Outbound Tender Volume is at 33.6, compared to 38.8 for Inbound Tender Volume, resulting in a -5.2 Head Haul Index. This negative differential indicates that inbound freight volume exceeds outbound demand, potentially leaving more equipment available for shipments departing Des Moines. That balance may limit broad upward pressure on spot rates and give shippers more options than they would have in a market with a strong outbound surplus. However, equipment arriving in the market may not always be available on the lanes or at the times shippers need it. 

The Outbound Tender Reject Index (OTRI) is currently at 29.82, indicating highly elevated carrier rejection activity. An OTRI near 30 suggests that carriers are rejecting roughly three out of every ten contracted outbound tenders, potentially pushing some freight into the spot market. This level of rejection is notable given the negative Head Haul Index. It suggests that, despite the overall inbound surplus, contracted capacity remains difficult to secure for some outbound shipments. 

Overall, Des Moines is showing a meaningful week-over-week improvement in its Fit Score, but the underlying indicators do not point to uniform capacity tightening. Inbound volume exceeds outbound volume, while carrier rejections remain high. Shippers may find equipment available in the market yet still face higher costs or service challenges on specific lanes. The next signal to watch is whether rejection activity remains elevated as the Fit Score recovers, or whether the inbound equipment surplus begins to ease outbound capacity pressure.