Truckload freight rates continued their upward climb in April and May 2026, with C.H. Robinson's latest market analysis projecting dry van cost-per-mile to run 23% higher year-over-year. Refrigerated van lanes are tracking the same trajectory, also up 23% compared to May 2025 levels, as tightening capacity pushes spot and contract pricing higher across major lanes. Route guide depth across all North American shipments registered at 1.33 in April 2026, with long-haul lanes stretching beyond 600 miles recording a depth of 1.49. A route guide depth above 1.0 indicates that primary carriers are declining freight at a higher rate, a reliable signal that available capacity is shrinking. The broader trucking market is reflecting healthier conditions entering mid-2026. Freight pricing is improving, equipment demand is growing more constructive, and industry analysts project moderate volume growth through year-end as manufacturing output stabilizes and consumer goods shipping picks up. The global freight trucking market is valued at $2.77 trillion in 2026, on pace to reach $3.98 trillion by 2035. For fleet operators and shippers, the tightening environment means that contract rates negotiated at 2024 and early 2025 troughs face pressure at renewal. Carriers who locked in capacity through steady shipper relationships are better positioned as the market firms. Transportation companies building internal communications around driver retention, operational training, and rate transparency may find fleet management video training at relyoncontent.com a valuable resource for keeping teams aligned as conditions shift. Source: C.H. Robinson North America Freight Insights -- https://www.chrobinson.com/en-us/resources/insights-and-advisories/north-america-freight-insights/may-2026-freight-market-update/na-truckload/