Freight broker RXO said Tuesday that its truckload spot rate index recorded its biggest sequential gain in five years during the second quarter. The dataset, which tracks linehaul rates excluding fuel surcharges, has continued to step higher in the third quarter.
“The index has not experienced this level of rate inflation since pandemic-era surges, with the second quarter hitting both the highest year-over-year reading and largest sequential increase since the second quarter of 2021,” the report said.
RXO’s (NYSE: RXO) Curve Report showed second-quarter spot rates were up 32.4% y/y, an acceleration from the 16.5% y/y increase booked in the first quarter. So far in the third quarter, the index is up 43% y/y.
Corey Klujsza, RXO’s vice president of pricing and procurement, said shipper routing guides are seeing “increased strain” as spot rates have “consistently outpaced contract rates” this year.
“That trend is not only continuing but picking up steam as we head into peak season,” Klujsza said. “Though we’ve been in a year-over-year inflationary environment for over two years, the truckload market is starting to feel materially different.”
A steady exodus of capacity due to heightened regulatory enforcement and years of poor carrier economics has materially tightened the market even in the absence of a meaningful demand inflection.
Jared Weisfeld, chief strategy officer at RXO, said the inflationary rate environment is likely to continue even with muted freight volumes. He noted carrier operating costs are up 29% (ex-fuel) from the prior cycle peak, meaning rates still need to move significantly higher to improve carrier margins.
“Any sustained increase in shipping volumes will further strain an already diminished supply base and add more inflationary pressure on rates,” Weisfeld said.
RXO’s all-in cost-per-mile index, which includes fuel surcharges, stood at 154.9 in the second quarter, the highest reading since the 2022 first quarter.
Data from Cass Information Systems (NASDAQ: CASS) showed contract rates (excluding fuel and accessorial surcharges) were up 6% y/y on average in the second quarter, which was a step up from the 2.4% average y/y increase logged in the first quarter. Cass’ TL linehaul rate index was 8.6% higher y/y in July.
Public TL carriers reported large y/y contractual rate increases in the second quarter as shippers have become more selective. This shift is largely driven by concerns over potential legal liabilities tied to employing non-compliant carriers, alongside fears of carriers defaulting on capacity obligations throughout peak season.
Schneider National’s (NYSE: SNDR) one-way fleet recorded double-digit rate increases on contract renewals in the second quarter. The company plans to place additional equipment into the spot market to take advantage of favorable market dynamics after losing a large dedicated customer.
Werner Enterprises (NASDAQ: WERN) reported a 10% y/y increase in revenue per total mile in the recent period. It forecast a 10% to 13% y/y increase in rate per mile for the third quarter.
RXO noted “a few reasons to be optimistic heading into this peak season,” as retailers continue to log same-store sales growth while their inventories remain “healthy.”
“If demand follows typical seasonality, we would expect even further rate volatility to close out 2026.”
Why it matters? These rate trends signal a shift in market leverage where tightening capacity and rising carrier costs have ushered in more aggressive pricing strategies to improve margins. This environment, characterized by spot rates outpacing contract agreements, underscores the urgent need for shippers to secure reliable carrier capacity and proactively manage potential routing guide deterioration ahead of peak season.
Brokerage Compliance Symposium
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
F3 Awards Dinner
The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
F3: Future of Freight Festival
Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now