Freight Pulse & Law Update: Tender Rejections Spike Post-Labor Day, Broker Liability Verdict Still Pending
Post-Labor Day freight signals point to tighter capacity, heightened broker-liability exposure, and accelerating automation. Shippers should respond with stronger carrier controls and real-time supply chain visibility.
Why did truckload tender rejections rise after Labor Day?
Answer: Tender rejections climbed to 14.5% before settling near 14%, the sharpest Labor Day-period increase since 2021.
FreightWaves SONAR data showed rejections above 14% for the first time since early August.
DAT reported dry van spot rates averaging $2.21 per mile, up 1.1% week over week.
The move indicates a capacity-sensitive market where modest demand changes can quickly affect pricing.
FreightWaves describes capacity as stabilized, not abundant. Shippers should expect continued volatility in contract coverage and spot-market access as freight volumes rebuild after the holiday.
What does the pending LIPA v. Lupus Superior verdict mean for brokers?
Answer: The reported $604 million advisory verdict remains unaffirmed by the Dallas County court after six weeks; final judgment is expected within 90 days, with C.H. Robinson planning an appeal.
The jury assigned 45% fault to the driver, 32% to Lupus Superior, and 23% to C.H. Robinson.
The “borrowed-employee” theory could expand broker liability beyond negligent selection.
FreightWaves and Transport Topics are tracking the case.
The ruling reinforces the need for documented carrier qualification, safety reviews, insurance verification, and clear operating responsibilities.
Is driverless long-haul trucking nearing commercial launch?
Answer: Kodiak AI reports 93% autonomy readiness and remains on track for commercial driverless long-haul operations by the end of 2026.
Atlas Energy Solutions plans to expand to 100 autonomous trucks by mid-2027.
Read the Kodiak update.
Treat CVSA Brake Safety Week: Aug. 23–29: as the inspection-readiness standard for DOT brake maintenance, DVIRs, and preventive checks.
How can shippers reduce exposure and improve control?
Answer: Pair disciplined execution with real-time visibility across freight, inventory, compliance, and fulfillment.
Lanta Logistics provides ecommerce fulfillment, inventory management for ecommerce, 3PL fulfillment services, and 4PL coordination. Its Glen Burnie warehouse supports 3PL Maryland, Mid-Atlantic fulfillment, food-grade warehouse operations, and Hazmat certified 3PL services for growing brands and enterprises.
FlowOps by Lanta combines a warehouse management system and logistics software in one platform: $99/month flat rate, unlimited SKUs, patent-pending Agentic AI, and 20+ integrated modules. Explore FlowOps, review the comparison page, or contact Lanta Logistics for real-time visibility.
Secure the freight, document the decisions, and keep every supply chain touchpoint visible with Lanta Logistics.
Comments