Breaking

Truckload Volumes Slip 15% Post-Labor Day, But Rates Refuse to Follow Downward

Truckload volumes declined nearly 15% following the Labor Day weekend, reflecting typical seasonal pullback patterns. Yet spot rates have remained elevated against the volume retreat. The National Truckload Index maintained $3.44 per mile, representing a 47% year-over-year increase despite modest daily fluctuations. Tender rejection rates eased slightly but remain elevated, with reefer capacity particularly constrained at above 20% rejections versus 12.35% for van equipment. Rising fuel costs compound pressure across all modes, with diesel averaging $5.60 per gallon—up nearly 10% week-over-week. Reefer spot rates climbed to $3.80 per mile, marking the largest single-day movement in the dataset. Van contract linehaul rates held steady at $2.72 per mile. Logistics managers reported inventory levels at 52.8, signaling sustained economic activity despite volume softness.