Breaking

Reefer Capacity Crunch Persists as Rejections Hit 21%

Refrigerated truckload tender rejections have remained elevated at 21%, with roughly one in five reefer loads rejected nationally. The rejection rate has stabilized near this level after peaking at 22.24%, indicating sustained capacity constraints in the temperature-controlled segment despite softening broader freight demand. The overall truckload market's rejection index has held steady between 13% and 14% since August at 13.20, while volumes declined roughly 2% week-over-week to approximately 11,000. Geographic concentration in the Pacific Northwest and Midwest is driving the tightest reefer conditions, fueled by fall harvest activity including apples, potatoes, and onions from the Pacific Northwest, plus poultry and protein shipments from South Dakota and Iowa ahead of Thanksgiving. Reefer spot rates have climbed 28% year-to-date, while contract rates gained 9%, outpacing the broader market.