STATE OF FREIGHT TODAY

Your source for  complimentary industry content from FTR

Whether you prefer to read updates, listen to podcasts, or take in the most recent webinar, this page is the source for complimentary FTR content covering everything associated with the commercial freight industry.  

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Truckstop & FTR Spot Pressure Heat Map

Load Volumes & Spot Rates

 

Learn more about the TruckStop & FTR U.S. Spot Pressure Heatmap at this knowledgebase article:
https://help.ftrintel.com/knowledge/faq-spot-pressure-heatmaps

Spot Market Insights - March 16, 2026

Total rates_031626

Diesel price surge fuels higher spot rates

A record surge in diesel prices drove sharply stronger broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop.com system during the week ended March 13 (week 10). Spot rates for each of the three principal equipment types rose more than 10 cents during a week when dry van and refrigerated van rates typically fall. Rate gains did not fully offset higher fuel costs, but only flatbed saw substantial deterioration in its rate strength versus the prior year when fuel surcharges are excluded from the calculation.

Trucking & Rail Updates from FTR

Updated weekly with downloadable slide decks

TMU _Avery_ Podcast Graphics - Updated 5.28.24

Updated weekly on Tuesday, FTR's Avery Vise provides timely updates on key trucking topics moving the market.

Jan 2026 Replay_SOF Today Webpage

Get ahead of 2026 with a clear, data-backed look at the economic, trade, and freight shifts that will shape your strategy. 

2025 RMU Podcast -SOF Today

Updated biweekly on Fridays, FTR's Joseph Towers provides timely updates on rail topics moving the market.

Most Recent Orders & Indices

Class 8 Orders


New class 8 truck orders are normally a leading indicator of the state of the economy. Follow our preliminary order updates to understand the direction of the economy and commercial vehicle production.

Trailer Orders


Strong freight demand dictates the need for new trailers. Follow our preliminary trailer orders to monitor the underlying health of freight and track the demand for new equipment.

 

Trucking Conditions Index

This exclusive FTR metric combines millions of data points known to influence truck fleet behavior to provide one index measuring the industry's health.

 

Shippers Conditions Index

This exclusive FTR metric combines millions of transportation data points into one index to help shippers understand rate pressure across the industry.

State of Freight TODAY Articles

Fuel Shock, Stronger Housing, and Rising Flatbed Rates: Key Freight Signals This Week

Fuel Shock, Stronger Housing, and Rising Flatbed Rates: Key Freight Signals This Week

by FTR Analysts
Stay informed on key freight market trends this week, including rising diesel prices, mixed consumer spending, and strong housing signals shaping transportation.
Diesel Price Shock Raises Risk of Record-Low Shipper Conditions

Diesel Price Shock Raises Risk of Record-Low Shipper Conditions

by The FTR Experts
Diesel price surge threatens record-low shipper conditions as trucking capacity tightens and freight rates rise, pushing the Shippers Conditions Index to unprecedented negative levels.
Diesel Shock, Strong Equipment Orders, and a Tightening Trucking Market

Diesel Shock, Strong Equipment Orders, and a Tightening Trucking Market

by FTR Analysts
Surging diesel prices, strong Class 8 orders, and spot market resilience highlight this week's trucking market update from FTR Analysts. Stay informed on industry trends and economic signals.

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