SONAR Pricing Power Index Slips to 70 as Intermodal Contract Rates Fall

The SONAR Pricing Power Index (PPI) fell to 70 this week from 71, its fourth straight weekly decline, but freight carriers still hold the upper hand in rate negotiations. Softer intermodal contract rates and ocean import bookings drove the dip, while truckload tender rejections held steady near 13. 9%. On the PPI’s 0–100 scale, 50 represents a historically balanced market. A reading of 70 means pricing power continues to favor carriers over shippers heading into the fourth quarter.