Seasonality pushing rejections and rates higher ahead of the Fourth
Seasonal shipping patterns are pushing load rejections and freight rates higher as the industry heads into the Fourth of July period.
For drivers, that combination typically shows up as tighter capacity in certain lanes, more last-minute changes from shippers, and stronger pricing on some spot-market loads. Rejections matter because they reflect how often carriers turn down contracted freight. When more loads get rejected, more freight spills into the spot market, where rates can move faster.
The timing is tied to the calendar. The run-up to the Fourth often brings a short-term shift in freight activity and scheduling as shippers try to get product positioned ahead of holiday closures and shortened work weeks. That seasonal squeeze can tighten available trucks and push pricing higher, especially in markets where demand spikes or where outbound freight surges.
While the move is seasonal, it is still a useful signal. Rising rejections and rates ahead of a holiday can indicate a brief capacity crunch, and it can change how loads get planned and covered in the days leading up to the weekend.