Weather:

• ‌Weather Risk: Heavy rain and thunderstorms across the Southern Rockies, Plains, Missouri Valley and Midwest may create localized flood-related freight delays this week, while south-central heat and monitored tropical activity present limited broader network risk at this time (Weather.gov).

Small Parcel Updates:

• UPS Peak Season Surcharges: UPS will apply holiday demand surcharges across parcel services, oversized shipments, and additional handling beginning September 28, 2026, with peak fees in effect through January 17, 2027. The most significant surcharge period runs from November 23 through December 27, 2026, with higher-volume shippers subject to additional volume-based charges (UPS 0826 UPDATE PDF).

LTL Updates:

• Diesel Rates: National diesel prices increased $0.318 from last week, averaging $6.285 per gallon, $2.546 higher than the same time last year, and $2.759 higher than two years ago. The Lower Atlantic region saw the largest increase, up $0.491 to $6.096 per gallon (U.S. EIA).
• Mixed Freight Uniformity: The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) is proposing a mixed-freight class update that allows density-based rating when shipment details are incomplete, reducing classification disputes and improving consistency. The change would align mixed-commodity freight with the density-based NMFC framework introduced in 2025. Industry comments are due Sept. 23, 2026, with a final ruling expected Oct. 9, 2026; no effective implementation date has been announced (TRUCKINGDIVE).

TL Updates:

• ‌‌Market Activity: Load postings decreased 15.4% from last week and spot truck postings were down 9.2% while the Load-to-Truck Ratio (LTR) increased for flatbeds but decreased for vans and reefers (DAT). The FreightWaves Pricing Power Index fell 6 points from last week to 67, remaining in a carrier-favorable market (SONAR).
• Outbound Tender Rejection Index (OTRI): OTRI increased slightly to 12.54 from 12.31, showing a modest tightening after last week’s post-Labor Day easing (SONAR). The biggest movement is in flatbed, while reefer capacity has loosened somewhat. With Q3 month-end approaching, some additional volume and capacity pressure could develop, but the overall market remains relatively balanced.
• ‌Dry Van: National dry van demand decreased from last week, down 7.2% to a 10:1 LTR. The highest demand, with LTRs exceeding 16.6:1 are in DE, MD, ME, NJ, NY, OR, PA, VT and WA. National dry van spot rates are up $0.09 per mile from August to $2.98, led by the Midwest at $3.12 (DAT TRENDLINES). The VOTRI edged up to 12.84 from 12.79, pointing to a mostly stable van market with a slight increase in carrier resistance (SONAR). Capacity remains available nationally, but tighter pockets can develop as Q3-end activity builds and carriers continue to manage elevated operating costs.
• ‌Flatbed: National flatbed demand increased from last week, up 2.3% to a 37:1 LTR. The highest demand, with LTRs exceeding 43.9:1 are in the Northwest, Southeast (less FL), ME and NY. National flatbed spot rates are down $0.02 per mile from August to $3.56, led by the Southeast at $3.79 (DAT TRENDLINES). FOTRI jumped to 17.27 from 13.97, making flatbed the clear tightening story this week (SONAR). Construction, manufacturing and industrial freight continue to support demand, while the reduced availability of equipment is giving carriers more leverage in the market.
• ‌Refrigerated: National reefer demand decreased from last week, down 6.0% to an 18:1 LTR. The strongest demand is broadly distributed across the Northern U.S. at over 26.1:1 LTR, with the highest LTRs exceeding 52.1:1 in DE and VT. National reefer spot rates are up $0.19 per mile from August to $3.58, led by the Midwest at $3.98 (DAT TRENDLINES). ROTRI declined to 23.04 from 24.18, indicating some capacity relief following the Labor Day period (SONAR). Reefer remains the tightest major mode, with seasonal food and produce activity continuing to support demand, although the post-holiday reset is allowing some capacity to return to the market.

International Updates:

• FBX Trends: Lane specific container rates were down globally and up in the 01 and 03 lanes from the previous week. The global FBX average decreased 1% to $3,499. The FBX01 average increased 3% from last week to $7,765, while the FBX03 increased 2% to $9,724 (FREIGHTOS).
• ‌Port of Los Angeles: Vessels are currently averaging 4.1 days at berth. The port reported a 8.65% YOY increase in volume from 22 scheduled vessels during the week of September 13, 2026. For the week of September 20, container volumes are projected to increase 11.12% YOY, with 23 scheduled vessels expected to move approximately 139,627 TEUs (PORT SIGNAL).

• Embargoes:
  • ‌Tforce
    • Limited Service
    • Reno, NV