LTL Carriers Reported Mixed August Shipping Volumes
Operators should monitor capacity shifts as LTL carriers balance demand and pricing strategy.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Transportation
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Less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers saw varied shipping volumes in August 2026 compared to August 2025. While some carriers reported shipment declines, others experienced growth as capacity dynamics shifted across the industry.
Why it matters
Tighter trucking capacity forced shippers to pivot toward LTL networks, altering the competitive landscape for businesses reliant on freight. Carriers are now using these volume fluctuations to refine their capacity strategies and target specific market segments.
XPO saw a 5.7% increase in shipments per day, while Old Dominion Freight Line reported a 12.4% revenue increase per day despite a 2.4% decline in shipments.
The players
XPO
A major provider of freight transportation services that has focused on scaling its local sales force for smaller businesses.
Old Dominion Freight Line
A large-scale LTL motor carrier that provides regional, inter-regional, and national shipping services.
ArcBest
An integrated logistics company providing freight transportation and supply chain solutions.
Saia
A national less-than-truckload carrier that operates a network of regional and inter-regional terminals.
The details
Carriers accept or decline spillover freight from truckload networks based on their internal capacity strategies, which directly impacts shipment volume metrics. XPO leveraged its expanded local sales force to capture demand from small- and medium-sized businesses, using this segment to counterbalance fluctuations in broader truckload freight volume.
Timeline
August 2026 served as the reporting period for carrier volume and tonnage changes.
August 2025 provided the baseline figures for year-over-year performance comparisons.
July and August 2026 marked a period of consistent revenue growth for Old Dominion Freight Line.
Market Landscape
The mixed results reflect the historical industry practice of using truckload spillover freight to manage LTL network utilization. Carriers are balancing this demand against internal capacity strategies to maximize revenue per shipment.
Operators should review their current logistics contracts, as LTL carriers may prioritize or decline specific shipments based on their internal capacity utilization. Keep a close watch on potential rate adjustments as carriers leverage tighter truckload capacity to capture higher-margin volume.
The takeaway
Freight volume variability is a key indicator of how carriers are managing network capacity in a tightening environment. Operators should track carrier-specific tonnage trends to anticipate potential cost increases or shifts in service availability for their supply chain requirements.
Further reading
For broader trends impacting regional logistics, visit the Transportation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Supply Chain Dive.
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