Breaking

Truckload Rejections Spike Above 14.5% as Capacity Tightens Heading Into Q4

Truckload tender rejection rates surged to 14.5% in the week leading into Labor Day, marking the strongest increase around the holiday since 2021. The roughly 100-basis-point jump reflects persistent capacity constraints across U.S. markets, as spot rates climbed nearly 2% month over month to $344. Contract rates remained elevated at $272 plus fuel, approximately 20% above year-ago levels. By September 8, rejections had settled to roughly 14%, still a half-percentage-point higher than the previous month. Industry observers cautioned that markets remain unbalanced despite flat demand, leaving the sector vulnerable to disruption. Intermodal activity showed resilience, with domestic container volumes averaging 20% above year-over-year levels and international volumes up more than 10%. Ocean container bookings destined for U.S. ports remained about 10% above spring levels, pointing to peak import season gradually fading into September.