Outbound Tender Volume is at 68.3, compared to 79.2 for Inbound Tender Volume, resulting in a -10.9 Head Haul Index. This negative differential indicates that inbound freight volumes continue to exceed outbound demand, creating a backhaul market where carriers may face greater challenges securing reload opportunities after delivering freight into the region. While this freight imbalance generally places some downward pressure on outbound rates, Little Rock’s role as a major logistics and distribution center helps support consistent freight availability and equipment utilization despite the inbound-heavy profile.

The Outbound Tender Reject Index (OTRI) is currently at 38.33, signaling very high rejection activity and continued capacity tightness. Rejection levels approaching 40 indicate a highly competitive freight environment where carriers have significant leverage in selecting loads. Elevated contract load rejections typically drive additional freight into the spot market, increasing competition among shippers for available truckload capacity and supporting stronger transportation pricing despite the market’s backhaul characteristics.

Overall, Little Rock is demonstrating continued positive market momentum, supported by robust freight volumes, tightening carrier capacity, and elevated rejection rates. Although the market remains inbound-heavy, the continued increase in the Fit Score highlights improving freight conditions and suggests that strengthening demand is offsetting the effects of the negative Head Haul Index. Regional manufacturing output, retail distribution activity, food and agricultural shipments, and Little Rock’s strategic location within the Southeast transportation network will remain key factors influencing market performance as freight conditions continue to evolve.