SONAR Sitrep: Growing Freight Market Raises Driver Demand, Squeezing Large Carriers
Van and flatbed freight volumes have been rising in recent weeks, and rejection rates have increased along with them. These conditions are creating a tighter market for drivers, particularly at larger carriers that rely on steady recruitment to keep equipment moving.
Rejection rates serve as one indicator of available capacity in the market. When rates climb, it typically signals that carriers are turning down loads because they already have commitments for their equipment or lack the drivers needed to accept additional work. In a period of growing volumes, this combination points to stronger demand for freight services while also highlighting constraints on the labor side.
Driver availability remains a persistent issue across the industry. Large fleets often operate with several hundred or several thousand pieces of equipment, requiring ongoing hiring to replace turnover and support growth. When volumes increase suddenly, the gap between available equipment and qualified drivers becomes more noticeable.
Flatbed and van segments have both seen volume gains. Flatbed freight tends to move construction materials, machinery, and industrial goods, while van traffic covers a wide range of consumer and industrial products. The current rise in both areas suggests a broad-based improvement rather than growth confined to one type of freight.
The pressure on large carriers appears tied to their structure. These operations generally offer scheduled routes, company equipment, and sometimes benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. However, they also carry requirements around delivery windows, reporting systems, and compliance. Some drivers prefer smaller carriers or owner-operator arrangements that may b