized services, while some carriers continue reducing one-way truckload fleets. Companies like Werner Enterprises are expanding dedicated operations through acquisitions such as FirstFleet, while others, including Covenant Logistics, are selling trucks and exiting less profitable segments.
“These moves suggest carriers are shifting more trucks into specialized and dedicated services, which is keeping one-way capacity tight,” said Todd Shields, Senior Director, Brokerage Operations of Jarrett. “As fleets shrink and equipment is redirected, shippers will begin to see upward pressure on truckload rates—especially in the spot market.”
Read the full story in the Journal of Commerce.
Legislation introduced by Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) aims to strengthen U.S. supply chains, improve roadway safety and protect national security. The Securing American Freight, Enforcement and Reliability (SAFER) Transport Act focuses on combating freight fraud and theft, modernizing registration systems and enhancing motor carrier oversight. Key provisions include establishing a freight fraud advisory committee to provide recommendations within two years and requiring all carriers, brokers and freight forwarders to use USDOT numbers instead of MC numbers.
The bill also tightens Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) rules, mandating verification of work authorization for non-citizens, aligning license expirations with work authorization and requiring states to report monthly to the DOT. Industry groups praised the legislation for protecting carriers and shippers alike.
“Freight fraud and cargo theft have evolved significantly over the last several years, with criminals exploiting gaps in carrier registration and identity verification,” said Jessica Renner, Cargo Claims & Risk Manager at Jarrett. “Legislation like the SAFER Transport Act is an important step toward strengthening oversight and protecting legitimate carriers, brokers and shippers. By improving transparency and verification within the system, the industry will have a better chance of stopping fraudulent operators before cargo is ever put at risk.”
To learn more, click HERE.
Jarrett’s International Logistics Manager, Justin McInturff, was featured in Global Trade Magazine’s publication, sharing insights on how 3PLs are evolving into strategic partners for companies expanding globally. His article explores the hidden complexities of international logistics, the role of technology and visibility, and how businesses can align logistics execution with long-term supply chain strategy.
Learn how the right 3PL partnership can support global growth.
Read the full story HERE.
The 2026 Jarrett Supply Chain Summit will be held Aug. 5–6 in Cleveland, Ohio, bringing together supply chain and logistics leaders for strategies to stay ahead, technology innovation and real-world cargo theft prevention strategies.
This year’s event is highlighted by keynote speaker Kevin O’Leary, entrepreneur, investor and star of ABC’s "Shark Tank," who will share candid insights on leadership, risk and winning strategies in today’s supply chain landscape.
For more details, click HERE.
The March Supply Chain Report is out now! Stay updated with the latest in transportation news in:
-The Freight Market
-Less-than-truckload
-Truckload
-Parcel
-International
Click HERE to review the report!