Weather:

• ‌Weather Risk: Heavy rainfall and localized flooding are the primary weather concerns this week, with the greatest impacts expected across the Southern Plains, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and parts of the Southwest, while severe weather remains limited to isolated storm activity. These conditions may cause localized freight delays and network inefficiencies, particularly in flood-prone corridors, but widespread transportation disruptions are not expected (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:

• Old Dominion Freight Line General Rate Increase: ODFL announced a 4.9% general rate increase (GRI) effective October 5, 2026, impacting rates under its 559, 670, and 550 tariffs, with modest increases to minimum charges across intrastate, interstate, and cross-border lanes. The carrier cited continued investments in network capacity, technology, equipment, and labor as drivers of the increase, which applies to published tariff rates and not customer-specific pricing agreements (ODFL PRESS RELEASE)‌.
• ‌Diesel Rates: National diesel prices increased $0.244 from last week, averaging $6.529 per gallon, $2.780 higher than the same time last year, and $2.990 higher than two years ago. The Midwest region saw the largest increase, up $0.430 to $6.680 per gallon (U.S. EIA).

TL Updates:

• ‌‌Market Activity: Load postings increased 17.7% from last week and spot truck postings were up 13.9% while the Load-to-Truck Ratio (LTR) increased for flatbeds and vans but decreased for reefers (DAT). The FreightWaves Pricing Power Index jumped 10 points from last week to 76, deepening into a carrier-favorable market (SONAR).
• Outbound Tender Rejection Index (OTRI): OTRI increased to 12.63 from 12.54, showing a modest tightening heading into the final week of Q3. (SONAR). EOQ is the key near-term catalyst as shippers push to close the quarter, which could create additional volume and capacity pressure. The broader market remains relatively balanced, but reduced excess capacity makes the market more sensitive to short-term volume spikes.
• ‌Dry Van: National dry van demand increased from last week, up 2.1% to a 10.3:1 LTR for August. 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 $3.17 (DAT TRENDLINES). The VOTRI increased to 13.28 from 12.84, indicating some tightening in the van market heading into EOQ (SONAR). Dry van remains relatively balanced nationally, but quarter-end shipping activity could create tighter pockets and increase carrier leverage as the week progresses.
• ‌Flatbed: National flatbed demand increased from last week, up 6.2% to a 36:1 LTR for August. The highest demand, with LTRs exceeding 87.6:1, is in AL, AR, ID and OR. National flatbed spot rates are up $0.04 per mile from August to $3.58, led by the Southeast at $3.80 (DAT TRENDLINES). FOTRI fell to 14.96 from 17.27, indicating a meaningful easing in flatbed capacity after last week’s tightening (SONAR). Seasonal construction activity is beginning to moderate, but manufacturing, energy and infrastructure projects continue to support underlying flatbed demand, while EOQ could provide a short-term boost to volume.
• ‌Refrigerated: National reefer demand decreased from last week, down 1.0% to a 20:1 LTR for August. The strongest demand is in DE and VT at over a 52:1 LTR. National reefer spot rates are up $0.21 per mile from August to $3.60, led by the Midwest at $4.05 (DAT TRENDLINES). ROTRI declined to 22.26 from 23.04, showing some additional capacity entering the reefer market (SONAR). Seasonal produce activity is shifting toward northern markets, which can keep regional reefer markets tight even as southern produce demand fades; EOQ volume could add another layer of pressure next week.

International Updates:

• FBX Trends: Lane specific container rates were down globally and in the 03 lane, while up in the 01 lane from the previous week. The global FBX average decreased 3% to $3,407. The FBX01 average increased 4% from last week to $8,102 and the FBX03 decreased 1% to $9,606 (FREIGHTOS).
• ‌Port of Los Angeles: Vessels are currently averaging 4.4 days at berth. The port reported a 5.76% YOY increase in volume from 23 scheduled vessels during the week of September 20, 2026. For the week of September 27, container volumes are projected to increase 39.97% YOY, with 23 scheduled vessels expected to move about 130,970 TEUs (PORT SIGNAL).

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