Freight Pulse & Law Update: Broker Transparency Heads to Court, Spot Rates Jump 90 Cents, and Florida Troopers Recover Two Stolen Semis

Freight conditions are tightening while regulators, courts, and law enforcement increase scrutiny. Carriers and brokers should document every transaction now. Before proposed transparency rules become binding.

What happened in the broker-transparency case?

Oral arguments in Pink Cheetah Express v. TQL reached the D.C. Circuit on September 11. The dispute includes whether a 2023 FMCSA email functioned as a binding order. The court has not ruled.

FMCSA’s supplemental broker-transparency proposed rule remains under OIRA and White House review. Public comment is expected after that review. Until a final rule takes effect:

• Preserve rate confirmations, contracts, invoices, and messages.

• Record accessorials, deductions, and payment terms.

• Maintain an auditable electronic transaction history.

Why are truckload rates rising?

DAT’s September 13–19 data shows spot linehaul up approximately 90 cents year over year to about $3.42 per mile. Broker-to-carrier spot averages reached roughly:

• Dry van: $2.96/mi

• Reefer: $3.59/mi

• Flatbed: $3.55/mi

Tender rejections returned to 14.5%, while capacity continues leaving the market ahead of Q4. Shippers should shorten quote-validity windows and stress-test transportation budgets.

What do recent cargo thefts signal?

Florida troopers recovered two stolen semis hauling tires and batteries after identifying mismatched plates. Authorities also recovered a $500,000 copper-wire trailer stolen in Oak Forest, Illinois, hundreds of miles away. Federal prosecutors are pursuing an alleged foreign cargo-theft network accused of stealing $10 million in freight while posing as legitimate carriers.

How should fleets prepare?

Maintain DOT inspection records and brake-system readiness consistent with applicable standards. Use CVSA Brake Safety Week as a recurring operational checkpoint, not a once-a-year exercise.

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