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 - January 12, 2026

Total rates_011226

Van spot rates fall as expected in the latest week

With holiday capacity shortfalls over, broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop.com system for dry van and refrigerated equipment fell sharply as expected during the week ended January 9 (week 1). Flatbed spot rates increased modestly – similar to post-holiday performance in recent years – and were at their highest level since July. Spot load volume surged following the New Year’s Day holiday. During the current week (week 2), van spot rates always fall while flatbed spot rates almost always rise.

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

Rail Traffic, Regulation, and Consolidation: What 2025 Tells Us About the Year Ahead

Rail Traffic, Regulation, and Consolidation: What 2025 Tells Us About the Year Ahead

by Joseph Towers, Sr. Analyst, Rail
Explore 2025 rail traffic trends, regulatory shifts, and the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, setting the stage for the rail industry's outlook in 2026.
For-Hire Carrier Population Contracts in December

For-Hire Carrier Population Contracts in December

by Avery Vise, VP of Trucking
Explore the December shift in the for-hire carrier landscape, focusing on elevated revocations and their potential drivers, from the latest FTR Trucking Market Update podcast.
Trucking Conditions Improved in November as Rates and Capacity Tightened

Trucking Conditions Improved in November as Rates and Capacity Tightened

by FTR Analysts
Trucking conditions improved in November as rates and capacity tightened, signaling a more favorable environment for motor carriers, but demand remains uncertain.

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