Benchmark Diesel Price Drops Below $5 Per Gallon for First Time Since March

## Diesel Benchmark Falls Below Key $5 Threshold The benchmark diesel price used as the basis for most fuel surcharge calculations has dropped below $5 per gallon for the first time since early March, according to FreightWaves. The development marks a notable shift in the fuel cost landscape that has weighed on freight operators and their customers throughout much of the year. Fuel surcharges are a standard mechanism across road, rail, and intermodal freight sectors, with carriers adjusting rates in line with benchmark diesel prices to offset fluctuating fuel expenditure. A sustained move below the $5 level could translate into meaningful reductions in surcharge assessments, providing some relief to shippers managing tight logistics budgets. For the maritime and intermodal freight sectors, diesel pricing remains a critical input cost. Drayage operations connecting ports to inland distribution networks are particularly sensitive to diesel price movements, and any easing of fuel costs at the port gate can have downstream effects on total landed cargo costs. While the drop below $5 per gallon is a positive signal, industry analysts will be watching closely to determine whether the decline reflects a sustained trend or a short-term fluctuation driven by seasonal demand patterns and crude oil market dynamics. Broader energy market conditions, including OPEC+ production decisions and global demand forecasts, will continue to influence the trajectory of diesel prices in the months ahead. Freight operators and logistics managers are advised to monitor benchmark updates closely, as surcharge tables tied to weekly or bi-weekly price assessments may begin reflecting lower rates in upcoming billing cycles. *Source: FreightWaves*