ODFL

The US trade deficit widened to $105.6 billion in August 2026, the largest since just before Trump's tariffs took effect. Importers rushed goods in, flooding ports and inland freight networks. That volume spike raises costs and compresses margins for US trucking and freight brokerage companies.

Israel-Lebanon ceasefire removes Middle East risk premium from oil, which was up 3.8% on the week before retreating today. Transport and logistics operators face their largest variable cost declining just as hedges roll off. XLI is already +1.4% on the week and leading sectors. Long mid-to-large cap US freight and trucking names into a multi-month margin expansion cycle.