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Trucking Capacity Tightens as June LMI Signals Market Shift

The Logistics Manager Index registered 68.7% in June, remaining nearly 7 points above its historical average of 61.5. Transportation capacity contracted sharply, sliding from 30.5 points with accelerating declines. Utilization dropped 9.0 points despite maintaining an expansionary outlook. Spot rates eased, while contract rates held at $271 plus fuel—18% above year-ago levels. The elevated contract pricing routes more freight into shipper guides and normalizes tender rejections. Warehousing capacity edged lower from 47.3 points, while pricing continued climbing. Aggregate logistics costs decreased slightly from 242.5 but face projected expansion ahead. A three-day Department of Transportation enforcement operation through the Midwest in late July removed more than 750 unsafe trucks or drivers from service, adding pressure to an already tightening capacity environment.