Q2 Rate Pressure Building

Truckload and less-than-truckload pricing moved higher in the first quarter, with second-quarter pressure already building. According to the TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index, LTL rates remained elevated as carriers stayed disciplined on yield while higher diesel costs added fresh momentum. The data points to LTL rates reaching a new high in Q2, with shipment weights also improving as parts of the industrial economy show signs of recovery. On the truckload side, rates climbed to a 13-quarter high, driven by fuel inflation, tighter capacity, regulatory enforcement, longer hauls, and weather-related disruption. Together, those factors are pushing freight costs higher and reshaping shipper budgets across modes.

At TLC, we are tracking fuel, lane volatility, and capacity headwinds closely so customers can make informed, timely decisions as conditions shift. In periods like this, disciplined planning, smart mode selection, and fast communication matter more than ever. Reach out to our team to talk through your network, pressure points, and next moves. We keep freight moving with calm, clarity, and the kind of care complex markets demand.