Breaking

Tender Rejections Hold Steady at 13.1% as Truckload Market Enters Critical Phase

The Outbound Tender Rejection Index remained at 13.10 Thursday, signaling a persistently tight truckload market despite rate pullbacks from Labor Day peaks. The holiday spike in rejections exceeded any of the previous three years—a dynamic carriers and brokers must monitor closely as Q4 approaches.

Tender volume has softened since mid-July, driven partly by shipper conversion to intermodal and rail services, particularly on the East Coast. Current volume levels still exceed year-ago comparables despite the decline.

Lean inventory entering the holiday season creates significant risk for Q4. Shippers facing uncertain demand may accelerate expedited trucking moves as intermodal capacity becomes less flexible later in the year. The sharp post-Labor Day spike in tender volumes confirms shipper urgency has returned.

Spot rates face sustained upward pressure from fuel costs. National van rates reached $3.43 including fuel surcharges, with retail diesel approaching $6 per gallon.