Truckload Performance in March 2021
March 2021 - Transportation Market Report
March was a much steadier month, but again, we are dealing with record volumes and record rejections. On the dry van side, we saw the rejection rate hover around 25% to 30%. The reefer rejection rate was right around 50%. Therefore, one out of every two loads where you have a negotiated price with a negotiated carrier could not be covered. As we enter the produce season, that number is not going to go down significantly anytime soon.
What to Expect
Capacity will remain tight, and costs will remain elevated at least through Q2 of 2021. Retail inventories remain unseasonably low, and import volumes remain backlogged in transit due to severe congestion. Reefer capacity is going to remain tight, and costs will continue to rise through the produce season. Dry Vans could plateau, but severe weather-related events like we have seen in the Southeast will create headwinds for capacity loosening and rates leveling or falling.
Key Takeaways
Be diligent with order and tender lead times. Tender lead times are key. Each day a load is not covered prior to the ship date results in increased costs. With Spring here, IMDL operations will be less susceptible to weather-related events and will be a cost-effective alternative in some lanes. Work with your customers on market conditions and initiate conversations around chargeback waivers.
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