August Sees Sharper Decline in Freight Shipments with LTL Volume Dips and TL Growth

Freight Shipments Falter in August Amid Shifting Volume Patterns

August witnessed a notable downturn in freight shipments, signaling a shift in the freight transport landscape. Data from Cass Information Systems reveals a sharp decline in overall shipment volumes, driven primarily by a slump in less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, even as truckload (TL) and intermodal shipments exhibited modest gains.

Key Figures from August Freight Data

The report highlights a 9.3% drop in shipments compared to the previous August, marking the steepest year-over-year fall since October 2023. The month-over-month volume also fell by 1.5%, underscoring ongoing softness in demand. LTL shipments, often reflective of smaller freight parcel movements, were the major source of volume erosion. Meanwhile, TL shipments — typically larger, full-truckload deliveries — edged upwards along with intermodal freight, suggesting some shifts in freight mix preferences.

Freight Spend and Rate Trends

Interestingly, total freight expenditures showed only a slight decline of 0.4% year-over-year in August, breaking a five-month stretch of increases. On a two-year stacked comparison, expenditures dropped more significantly by 9.4%, pointing to longer-term softness in freight spending patterns.

This divergence between shipment volumes and freight spend hints at rising freight rates, which were up by about 9.8% year-over-year, even as volumes receded. The switch from LTL to TL shipments largely drives this effect; TL shipments tend to command higher average rates due to their size and logistics costs.

Outbound Tender Reject Index & Truckload Market

The Outbound Tender Reject Index, which tracks carrier load rejections and therefore capacity availability, shows that while current tender rejection rates surpass last year’s levels, no solid recovery signals are in place yet. The National Truckload Index (NTIL) paints a similar picture — spot linehaul rates continue to be slightly higher year-over-year, though seasonal and monthly fluctuations persist.

Supply Dynamics and Freight Demand Outlook

The sustained weakness in freight demand correlates with ongoing subdued industrial activity across North America. The slowdown in day cab truck orders also suggests private fleets might be shrinking, potentially pushing some freight back toward the for-hire sector in the near future.

While caution is warranted due to tariffs and trade uncertainties still casting shadows, there’s a silver lining. Reduced heavy vehicle production combined with manufacturing job losses could tighten freight capacity and eventually return demand strength to the for-hire trucking market, potentially stabilizing rates and volumes.

What This Means for Logistics and Freight Forwarding

For logistics professionals and freight forwarders, these patterns underscore a few important realities. First, the drop in smaller freight shipments (LTL) means businesses moving less-than-truckload cargo might face new challenges, from fluctuating capacity to rate adjustments. On the flip side, the slow but steady rise in TL shipments suggests a need to optimize full-load trucking operations and intermodal solutions.

Moreover, with freight rates climbing even amid falling volumes, efficient route planning, load consolidation, and leveraging multi-modal transport will be crucial to maintain cost-effectiveness. Providers offering transparent pricing, flexible services, and wide geographic coverage will have an edge.

Table: Summary of Freight Market Shifts

Final Thoughts on Navigating the Current Freight Landscape

Stepping back, the recent data offers a clear snapshot of a freight market in flux—characterized by shrinking volumes in certain segments but tightening conditions and rising rates in others. It’s a scenario that suggests cautious optimism mixed with a need for strategic agility.

Despite all the charts, indices, and reports, nothing beats hands-on experience. Real-world freight challenges and deliveries often reveal nuances that numbers alone can’t capture. That’s where platforms like GetTransport.com come in, offering affordable, reliable cargo transport solutions worldwide — from office and home moves to heavy-duty freight, furniture, vehicles, and bulky goods. With its global reach and competitive pricing, it’s a solid go-to for managing shipment complexities with a friendly interface.

GetTransport.com’s transparent booking process and diverse carrier options empower shippers to find the best fit for their specific freight needs without blowing the budget or risking delays. That’s logistics made simpler, smarter, and more accessible.

Start planning your next delivery with confidence—consider how shifting freight volumes and pricing dynamics impact your transport needs. The current trends may not cause a global logistics earthquake, but they’re a significant piece of the puzzle for anyone moving cargo regularly. Staying ahead means adapting fast and choosing the right partners. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com.

Συμπέρασμα

August 2025’s freight shipment downturn offers a vivid lesson on market dynamics affecting today’s logistics scene. The steep drop in LTL shipments contrasts with the modest gains in TL volumes, pushing freight rates up despite fewer overall loads. This creates a landscape where shippers and freight forwarders must juggle cost management, capacity constraints, and fluctuating demand. Platforms like GetTransport.com provide an adaptive, cost-efficient solution to navigate these changes, offering reliable freight, courier, and haulage options on a global scale. Whether it’s parcel shipments, pallet loads, bulky goods, or complex international forwarding, having a trusted partner streamlines operations and safeguards smooth deliveries. All told, the evolving freight market demands savvy strategies—and the right transport platform can make all the difference.