June 2026 | Market Insight

June 2026 | Freight Market Insight

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

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The freight market continues tightening as we move into June. What started as seasonal disruption in May has now transitioned into a broader capacity-driven shift.

The biggest factor right now is not a surge in freight demand—it’s reduced truck availability. Carrier exits, driver shortages, rising operating costs, and higher diesel prices have all contributed to fewer trucks on the road. As a result, spot rates are rising and securing capacity is becoming more challenging across many lanes.

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Dry Van Market

Dry van capacity remains tight nationwide. Load-to-truck ratios are significantly higher than last year, and rates are increasing faster than expected.

Carriers are being more selective, especially on longer hauls or freight priced below current market conditions.

Shippers should expect:

• Increased spot market exposure
• Higher rejection rates
• Less last-minute truck availability
• Continued upward pressure on rates

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Refrigerated Market

Produce season is now fully underway across key growing regions including California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, and Mexico.

Reefer capacity is one of the tightest segments in the market right now. Increased demand for fresh produce and beverages continues to pull trucks into these regions, creating volatility and higher pricing on outbound lanes.

This will remain a challenge through the summer months.

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Flatbed Market

Flatbed demand remains strong due to construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure activity.

Capacity is still tight, especially across the South and Southwest. While conditions have stabilized slightly from peak spring pressure, regional imbalances and seasonal demand continue to create volatility.

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Fuel Impact

Rising diesel costs are adding pressure across the industry. Many small carriers and owner-operators are operating on thin margins, and higher fuel costs are pushing some out of the market.

This is contributing to:

• Continued carrier attrition
• Reduced overall capacity
• Increased rate pressure
• More selective carrier behavior

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What We’re Seeing

The market is clearly shifting into a capacity-driven cycle. Even though freight demand is relatively stable, reduced supply is tightening conditions and pushing pricing higher.

This is leading to:

• More inconsistent tender acceptance
• Increased reliance on the spot market
• Greater variability by region and lane
• Ongoing volatility across all equipment types

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What Shippers Should Do

To stay ahead in this environment:

• Plan freight earlier whenever possible
• Increase lead times on important shipments
• Stay flexible with pickup and delivery windows
• Communicate changes in volume early
• Avoid waiting until freight becomes urgent

Most importantly, work with a broker that is actively managing capacity, not just reacting to it. Inland Transport, Inc. focuses on aligning freight with carriers already positioned in the market, helping reduce delays and improve execution during tight conditions.

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June 2026 Outlook

The market remains in a tightening cycle driven by reduced capacity. Rates are expected to stay elevated, and availability will remain inconsistent across many regions.

Expect these conditions to continue through June and into the core summer shipping season.

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