Freight companies are preparing for what executives are calling a muted peak season, as dimming shipping demand from overstocked retailers ripples across U.S. shipping markets. Several big operators say they are seeing freight demand drop off rather than pick up heading into what is typically their busiest period of the year. Clothing retailer Ministry of Supply Inc. stocked up on inventory for the peak season with orders that arrived too late for last year’s winter season and items that arrived early this year. DAT Solutions LLC, a load board that matches trucks to available loads, said its index for spot market demand fell sharply from August to September, to the lowest point since February. “If you’re a carrier exposed to the spot market, you’re hurting.

---