A confluence of historic trends and external events are impacting 2018 contract rate discussions that traditionally begin this time of year among carriers, shippers, logistics houses and consultants.

Annual truckload contracts were relatively flat in the first quarter, ranging from a 3% decline to a 3% increase in rates year-over-year, according to trucking executives. But if the market tightens this year, then some executives believe shippers who pushed aggressively on prices would have a difficult time finding available trucks.

An index that measures truckload pricing showed that spot rates continue to exceed contract rates, which analysts predict will result in a rebound in the industry in 2017.

DHL will raise rates in the United States beginning next year, the company announced Oct. 21, while it also won two contracts to haul cars, food and beverages in the United Kingdom and China.

An index that compares pricing methods for truckload freight continued to show that spot rates continued to exceed contract rates, signaling an expected favorable improvement for carriers.

Daylight Transport is the latest less-than-truckload provider to raise rates, in total, 4.9%, which takes effect Oct. 3.

Several freight companies, including UPS Inc., have announced rate increases in the early fall despite the uncertain freight market.

For-hire trucking added 3,400 jobs in August, and the unemployment rate held steady at 4.9% as total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 151,000 in August, the Labor Department reported Sept. 2.

A new study produced by technology provider TMW Systems has found that most truckload fleets last year were able to improve profitability because of rate increases that outweighed declining utilization.

A freight survey that assesses dry van and refrigerated freight rates based on spot market and contract prices shows that business conditions hit a new low for fleets as the first quarter ended.