We want to make you aware of a temporary carrier embargo affecting freight moving into the Phoenix, Arizona market. Oak Harbor Freight Lines has advised that OAKH is officially embargoing freight destined to the Phoenix, AZ market for all customers. The embargo is in effect now.
What the Carrier Has Communicated
Oak Harbor has reported a significant freight backlog at its Phoenix terminal, driven by a substantial increase in shipment volume combined with staffing challenges. The carrier initially suspended transactional and blanket-rate freight in the market, and has since expanded that status to a full embargo covering all shippers. Oak Harbor has deployed additional drivers, management, and support staff into Arizona to work through the backlog.
| Detail | Information |
| Issue | Oak Harbor Freight Lines embargo on freight destined to the Phoenix, AZ market |
| Affected service | New Oak Harbor tenders destined to the Phoenix, AZ market, all shippers |
| Issue source | Carrier-side. Terminal capacity and backlog within Oak Harbor’s network |
| Carrier notice | August 18, 2026, expanded from a transactional rate suspension to a full embargo |
| Expected duration | Approximately two weeks from August 18, 2026. Oak Harbor has not confirmed a firm reopen date and will issue an all-clear notice |
| Current status | Embargo in effect |
What SAN Is Doing
To protect your service experience while Oak Harbor works through the backlog, we have temporarily paused Oak Harbor as a routing option for shipments destined to the Phoenix, AZ market. We are monitoring the carrier’s recovery and remain in contact with Oak Harbor for updates.
What This Means for Your Shipments
- Shipments destined to the Phoenix market that have not shipped with Oak Harbor yet will be routed through alternative LTL carriers in our network. No action is needed on your end.
- ONESOURCE will automatically surface the best available carrier options for these lanes. Oak Harbor will not return as a rate or routing option on Phoenix-destined shipments while the embargo is active.
- Oak Harbor service outside the Phoenix market is not affected and can continue to move as normal.
- Freight already tendered and moving in Oak Harbor’s network is being processed systematically, and delivery timelines in the market may be extended. Oak Harbor has advised that individual shipments cannot be pulled from specific trailers for expedited handling during the recovery period.
When Oak Harbor Will Be Reactivated
Oak Harbor has committed to issuing an all-clear notification once the backlog is cleared and its Arizona operations can support normal service levels. As soon as that notice is received, we will re-enable Oak Harbor for the Phoenix market and send a follow-up note so you know coverage is back to normal.
Questions or Need Help Routing?
If you have shipments already in motion, upcoming loads you would like to discuss, or would like help identifying the best alternative carrier for a specific lane, please reach out to your SAN representative or log in to ONESOURCE to view available options. We have a broad LTL carrier network and strong coverage into the Phoenix market.
Best,
Source Alliance Network
2023 W Carroll Ave., Suite C205
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: 855-226-2600
sourcealliance.net • sales@sourcealliance.net