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 - October 13, 2025

Total rates_101325

Spot rates decline slightly overall in the latest week

After gains for all equipment types in the previous week, the total broker-posted spot rate in the Truckstop.com system declined during the week ended October 10 (week 40) as an increase in refrigerated spot rates partially offset decreases in dry van and flatbed spot rates. The declines for dry van and flatbed followed the first back-to-back spot rate gains since June. Refrigerated spot rates were at the highest level in four weeks. Rates overall continue to move mostly according to seasonal expectations.

View this week's full commentary

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.

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FTR_FSA webinar_Oct 2025_v2 Watch Recording

Tariffs. Capacity. Driver supply. What’s next for food shippers in 2026? Watch the replay of our webinar for the answers.

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RU graphic for web pages

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

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Most Recent Orders & Indices

Class 8-01

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.

Truck Orders
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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.

 

Trailer Orders
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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.

 

Trucking Conditions
New SCI (1413 × 730 px)

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.

Shippers Conditions

State of Freight TODAY Articles

English Language Proficiency Enforcement Is Not Accelerating - Yet

English Language Proficiency Enforcement Is Not Accelerating - Yet

by Avery Vise, VP of Trucking
FMCSA’s new English Language Proficiency enforcement is changing the face of the trucking workforce. FTR’s latest analysis reveals how 20,000 drivers could be impacted — and which states are enforcing the rule most aggressively.
Read the article
Read the article
October’s Market Snapshot: When the Weather Cools, So Does the Economy

October’s Market Snapshot: When the Weather Cools, So Does the Economy

by FTR Analysts
October's market snapshot reveals economic cooling amid tariffs, a government shutdown, and a weakening labor market.
Read the article
Read the article
Back-to-Back FTR Events in Houston Focused on Freight Forecasting and Rail Investment

Back-to-Back FTR Events in Houston Focused on Freight Forecasting and Rail Investment

by FTR Analysts
Join FTR and Railroad Financial Corporation this November 4–5 in Houston for two powerful events—the State of Freight Symposium and the Chemical Cars & Capital Forum. Gain insights into freight forecasting, rail investment, and 2026 transportation market strategies.
Read the article
Read the article

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