Truckload Linehaul Rates Jump 10.1% as Freight Shipments Recover

Truckload linehaul rates rose 10.1% year over year in September, while freight shipments increased for a second consecutive month after 42 months of declines. FreightWaves reported October 13 that the Cass Truckload Linehaul Index also gained 0.6% from August, reaching its highest absolute reading in four years. The index excludes fuel and accessorial charges and is weighted heavily toward contract freight.

The shipments component increased 1.9% from a year earlier and 2.3% from August, or 1.4% after seasonal adjustment. Cass expects shipment activity to rise 4% year over year in October if normal patterns hold. Total freight expenditures jumped 20.4% from September 2025 as higher rates, more shipments and expensive diesel combined to lift transportation spending.

The data points to pricing recovery without a broad freight boom. Contract markets are still adjusting higher even as spot rates show modest sequential easing. Cass also cited retail and industrial growth, inventory restocking and stronger for-hire demand. Manufacturing remained in expansion territory during September, while reduced available truck capacity continued to support carrier pricing power.

Carriers should compare the national benchmark with their own lanes, trailer types and customer mix before changing bids. A higher linehaul index can improve revenue, but fuel, insurance, maintenance and driver costs still determine whether a load is profitable. Shippers should budget for firmer contract renewals and protect service with realistic lead times. Drivers and owner-operators should focus on net revenue after deadhead, detention and fuel rather than assuming a double-digit index gain reaches every load. The market is improving, but disciplined lane selection remains essential.