OTVI: Outbound Tender Volume Index
A normalized measure of how much truckload freight is being tendered nationally.
The Outbound Tender Volume Index (OTVI) tracks the volume of contracted truckload tenders sent to carriers, indexed to a 2018 baseline of 10,000. It's the cleanest available proxy for real-time U.S. truckload demand — rising OTVI means more freight is being moved, regardless of price.
Who publishes it
FreightWaves SONAR.
How to read it
- Index value relative to 10,000 baseline — 12,000 means 20% more volume than 2018 baseline.
- Year-over-year change is more useful than absolute value.
- Weekly seasonality is heavy — compare same week prior year, not week prior.
Why it matters
Volume + reject rate together tell the whole demand story. Rising OTVI with rising OTRI = genuine demand surge. Rising OTVI with flat OTRI = capacity is absorbing it. Falling OTVI = recessionary signal.
Frequently asked questions
What does OTVI measure?
OTVI measures the volume of electronic load tenders sent from shippers to contracted carriers, indexed to a 2018 baseline of 10,000.
Is OTVI the same as truck tonnage?
No. ATA Truck Tonnage measures pounds shipped; OTVI measures number of contracted loads tendered. OTVI is higher-frequency (daily) and more sensitive to spot-vs-contract dynamics.
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