Navigating the Freight Market Recovery: Insights for Transportation Professionals
- May 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 11
Dear Lunisis Community,
As we move deeper into July 2026, the freight market is sending a clear message: the long-awaited recovery is no longer just talk — it’s showing up in the numbers.
Outbound tender rejections have climbed into the 13–14% range in recent weeks. Spot rates are pushing higher, especially in key lanes. Carriers are becoming more selective with loads. Domestic intermodal volumes are up modestly year-over-year. This increase benefits from stronger service levels and a cost advantage over pure truckload in many corridors. Meanwhile, nearshoring continues to drive solid cross-border activity, particularly U.S.-Mexico truck and intermodal flows. Ports and terminals are navigating stabilizing import volumes and lingering tariff uncertainties.
After several challenging years, this feels like a genuine upcycle taking shape — one that rewards reliability, agility, and operational excellence. But here’s the coaching reality I’ve learned from 30+ years leading teams across grocery warehousing, supply chain operations, and railroad management: Market tailwinds only turn into sustained success when your people and culture are built to capitalize on them.
Understanding the Current Market Dynamics
Carrier Selectivity Is Back
With tender rejections at levels not consistently seen since the post-COVID period, shippers are feeling the squeeze on routing guides. Carriers are prioritizing profitable freight and reliable partners. The winners on both sides will be those who have invested in strong relationships, clear communication, and teams that deliver consistency even when the market gets busy.
The Driver and Talent Challenge Persists
Capacity isn’t just about trucks or railcars — it’s about people. The ongoing driver shortage is still projected to remain significant through 2026. Pressure on operational teams means retention and engagement are more critical than ever. Companies that treat team building and leadership development as strategic investments — not nice-to-haves — are seeing lower turnover and higher performance right when it matters most.
Intermodal and Rail Opportunities Are Expanding
As truckload capacity tightens, more shippers are turning to intermodal for its reliability and cost efficiency. Rail operators and terminal teams that focus on service excellence and cross-functional collaboration are positioning themselves for growth. This is a prime window to align your leadership teams around customer-centric execution and proactive problem-solving.
Nearshoring, Technology & Resilience
The continued shift toward nearshoring, combined with rising adoption of AI for route optimization, predictive maintenance, and visibility, is reshaping how we operate. Yet technology alone doesn’t solve everything. The organizations pulling ahead are those whose leaders successfully guide their teams through change — turning new tools into real competitive advantages rather than added complexity.
The Leadership Edge in This Upcycle
From my experience turning around operations under pressure, the difference between good years and truly standout performance comes down to internal strength:
Teams that communicate clearly and trust one another solve disruptions faster.
Leaders who invest in developing high-potential talent create bench strength that survives market swings.
Cultures built on accountability and psychological safety retain the best people when competitors are scrambling.
At Lunisis Consulting Experts LLC, we help transportation, rail, trucking, port, and terminal leaders do exactly that — through targeted executive coaching, high-impact team building workshops, and practical operational consulting drawn from over 100 combined years of industry expertise.
This April moment is an invitation: Don’t just ride the improving market — build the leadership and team capability that lets you dominate it.
Strategies for Success
Focus on Communication
Clear communication is vital. Ensure that your teams understand the goals and expectations. Regular updates can help everyone stay aligned. This will reduce confusion and improve efficiency.
Invest in Talent Development
Investing in your team is crucial. Provide training and development opportunities. This will not only improve skills but also boost morale. A motivated team is more productive.
Embrace Technology
Adopting new technologies can streamline operations. Use tools that enhance visibility and efficiency. However, ensure your team is trained to use these tools effectively.
Foster a Positive Culture
Create a culture of accountability and support. Encourage open dialogue and feedback. This will help retain top talent and improve overall performance.
What’s one area your operation is focusing on most as capacity tightens? Drop a comment below, or send me a direct message if you’d like to explore how coaching or a custom team session could strengthen your team this year.
If you found this useful, please share it with your network and consider subscribing (or encouraging colleagues to) so we can keep delivering timely, actionable insights together.
Here’s to turning this upcycle into your strongest year yet — on the rails, the roads, and the waterfront.
Stay operational,
Kathleen D DePrizio
Chief Executive Officer Lunisis Consulting Experts LLC
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