A Calm Before the Storm: Cooling Markets, Falling Diesel, and What to Watch Before DOT Week It’s the week of April 29, and the freight market is doing something rare… exhaling. On this episode of The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and NFI’s Justin Maze break down a quieter week across freight, where easing diesel prices and softening markets are giving brokers and carriers a brief window to reset before the surge of DOT Blitz Week. But don’t get too comfortable. Beneath the surface, the signals are already shifting. Here’s what we cover: Diesel prices are finally easing — down week-over-week nationally, with noticeable relief on the West Coast, pulling down all-in rates across regions Tender rejections remain elevated at ~13%, holding steady as the market prepares for its next move Linehaul rates are flat at ~$1.96/mile for loads over 200 miles, signaling stability… for now Flatbed continues to dominate, with rejection rates hovering near 50% and rates still climbing Regional cooling is widespread across the Southeast, South, Midwest, Northeast, and West Coast, driven largely by fuel declines and seasonality The Midwest and Northeast are in a seasonal slide, while the Southeast quietly sets up to become the most volatile region heading into May Spot opportunities are dipping — but expect a sharp rebound as capacity tightens and rejection rates climb into DOT Week Maze walks through why this “slow week” is actually a critical setup moment, and what brokers, shippers, and carriers should be doing right now to prepare for the volatility ahead. Because come next week, the market won’t be quiet anymore. 🎧 Tune in for the insights you need to stay ahead before the next swing hits. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.
