05/20/2026
PERSISTENT FUEL COST PRESSURE
What began as a hoped‑for short‑term disruption has now evolved into sustained and intense fuel‑price pressure with no clear end in sight. Prices are sitting at or near their highest levels of this cycle, and with no realistic resolution to the Iran conflict on the horizon, elevated fuel costs appear likely to continue through the remainder of 2026.
Across the Midwest, the weekly average is now approximately $2.50 higher than at the start of the year, adding roughly 42 cents per mile to the operating cost of a 6‑mpg fleet.
This environment is taking a toll:
Carriers are exiting the industry at an alarming rate.
Many cannot raise rates fast enough to offset fuel costs.
Three years of inflation and stagnant freight rates have already weakened the industry.
Shippers delaying rate adjustments will soon face a harsh reality: fewer available trucks, tighter capacity, and significantly higher costs to secure capable, reliable, and safe carriers. The longer the delay, the more expensive transportation will become.
SAFE CARRIERS AND BROKERS
The recent Supreme Court ruling allowing liability to be placed on brokers has generated plenty of discussion, but for us at Redding Transportation LLC and RC Trucking Inc., nothing changes.
We’ve been in this business for 29 years, and our commitment remains the same:
We only broker freight to properly vetted carriers, and our own trucking company maintains an excellent safety record.
A quick refresher on FMCSA safety ratings:
Satisfactory – Considered “good,” but it means the carrier had enough violations or incidents to trigger a full on‑site review. They passed, but only after corrective action.
Conditional – A rating to avoid. A full review found systemic issues that must be corrected.
Unratable / Unrated – Often misunderstood. This does not mean unsafe. It simply means the carrier has never had an incident or violation serious enough to require a full on‑site review.
Our asset company is 29 years old and carries an Unratable rating — because we’ve never had the type of issues that would trigger a review. That’s a record we’re proud of.
Unfortunately, some online “experts” misinterpret this rating, often out of ignorance or for attention. We encourage you to review FMCSA’s definitions directly and rely on facts rather than internet noise.
MEMORIAL DAY
This Monday marks the unofficial start of summer — and more importantly, a day of remembrance for the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
This day holds special meaning for our family. Our founder, my father, is a Vietnam War veteran, as is my uncle. The two brothers served at the same time, and their service reminds us of the sacrifices so many have made to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.
Our country may not be perfect, and people will always have differing views, but we will never forget the cost paid by those who served. From my family and from all of us at Redding Transportation LLC and RC Trucking Inc., we say:
THANK YOU to our fallen heroes, and to all who have served.
Thanks for riding along…
Dan
