🚚 Freight, Fuel & Football: Week 3

Diesel & Market Update

Retail diesel prices have stabilized week-to-week, though the broader trend is clear: diesel is now higher year over year, ending a 29-month streak of declining yearly comparisons.

• The U.S. national average diesel price in mid-September is about $3.739/gal, down slightly (~0.7%) from the previous week’s ~$3.766, but still roughly 21 cents higher than this time last year.

• Regionally, diesel prices vary: the West Coast remains the most expensive (~$4.50+/gal), while Gulf Coast prices are significantly lower (~$3.39/gal). The Midwest also saw some of the sharpest weekly declines.

• Looking ahead, futures suggest a possible surge—market sentiment reflects concerns over global diesel supply constraints, especially tied to refinery capacity and disruptions abroad.

On the freight side:

• Freight rate markets (dry van, refrigerated) are under mild pressure as import volumes soften and seasonal demand eases in certain lanes. Shippers in some regions are seeing spot rates flatten or even dip slightly.

• Intermodal and ocean routes continue to feel the strain of port delays, schedule disruptions, and higher drayage costs. Using alternate ports/coastal access is becoming more attractive to some shippers.

  
  

Commodity Spotlight – Energy & Refined Products Effects

Global disruptions—such as war-related strikes on refining operations (Russia, Ukraine) and sanctions on refined product trade—are continuing to squeeze supply for diesel and influence prices. U.S. refiners may benefit, but downstream users with fuel-heavy operations (heavy equipment, bulk shipping, infrastructure) are likely to feel more cost variability.

Also, inflation in energy inputs (fuel, electricity) is making supply chain timing more critical—delays in delivery, inefficient routing, or poor carrier performance now have a higher cost premium.

NFL Week 4 & Sports Corner 🏈

Here’s a closer look at what’s happening in the NFL, plus key storylines moving into Week 4.

• Power Rankings & Team Trends

  1. Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) lead the pack. They beat the Rams 33-26 in a close but gritty performance. Their offense has shown depth (not just relying on early drives) and their ability to win tough games gives credibility to their Super Bowl hopes.

  2. Buffalo Bills (3-0) remain undefeated. They edged the Dolphins 31-21, but defense remains a concern. Third-down conversions by opponents and red-zone touchdowns allowed suggest vulnerabilities.

  3. Los Angeles Chargers (3-0) are making noise. All wins are divisional, which boosts tiebreaker value. Their playmakers (Herbert, receiving corps) are performing, and defensive plays have helped. Watch how they hold up in tougher stretch of schedule.

• Teams on Ups and Downs

  • Detroit Lions (2-1) grabbed a huge road win vs. Baltimore, 38-30. Their offense looked balanced; defense made enough splash plays. Their pass rush is a concern (especially outside of Aidan Hutchinson), but solid early stretch.

  • Green Bay Packers had a disappointing loss to Cleveland (13-10), surrendering momentum late. Turnovers and an inability to generate takeaways have been a recurring theme this season.

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers are quietly dangerous at 3-0. Close games so far; their defensive late-game lapses are troubling. But their ability to close out games (so far) is noteworthy.

  • Injury Watch: The 49ers lost Nick Bosa to a knee injury, a major blow to their defensive front. Other teams are beginning to feel the attrition of this early season grind.

• Matchups & What’s at Stake for Week 4

  • Chargers vs. Giants: Chargers are heavy favorites; Giants still searching for win #1. This is a must-win setup for New York to prove they aren’t just staying competitive, but credible.

  • Steelers vs. Vikings (in Ireland): Vikings coming off a big scoring game; Pittsburgh needs to avoid letting momentum slip in a tricky international game.

  • Teams like the Ravens, Packers, Chiefs—all with significant expectations—are facing matchups that can help them either stabilize or fall into early hole.

• What to keep an eye on

  • Defensive performance under pressure (fourth-quarter,/4th-downs): some of the top teams have looks great overall, but cracks show under late-game pressure.

  • Depth/injuries: Star injuries (like Bosa) shift matchups and force coaching adjustments.

  • Quarterback health & turnover avoidance: Elite QBs continue to separate by protecting the ball and relying on their supporting cast.

    
    

Premier League / La Liga / World Cup Teasers(Standings are evolving, but a few things to note.)

• La Liga: Real Madrid remain unbeaten; Barcelona pressing; other mid-table teams are trying to close the gap.

• Premier League: Early pace setters include Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal. Some surprises and stumbles from teams that many expected to be contenders.

• FIFA World Cup 2026: Ticket draw windows are opening; host cities are already being evaluated for heat risk and infrastructure readiness. These macro factors will matter for logistics & material moving.

  
  

Closing Note

The freight market is entering one of its more delicate phases: fuel costs are no longer declining year-over-year, spot rates are cooling off in many lanes, and global energy risk remains front and center. At the same time, in football, what looks like a strong start could still unravel—matchups, injuries, and depth will be the story. If you’re managing freight volumes this Fall, now’s the moment to lock in good partnerships, build in flexibility (routing, carriers, schedules), and hedge your cost risks where you can.

– Hector Escobar | Eterna Logistics