The freight market continues to shift in ways that affect carriers, drivers, brokers, and shippers across the country. Here are the ten developments worth watching during the week of November 11–17, 2025.
1. Reefer Capacity Tightened Earlier Than Expected
Refrigerated truckload availability tightened nearly a week earlier than normal for mid-November. Seasonal grocery restocking, early produce transitions in the Southeast, and pre-holiday inventory building have all contributed to the squeeze. Carriers running temperature-controlled equipment are reporting stronger tender acceptance rates and slightly firmer spot pricing across multiple regions.
2. Flatbed Rates Stabilized as Construction Demand Rises
Flatbed carriers saw a modest but noticeable stabilization in outbound rates from the Midwest, Gulf Coast, and lower Appalachia. Project freight, steel movements, and building-material shipments all trended upward following a slower October. Many carriers expect a steady November finish before holiday slowdowns begin.
3. Driver Hiring Improved in Southern and Mountain States
Markets in Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, and Utah recorded improved driver availability compared with last month. Carriers in these regions are experiencing better applicant flow, especially among drivers seeking regional and dedicated operations rather than long-haul OTR lanes. Recruiting remains tougher in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, where turnover has slightly increased.
4. More Small Fleets Added Power Units Ahead of Peak Season
DOT filings show an uptick in small carriers (1–3 trucks) adding equipment heading into the final freight push of 2025. Many of these fleets are focusing on e-commerce, mail injections, and regional delivery contracts. Several midsize fleets also reported expanded short-haul capacity in response to warehouse volume shifts.
5. Brokerage Volume Shifted Toward Dedicated and Short-Haul Lanes
Brokerage activity continues to migrate toward short-haul, same-day, and regional opportunities rather than cross-country freight. Shippers in consumer goods, retail replenishment, and parcel injection have prioritized high-frequency, smaller-radius capacity. This shift is expected to continue through the end of December.
6. Fuel Prices Flattened After Weeks of Volatility
After a volatile October, diesel prices leveled off during the second week of November. Regional fluctuations remain, but overall pricing held steady enough for carriers to predict short-term operating costs with more confidence. Fuel-surcharge tables across multiple markets reflected minimal week-over-week changes.
7. Holiday Demand Began Pulling Capacity Toward Key Metro Hubs
The first major pull toward holiday distribution hubs—Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Memphis, and Southern California—officially began. Carriers running contract freight into these metros report stronger mid-week volumes, increased warehouse dwell times, and higher outbound spot inquiries. Parcel injection freight and retail replenishment shipments are the primary drivers.
8. Maintenance Costs Continue Rising, Especially for Aging Fleets
Shops across the Midwest, Southeast, and Mountain West report increased repair volume as colder weather affects older tractors and regional haul fleets. Battery replacements, emissions-system codes, and cold-weather electrical issues are causing more roadside events. Carriers holding onto equipment longer due to market conditions are feeling the impact most.
9. Warehouse Staffing Shortages Returned in Multiple Distribution Corridors
Several distribution-heavy regions—including Central Pennsylvania, the Inland Empire, and North Texas—reported renewed warehouse staffing challenges this week. These bottlenecks created minor delays for some live-load operations and appointment-based shippers. Many facilities are relying on temporary labor to keep freight moving into peak season.
10. Early Winter Storm Activity Slowed Freight in Parts of the Northern Tier
A sequence of early-season storms affected travel speeds, appointment adherence, and highway operations across portions of the Dakotas, Minnesota, Montana, and northern Idaho. Carriers running long-haul and reefer lanes into these markets reported slower linehaul times and increased buffer scheduling as temperatures dipped sharply.
Final Word
The second half of November is shaping up to be more dynamic than usual. Regional freight demand, early holiday flows, driver availability, and winter disruptions are all pushing the market in different directions. Carriers, brokers, and shippers who stay adaptive will be best positioned as the final peak period of 2025 unfolds.