July 2026 | Market Insight

July 2026 | Freight Market Insight

By Mark Rudnitsky, Senior Executive at Inland Transport, Inc.

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The freight market remains tight as we move through July, although conditions have become more stable following the Independence Day holiday.

While seasonal freight demand has eased slightly from June, the biggest factor continues to be reduced truck capacity. Carrier exits, driver shortages, rising operating costs, and higher diesel prices have kept available capacity below normal levels. As a result, rates remain elevated compared to last year, and securing dependable trucks still requires more planning than it did just a few months ago.

Dry Van Market

Dry van capacity remains tighter than historical averages, although the market has stabilized somewhat since the holiday.

Carriers continue to prioritize stronger-paying freight and remain selective, particularly on longer-haul shipments or freight priced below current market conditions. While spot activity has slowed slightly from June, pricing remains well above last year's levels.

Shippers should continue to expect:

• Limited truck availability in many markets
• Higher spot market rates than last summer
• More selective carrier acceptance
• Continued pressure on longer-haul freight

Refrigerated Market

Produce season continues to drive the refrigerated market, although some southern growing regions are beginning to slow.

California and western produce regions remain active, while Texas and portions of the Southeast continue experiencing tighter capacity due to produce, food distribution, and cross-border freight.

Although demand has softened slightly after the July holiday, reefer capacity remains limited, and pricing continues to stay above normal seasonal levels.

Flatbed Market

Flatbed demand remains healthy, supported by manufacturing, infrastructure, and industrial projects.

Residential construction has softened somewhat, but commercial projects and manufacturing continue generating steady freight activity. Capacity has improved slightly compared to early summer, though regional imbalances continue creating pricing volatility.

Fuel Impact

Fuel costs remain elevated and continue to pressure carrier operating expenses.

Many smaller carriers remain focused on maximizing profitability rather than expanding their fleets, contributing to:

• Continued limited truck capacity
• Higher operating costs
• Ongoing pricing pressure
• More selective carrier behavior

What We're Seeing

The market has shifted from rapid tightening to a more balanced, but still capacity-constrained environment.

While freight demand has become more seasonal following the July holiday, overall truck availability remains below historical levels, keeping rates elevated across most equipment types.

We're continuing to see:

• Consistent capacity challenges on key lanes
• Increased carrier selectivity
• Higher spot market pricing than last year
• Regional volatility depending on freight flows

What Shippers Should Do

To stay ahead in today's market:

• Book freight as early as possible
• Build additional lead time into important shipments
• Stay flexible with pickup and delivery schedules
• Communicate volume changes in advance
• Secure capacity before freight becomes urgent

Most importantly, partner with a logistics provider that actively manages carrier relationships and market conditions. Inland Transport, Inc. focuses on positioning freight with dependable carriers already operating in the market, helping reduce service disruptions and maintain consistent execution during changing conditions.

July 2026 Outlook

The freight market remains in a healthier position for carriers than it has been over the past several years. While post-holiday demand has eased somewhat, overall truck capacity remains constrained enough to keep pricing above historical norms.

Expect relatively stable conditions through the remainder of July, with regional fluctuations continuing as summer shipping patterns evolve. Capacity should remain tighter than last year, making proactive planning an important advantage for shippers.

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