Weather:

• ‌Heat and Storm-Driven Disruptions: Dangerous heat will remain the primary weather story heading into the weekend across much of the South and West, while scattered thunderstorms and localized flooding risks affect portions of the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, Northeast, and Four Corners region. These conditions may cause localized freight delays and service disruptions, though widespread network impacts are not expected (Weather.gov).

Small Parcel Updates:

• Service Area Realignment: FedEx updated its Delivery Area and Pickup Area surcharge ZIP code lists effective July 20, reclassifying 239 ZIP codes across its standard, extended, and remote service tiers. The changes primarily affect lower-density and harder-to-service markets, increasing last-mile costs in select rural and remote areas as FedEx continues to align pricing with network complexity and delivery economics (FedEx).

LTL Updates:

• Diesel Rates: National diesel prices increased $0.179 from last week, averaging $5.313 per gallon, $1.508 higher than the same time last year, and $1.545 higher than two years ago. The Central Atlantic region saw the largest increase, up $0.209 to $5.579 per gallon (U.S. EIA).

TL Updates:

• ‌‌Market Activity: Load postings decreased 8.1% from last week while spot truck postings were up 1.6% (DAT). The Load-to-Truck Ratio (LTR) decreased for vans, flatbeds and reefers. The FreightWaves Pricing Power Index is holding at 79, solidly in a carrier-favorable market, with a three-month outlook of 80 (SONAR).
• Outbound Tender Rejection Index (OTRI): The freight market saw a notable easing this week, with the national OTRI falling to 13.87 from 15.48 last week (SONAR). Much of the post-holiday strength has faded as seasonal freight volumes normalize and carriers return to the road, leading to improved capacity across most equipment types. While the market remains healthier than it was earlier in the year, conditions have become more balanced heading into August.
• ‌Dry Van: National dry van demand decreased from last week, down 7.3% to a 9.9:1 LTR. The highest demand, with LTRs exceeding 5.5:1, is broadly distributed across the U.S., excluding IA, IL, MI, NE, and NH (DAT VAN D&C). National dry van spot rates are up $0.02 per mile from June to $3.02, led by the Central South at $3.13 (DAT VAN RATES). he VOTRI declined to 14.86 this week from 16.78 last week, indicating a meaningful improvement in dry van capacity (SONAR). Softer retail replenishment activity following July promotions and a seasonal slowdown in freight are allowing carriers to cover more contracted freight without turning down tenders. Expect pricing pressure to ease modestly in most major van markets.
• ‌Flatbed: National flatbed demand decreased from last week, down 10.9% to a 39.1:1 LTR. Elevated demand is spread across most of the U.S., with markets exceeding an 18:1 LTR, excluding IA, MI, ND and RI (DAT FLAT D&C). National flatbed spot rates are down $0.05 per mile from June to $3.65, led by the Southeast at $3.93 (DAT FLAT RATES). FOTRI fell to 18.37 this week from 21.45 last week, continuing the gradual cooling trend that has developed through July (SONAR). Construction and industrial freight remain supportive, but improved truck availability has reduced rejection rates across many flatbed lanes. Capacity is becoming easier to source, though project-driven and energy-related markets continue to create localized pockets of tighter conditions.
• ‌Refrigerated: National reefer demand decreased from last week, down 13.1% to a 17.2:1 LTR. The strongest demand is broadly distributed across the U.S. with LTRs exceeding 12:1, excluding CT, MA, MD, MI, NH, OR, RI, and VT (DAT REF D&C). National reefer spot rates are up $0.06 per mile from June to $3.46, led by the Midwest at $3.57 (DAT REF RATES). The ROTRI increased slightly to 22.13 from 21.60 last week, making refrigerated freight the strongest-performing mode (SONAR). Ongoing produce harvests in western and northern growing regions, along with temperature-controlled food shipments, continue to keep reefer capacity tighter than the broader market. Expect regional volatility to remain, with produce-heavy markets still commanding rate premiums. International Updates:

International Updates:

• ‌FBX Trends: Lane specific container rates were down globally and in the 01 and 03 lanes from the previous week. The global FBX average decreased 5% to $3,665. The FBX01 average decreased 12% from last week to $6,212, while the FBX03 decreased 1% to $9,002 (FREIGHTOS).
• ‌Port of Los Angeles: Vessels are currently averaging 4.2 days at berth. The port reported a 18.14% YOY decrease in volume from 22 scheduled vessels during the week of July 26, 2026. For the week of August 2, container volumes are projected to increase 16.69% YOY, with 25 scheduled vessels expected to move approximately 132,762 TEUs (PORT SIGNAL).

‌Embargoes:

• ‌AAA Cooper terminals
  • STL
  • MSP

• TForce Freight 
  • St. Louis, MO