Ports
10
ships waiting for a berth
0.0% from prior week
Government freight feeds
What is moving before the rate changes
Port queues, rail speed, diesel prices, and border truck counts give brokers and carriers an earlier read on freight pressure. Every number below comes from a public government source.
Last data pull
September 14, 2026
The collector checks daily. Weekly and monthly series update when their source publishes a new period.
Rail
6
railroads tracked weekly
Speed and terminal dwell
Diesel
$5.967
national price per gallon
+6.6% from prior week
Borders
1,089,895
truck crossings in latest month
Canada and Mexico
How to use this data
Turn the number into a call
Start with the market or mode tied to your load. Compare the latest number with recent weeks, then confirm conditions with a carrier, customer, rail provider, or terminal before changing a quote.
Port queues
More ships waiting means more delay risk
Brokers should leave more time for port pickup and start drayage coverage earlier. Carriers should confirm terminal appointments before committing equipment.
Rail service
Slower trains or longer dwell means freight is sitting
Brokers should protect time-sensitive freight and check truck alternatives. Carriers may see more recovery, transload, or substitute truckload demand.
Diesel
Higher diesel means the same load costs more to run
Carriers should check that the quote still covers fuel. Brokers should update the fuel surcharge instead of assuming last week’s cost.
Border crossings
More trucks means more freight is flowing through that port
Use rising ports to focus carrier recruiting and customer outreach. It can also mean busier yards, so confirm wait times before promising a pickup.
Current read
PortsThe national queue is flat this week.
Rail3 of 6 railroads slowed. 6 reported longer dwell.
DieselNational diesel rose 6.6%. Recheck fuel cost.
Borders4 of the 8 busiest ports grew from the prior month.
BTS weekly port data
Ships waiting for a berth
A rising line means more containerships are waiting across U.S. container ports.
Latest period: Sep 8, 2026
EIA weekly diesel
National on-highway diesel
Fuel changes hit carrier operating cost even when the linehaul rate does not move.
Latest period: Sep 7, 2026
STB weekly rail data
Are trains moving or sitting?
Faster system speed usually means freight is moving more freely. Longer terminal dwell means cars are spending more time in the yard.
| Railroad | System speed | Weekly change | Terminal dwell | Weekly change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNSF | 24.4 mph | -0.4% | 22.5 hours | +1.8% |
| CN | 22.4 mph | -3.4% | 16.7 hours | +0.5% |
| CPKC | 20.9 mph | -1.4% | 23.0 hours | +3.1% |
| CSXT | 23.8 mph | +0.5% | 21.0 hours | +0.4% |
| NS | 20.8 mph | +1.5% | 24.0 hours | +1.3% |
| UP | 23.8 mph | +0.8% | 20.2 hours | +1.0% |
BTS and Census monthly border data
Where cross-border trucks are flowing
BTS counts inbound trucks at each land port. Census trade data adds the monthly freight weight and value moving through those ports.
#1 truck port
Laredo, Texas
259,672
inbound trucks
-0.6% from prior month
#2 truck port
Detroit, Michigan
114,737
inbound trucks
-6.7% from prior month
#3 truck port
Otay Mesa, California
88,101
inbound trucks
+4.3% from prior month
#4 truck port
Buffalo Niagara Falls, New York
73,545
inbound trucks
-3.9% from prior month
#5 truck port
Port Huron, Michigan
67,793
inbound trucks
-6.7% from prior month
#6 truck port
Ysleta, Texas
57,295
inbound trucks
+1.0% from prior month
#7 truck port
Hidalgo, Texas
57,079
inbound trucks
+1.8% from prior month
#8 truck port
Calexico East, California
35,933
inbound trucks
+0.2% from prior month
Census port freight weight is ready to join this view as soon as its API credential is connected. BTS truck counts refresh independently.
What each source tells you
BTS ports and borders
Ships waiting offshore and inbound trucks crossing at each Canadian and Mexican land port.
STB rail service
Weekly Class I railroad speed and terminal dwell, reported by railroad.
EIA diesel
National and regional on-highway diesel prices, published weekly.
Census port trade
Monthly import and export freight weight and value by U.S. port.
Do not treat one line as a rate forecast. These are pressure clues. Use them to decide where to ask another question, not to replace a live market check.