The National Drayage Spot Market Index has increased by 8% year over year

April unfolds in a freight market increasingly shaped by external disruption and energy-driven cost pressure rather than traditional seasonal patterns. Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are introducing new volatility into global shipping networks, while inland transportation markets are reacting to rising diesel prices and evolving capacity dynamics.

For drayage, the signal is clear: demand remains relatively stable, but the underlying cost structure and routing consistency are being influenced by factors outside of normal market cycles. Drayage rates are up 8% year-over-year, supported primarily by fuel-driven cost inflation.

Disruptions across key Middle Eastern transit corridors are increasingly reverberating throughout global supply chains, introducing a new layer of complexity to network planning. The temporary closure of critical hubs, coupled with heightened geopolitical risk surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, has forced carriers to reevaluate routing strategies in real time. While these disruptions are geographically concentrated, their downstream effects are inherently global. Vessel diversions, elongated transit times, and the reconfiguration of service strings are beginning to reshape arrival patterns across major US gateways.

For drayage providers, this evolving landscape presents a heightened risk of irregular cargo flows. Delayed vessels followed by clustered arrivals can create sudden surges in container volume, compressing truck capacity and placing additional strain on terminal appointment systems. At the same time, variability in vessel schedules and inland rail performance continues to drive short bursts of congestion at key ports and inland ramps, reinforcing the need for greater operational flexibility and proactive planning.

Taken together, April reflects a market where external disruption and energy economics are redefining operational priorities. While demand remains relatively stable, the influence of geopolitical events and rising fuel costs is reshaping both pricing and network behavior. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, diesel now averages $4.80 per gallon, up from $3.57 in April 2025.