Shippers are giving carriers more lead time, with a 7.3% increase to 3.63 days in 2025. This marks the sixth straight year of increased lead times, indicating improved freight movement anticipation and capacity availability. Lead times grew despite only a 1.1% increase from 2023 to 2024, suggesting challenging capacity conditions.

Tender rejection rates exceeded 6% in 2025, up from just under 5% in 2024. Rejection rates, which signal freight market conditions, increased similarly from 2023 to 2024, yet lead times surged in 2025. This may indicate a shift in shipper service expectations and compliance.

Trade tensions and policy changes prompted companies to import goods earlier, leading to increased intermodal usage and softer demand for long-distance truckloads. Inventory stabilization and reduced order activity could compress lead times if demand maintains current levels. 2026 brings new conditions for industry players to navigate.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Why do truckload order lead times keep rising?