The final Transfix Take of the year arrives at the peak of chaos — and opportunity — in the freight market.
This week, Jenni Ruiz and NFI’s market expert Justin Maze break down one of the most volatile December surges we’ve seen since the pandemic era. With spot rates spiking, winter weather wreaking havoc, and carriers finally regaining the upper hand, Maze walks listeners through what’s driving the sudden escalation — and what it means as we head into 2026.
Jenni and Maze take you region by region across the U.S. to unpack:
• Why national spot rates are climbing faster than expected, with a potential 20¢ jump by New Year’s
• How winter storms and rollover freight are creating a ripple effect across long-haul and cross-country lanes
• The Midwest’s shocking 5%+ breakouts and what’s behind the biggest surge of any region
• Capacity tightening on the West Coast despite minimal weather disruptions
• The looming non-domicile CDL rulings that could reshape Q1 and Q2 capacity
• Whether this is officially the start of the carrier “revenge market”
Maze also shares his early forecast for 2026 — including how January sets the tone, why a 5–8% annual rate increase is firmly on the table, and what brokers must do now to keep carriers aligned heading into the new year.
It’s our last episode of the year — and one of the most insight-packed.
If you’re a freight broker, shipper, or anyone navigating transportation volatility, this is the year-end debrief you don’t want to miss.
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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.
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The final Transfix Take of the year arrives at the peak of chaos — and opportunity — in the freight market.
This week, Jenni Ruiz and NFI’s market expert Justin Maze break down one of the most volatile December surges we’ve seen since the pandemic era. With spot rates spiking, winter weather wreaking havoc, and carriers finally regaining the upper hand, Maze walks listeners through what’s driving the sudden escalation — and what it means as we head into 2026.
Jenni and Maze take you region by region across the U.S. to unpack:
• Why national spot rates are climbing faster than expected, with a potential 20¢ jump by New Year’s
• How winter storms and rollover freight are creating a ripple effect across long-haul and cross-country lanes
• The Midwest’s shocking 5%+ breakouts and what’s behind the biggest surge of any region
• Capacity tightening on the West Coast despite minimal weather disruptions
• The looming non-domicile CDL rulings that could reshape Q1 and Q2 capacity
• Whether this is officially the start of the carrier “revenge market”
Maze also shares his early forecast for 2026 — including how January sets the tone, why a 5–8% annual rate increase is firmly on the table, and what brokers must do now to keep carriers aligned heading into the new year.
It’s our last episode of the year — and one of the most insight-packed.
If you’re a freight broker, shipper, or anyone navigating transportation volatility, this is the year-end debrief you don’t want to miss.
--
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.
Transfix Take | Week of Dec 3 – Winter Weather Tightens Capacity as a Major Carrier Shuts Down
Transfix
11 minutes 41 seconds
1 month ago
Transfix Take | Week of Dec 3 – Winter Weather Tightens Capacity as a Major Carrier Shuts Down
Winter weather is here — and so is the first major freight shock of December.
This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and market expert Justin Maze break down the impact of a sweeping nor’easter, early-season snow across the Midwest and Northeast, and the stunning closure of 10 Roads Trucking, the largest carrier shutdown since Yellow. With more than 2,500 trucks leaving the road, Maze explains why this could be the first of several ripples in an already depressed freight market.
Here’s what Jenni and Maze cover:
❄️ Nor’easter disruptions bring snow, ice, and road closures across PA, New England, and the Midwest
🚚 10 Roads Trucking shuts down, sending shockwaves through an industry still battling low volumes
📈 National average rate per mile creeps upward as winter weather and post-Thanksgiving pressure tighten capacity
🌤 Southeast leads gains, with freight to the Coastal region jumping nearly 6%
🌊 Coastal region strengthens, driven by increasing rates into the Northeast
🤠 South sees modest holiday-driven gains, but Maze expects rates to cool unless a deep freeze hits
🌽 Midwest volatility grows, especially on lanes heading into the Northeast amid heavy snowfall
🗽 Northeast dips slightly overall, but winter weather is likely to reverse that trend next week
🌲 West Coast resumes its slow climb, led by the Pacific Northwest as Christmas trees, produce, and seasonal freight pick up
Plus, Jenni and Maze talk driver safety in dangerous winter conditions and share a special Giving Tuesday message in support of the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, which provides critical assistance to drivers affected by shutdowns, illness, and financial hardship. Interested in donating? Use these links:
• Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/biz/profile/freightfantasyleague
• Donate via Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/freightfantasyleague
This and more on The Transfix Take!
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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.
Transfix
The final Transfix Take of the year arrives at the peak of chaos — and opportunity — in the freight market.
This week, Jenni Ruiz and NFI’s market expert Justin Maze break down one of the most volatile December surges we’ve seen since the pandemic era. With spot rates spiking, winter weather wreaking havoc, and carriers finally regaining the upper hand, Maze walks listeners through what’s driving the sudden escalation — and what it means as we head into 2026.
Jenni and Maze take you region by region across the U.S. to unpack:
• Why national spot rates are climbing faster than expected, with a potential 20¢ jump by New Year’s
• How winter storms and rollover freight are creating a ripple effect across long-haul and cross-country lanes
• The Midwest’s shocking 5%+ breakouts and what’s behind the biggest surge of any region
• Capacity tightening on the West Coast despite minimal weather disruptions
• The looming non-domicile CDL rulings that could reshape Q1 and Q2 capacity
• Whether this is officially the start of the carrier “revenge market”
Maze also shares his early forecast for 2026 — including how January sets the tone, why a 5–8% annual rate increase is firmly on the table, and what brokers must do now to keep carriers aligned heading into the new year.
It’s our last episode of the year — and one of the most insight-packed.
If you’re a freight broker, shipper, or anyone navigating transportation volatility, this is the year-end debrief you don’t want to miss.
--
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.
