Truckload linehaul rates surge in April as capacity tightens, Cass says

Truckload linehaul rates rose sharply in April 2026 as tighter capacity pushed pricing to the strongest gains since 2022, Cass Information Systems (CASS) said in its May 14, 2026, freight report. Cass’ truckload linehaul index, which excludes fuel and accessorial charges, climbed 5.6% from a year earlier, the largest increase since August 2022. The index rose 3.2% from March, its biggest sequential gain since March 2022, and has increased year over year for 16 straight months. The Cass Freight Index shipments component fell 4.4% year over year but rose 0.4% from March, marking a third straight sequential increase. Cass said normal seasonal trends would imply a 1.7% year-over-year gain in shipments in the second half of 2026. J.B. Hunt (JBHT) said at an investor conference during the week of May 11, 2026, that shipper demand exceeded first-quarter expectations and remained steady. Cass said new FMCSA regulations are tightening capacity, though fuel costs and interest rates remain demand risks.