EventALERT2026-06-29
ALERT: US truck rates rise sharply despite softer freight volumes
A new index from U.S. Bank and DAT Freight & Analytics reports May spot truckload rates up 31.29% year over year and contract rates up 9%, while both spot and contract shipment volumes declined. The divergence indicates tightening capacity and a higher freight-cost baseline rather than demand-led growth.
The Dataleo angle
Transport budgets and sourcing scenarios should not assume that weaker volumes guarantee lower rates. Planners need lane-level capacity signals, updated rate baselines and escalation rules when spot exposure exceeds budget, service or customer-commitment thresholds.