The freight market is at a crossroads. After Labor Day, tender rejections are still hovering at 13.5%, a level that hasn't moved in weeks. That number tells us the market is still tight, not fading, even as diesel prices climb toward $5.12 per gallon.
What happened
FreightWaves' latest SONAR update shows carriers are still turning down loads at a 13.5% rate, up from 12.8% in early August. The rise is driven by a mix of factors: lingering driver shortages, higher fuel costs, and a surge in spot rates for refrigerated and flat‑bed lanes. Meanwhile, tender volumes are down 4% YoY, indicating shippers are pulling back on scheduled freight but still need capacity for high‑value loads.
Why it matters for dispatchers/drivers
For dispatchers, a 13.5% rejection rate means you can’t afford to sit on a single carrier list. You must have a diversified pool and be ready to pivot to spot market rates that are now $2.85–$3.10 per mile on premium lanes. Drivers, especially OOs, should watch the rejection trend as a barometer of demand—high rejections often translate to higher pay per mile when you finally lock a load.
My take
The market is not fading; it’s tightening. With driver scarcity and diesel costs forcing carriers to be choosier, anyone who can move loads efficiently will command premium pay. Dispatchers who cling to old carrier relationships will get left behind. – Ekjot Singh
What you should do
- Expand your carrier roster beyond the usual suspects; include vetted MCs and owner‑operators who can jump on spot lanes.
- Leverage EK Dispatch Academy’s real‑time load‑matching tools (/tools) to stay ahead of tender rejections.
- Train your team on dynamic pricing strategies (/curriculum) so you can quote rates that reflect current diesel and capacity constraints.