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September freight signals point to tighter planning
Published: Thursday, September 03, 2026 | 09:00 am CDT
North America truckload shipping
Spot rates have moderated, leading to a small reduction in C.H. Robinson’s 2026 forecasts. We’ve added a flatbed rate forecast for the first time, and our 2027 rate forecasts have been released.
Get the 2027 outlook for dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed spot ratesNorth America LTL shipping
LTL service is still strong, but the days of excess capacity covering every market fluctuation or disruption are fading.
Find out why carrier fit is becoming more importantOcean freight
September is not shaping up as a conventional U.S. import peak, but ocean freight remains vulnerable to disruption. Typhoon congestion, blank sailings, canal restrictions, and carrier network changes are limiting recovery options on several trade lanes.
See where ocean freight recovery options are tighteningAir freight
Quarter-end shipments, China’s pre-holiday export rush, and technology-related cargo could reduce departure options at some gateways.
Get our tips for September planningIntermodal
Rising costs are changing the way freight moves. As truckload capacity tightens and rates climb, more shippers are turning to intermodal.
Find out which markets are best bets for intermodal and where reservations are already limitedPorts & drayage
Major U.S. gateways are stable, but vessel performance alone does not guarantee predictable delivery.
See which port and inland conditions could affect ocean freightCanada, Mexico & cross-border
Cross-border freight remains active across North America, but market dynamics are shifting. Trade policy uncertainty, evolving manufacturing demand, and ongoing driver constraints are creating new challenges and opportunities for shippers moving freight between the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
See what's driving shifts in North American cross-border freightTrade policy & customs
The final phase of U.S. tariff refunds has been delayed, and trade enforcement is entering a new phase as agencies strengthen efforts to identify tariff evasion and customs fraud.
Find out what elements of your trade compliance program you should be reviewingGovernment & regulations
The U.S. government is shutting down driver training schools and auditing CDL testing.
Learn how a shrinking pool of drivers affects trucking supplyDiesel fuel
As new oil production grows in several regions, global energy markets will become less dependent on traditional supply routes. Yet diesel inventories remain tight, creating fuel cost uncertainty that could influence transportation budgets in 2027.
Consider how changing global oil flows may impact diesel budgets in 2027
Actionable freight insights