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.  

When you're ready to learn how FTR can help take you to the next level, download a sample report at the bottom of the page!

Sign up for weekly updates!

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 - December 22, 2025

Total rates_122225

Spot rates surge during the week before Christmas

Broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop.com system rose sharply for all equipment types during the week ended December 19 (week 50). Dry van spot rates were especially notable, jumping to their highest level since early January 2023. A spot rate surge was inevitable in late December but typically not this early in the month. Still, variations in when holidays fall during the week can disrupt seasonal expectations, so any confirmation of a sustained market shift must wait until at least January.

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.

FTR_SOF webinar_Jan 2026_Generic register_1-1

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

RU graphic for web pages

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

Rail Volumes Close 2025 on Uneven Footing as Merger Uncertainty Builds

Rail Volumes Close 2025 on Uneven Footing as Merger Uncertainty Builds

by Joseph Towers, Sr. Analyst, Rail
Rail traffic in North America shows uneven performance as 2025 ends, with industrial carloads under pressure and intermodal stabilizing amid merger uncertainties.
Trucking Employment: Notably Tighter Capacity Reflected in New Data

Trucking Employment: Notably Tighter Capacity Reflected in New Data

by Avery Vise, VP of Trucking
Discover the latest trends in trucking employment, capacity, and wages, as well as the economic factors influencing freight demand and industry outlook for 2026.
Trailer Orders Signal Continued Caution as Policy and Costs Reshape the Market

Trailer Orders Signal Continued Caution as Policy and Costs Reshape the Market

by Dan Moyer, Sr. Analyst, Commerical Vehicles
U.S. trailer market faces challenges with declining orders amid policy risks and cost pressures, signaling cautious fleet investment as 2026 approaches.

Ready to take your market intelligence to the next level?

With services built on empirical data, the most sophisticated freight forecasting methodology in the business, and scrutinized by a panel of experts with a treasure trove of knowledge and experience. FTR's services are trusted to guide organizational decision-making by the industry's best companies. 
 
Download a sample report from our suite of monthly services now and see how exclusive content and forecasts can help drive better decision-making!