Short-Haul Freight Is Winning as Long-Haul Slips
Short-haul freight is up 35% year to date, and that shift is changing the truckload market. In this SONAR update, we break down why under-100-mile freight is growing, why long-haul volumes are slipping, and how intermodal is pulling freight out of over-the-road networks. You’ll also get the latest read on tender rejections, which are still […] The post Short-Haul Freight Is Winning as Long-Haul…
Short-haul freight volumes are surging compared to long-haul truckload volumes in 2025, according to latest FreightWaves SONAR data. Loads moving under 100 miles have jumped 35% year to date and 11% since September 2024, making the segment the most resilient in the truckload market over the past two years. Meanwhile, long-haul van freight under 800 miles is down 15% over the same window and off 3% year-to-date.
Shippers are redirecting volume to rail, as evidenced by a 6% uptick in the SONAR Outbound Rail Index over the past year. Tightening drayage capacity is also contributing to the shift, as more short-haul loads require multiple drayage moves at either end. FreightWaves SONAR data shows the national tender rejection rate remains robust at 14.21%, giving carriers selective freight optionality heading into peak season.
However, the long-term sustainability of the shift depends on intermodal railroads maintaining service quality. If service levels falter, some volume may revert to long-haul trucking, potentially unwinding the trend.
Written by urgent.news from FreightWaves's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
