Breaking

Van Rejection Rates Hold at 14% as Carrier Capacity Remains Constrained

The national Tender Rejection Index has climbed to 14%, maintaining elevated levels near secondary peaks observed around Labor Day. Van freight accounts for the bulk of pressure, representing 60% to 70% of all freight tendered nationally, making even modest rejection increases significant across the market. Tender volumes have ticked higher post-holiday but remain below April benchmarks, indicating fragile rather than weak demand conditions. Refrigerated rejections are running approximately 20%, buoyed by ongoing harvest season expected to persist for several months. Flatbed rejections sit near 19%. The Midwest is experiencing the tightest conditions, with Joliet, Columbus, Allentown, and Elizabeth, New Jersey showing particular strain. Van spot rates display predominantly upward movement nationwide, with isolated softening only in Atlanta and Greenville, South Carolina, as carriers maintain pricing leverage in most regions.