Freight Pulse & Law Update: Tonnage Falls a Second Month, 16 Carriers Hit Bankruptcy Court, and Broker Transparency Clears the White House

Freight capacity is leaving the market faster than demand is recovering. ATA tonnage, carrier bankruptcies, diesel costs, and pending broker rules point to a tighter, more compliance-sensitive Q4.

What do the latest tonnage numbers show?

The ATA advanced seasonally adjusted for-hire truck tonnage index fell 0.5% in August after a 1.2% drop in July, leaving tonnage 4.3% below March’s peak. The market looks “generally better” because capacity is exiting, not because freight demand is strong.

• August tonnage: -0.5%

• July tonnage: -1.2%

• Position: 4.3% below March’s peak

Why are carriers leaving the market?

At least 16 trucking companies entered bankruptcy court in less than a month, accelerating the capacity exodus. Diesel is roughly $6.50 per gallon in Texas, while spot linehaul rates have cooled from summer highs but remain above year-ago levels. A possible diesel export ban and the Strait of Hormuz crisis add volatility.

What changes after broker transparency clears OIRA?

FMCSA’s broker-transparency rulemaking-49 CFR 371.3, docket FMCSA-2023-0257, RIN 2126-AC63-cleared White House/OIRA review and awaits Federal Register publication. The proposed 48-hour transaction-record disclosure and recordkeeping terms do not change until a final rule takes effect.

• Verify carrier authority, insurance, and safety scores.

• Audit cross-border moves for cabotage exposure.

• Do not treat OIRA clearance as final law.

How should shippers prepare for Q4?

CVSA Brake Safety Week ran August 23–29, 2026. The 2025 campaign recorded a 15.1% brake-related out-of-service rate; Brake Safety Day on April 14, 2026 removed 574 vehicles, or 14.3%, for brake violations. Benesch reports heightened cabotage scrutiny for Mexico-domiciled carriers on U.S. point-to-point moves.

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Third party logistics providers and supply chain management companies should secure 3PL fulfillment services before Q4. Lanta Logistics supports 3PL Maryland, Mid-Atlantic fulfillment, and food-grade warehouse operations from its Glen Burnie warehouse.

With capacity thinning, compliance failures cost more: verify authority, insurance, and safety scores, lock capacity early, and contact Lanta Logistics for structured fulfillment and real-time visibility.