According to Cass Information Systems' monthly report, the truckload linehaul index, which tracks rates excluding fuel and accessorial surcharges, saw its 19th consecutive year-over-year increase. This surge occurred despite weaker volume trends, with freight shipments falling 4.8% year-over-year in July. The report attributes the sustained rate increase largely to declining capacity, even as some softness in volumes is also linked to higher fuel prices.