Election Day, Gas Prices and Your Freight: What to Expect This Fall

Where fuel prices stand right now

• The AAA national average for regular gas was about $4.33 a gallon on October 14, 2026.
• September averaged $4.33, a record for the month and 50 cents above the previous September high, according to AAA.
• Diesel, which powers the trucks that move freight, peaked near $6.53 a gallon on September 22 and has eased to around $6.28.
• Prices jumped in March after the conflict with Iran disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Will the election change prices?

Not overnight. Fuel prices follow global oil supply, refinery output and seasonal demand far more than any single vote. Prediction markets recently gave about a 68% chance that diesel is still above $6 a gallon on Election Day. Even when policy changes, it usually takes months to show up at the pump. The safe move for shippers is to plan for fuel to stay high through the end of the year.

What higher diesel means for shipping costs

Most carriers add a fuel surcharge tied to the weekly diesel average, so when diesel moves, quotes move. Empty miles, extra trips and rushed pickups get hit the hardest.

How to keep shipping costs under control

• Get a quote early and lock it in before fuel moves again
• Be flexible on pickup dates so your freight can ride with loads going the same way
• Send accurate dimensions, weight and photos so the quote is right the first time
• Combine shipments instead of sending several small ones
• Cut out extra handoffs and empty miles

How a Richmond cross-dock saves fuel

Sending a 53-foot trailer into neighborhoods, or making three trips where one would do, burns diesel and money. Drop your load at our dock at 2208 Station Rd in N Chesterfield, right off I-95 and I-295, and we take it from there: we break it down, store what needs to wait and route the final-mile deliveries on trucks sized for the job. Fewer empty miles, fewer wasted trips, lower cost per delivery.