Trucking

Freight volumes turn positive after record 42-month downturn

Truckload shipment volumes returned to growth in August, marking an end to the longest freight contraction on record. Cass data showed truckload linehaul rates surged 11 percent year-over-year during the month, while dry van spot rates averaged $2.17 per mile excluding fuel. Performance remained uneven across carriers. Saia Inc. and XPO Logistics both posted volume increases, though other LTL operators reported declines during mid-third quarter updates. Trucking executives attributed sustained rate strength to ongoing driver supply constraints, as regulatory enforcement against noncompliant operators continues. Industry analysts expect carriers to maintain pricing power under modest demand conditions, as capacity remains tight across the sector.