Truckload Tender Rejections Reach 14% as Van Capacity Tightens

National truckload tender rejections have climbed to approximately 14%, signaling a tighter capacity environment even though freight demand remains below spring levels. FreightWaves reported September 25 that dry van freight is driving much of the pressure. Because van shipments represent roughly 60% to 70% of electronically tendered U.S. freight, sustained movement in van rejections can influence spot pricing and service reliability across a broad share of the market.

The data points to capacity fragility rather than a demand surge. National tender volumes improved after the holiday but remained below April levels. Refrigerated rejection rates were near 20%, supported partly by harvest-season activity, while flatbed rejections were around 19%. Those modes carry smaller portions of total tender volume, yet their elevated rejection rates still suggest that shippers cannot assume equipment will be available at prior pricing on every lane.

Midwestern markets are contributing to the tightness, with Joliet and Columbus among the areas FreightWaves identified for close monitoring. Allentown and Elizabeth, New Jersey also stood out. The end of a quarter usually brings a seasonal shipment push, but current van pressure arrived earlier and with more intensity than normal seasonality alone would suggest. Diesel costs are adding upward pressure, although carriers can recover higher fuel expense only when lane conditions support stronger pricing.

Owner-operators should compare offered rates with deadhead, fuel and dwell time instead of assuming a national index guarantees leverage on every load. Fleets can review acceptance patterns by market, protect capacity on reliable lanes and communicate early when coverage is uncertain. Shippers and brokers may need more lead time for Midwest freight through quarter-end. October often softens before late-month demand builds, so the next several weeks will show whether this is a short seasonal squeeze or a more durable shift in available truck capacity.