Breaking

Truckload Rates Climb 11% in August as Freight Shipments Return to Growth

Truckload linehaul rates posted an 11% monthly increase in August as freight shipments turned positive for the first time in three and a half years. The monthly gain marked the largest since June 2022 and extended a streak of 20 consecutive year-over-year increases in rates. Freight shipments rose 2.1% year-over-year, breaking a 42-month streak of declines. Sequential shipment growth reached 5% when adjusted for seasonal factors. Contract rates, which dominate the market, continue rising faster than spot rates, which have begun moderating. Total freight expenditures surged 18.8% from July, driven by rising shipment volumes and elevated diesel costs. Truckload operators account for over half of all shipments tracked, with less-than-truckload services representing roughly 25% of the index.