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

May 4, 2026

Total rates_050426

Spot rates rise for all equipment types

Total broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop.com system were once again at an all-time high during the week ended May 1 (week 17) as spot rates rose for all equipment types. Refrigerated spot rates rose for the first time in four weeks, though this week of the year often sees a turn due to the upcoming Mother’s Day holiday. Dry van rates also usually rise during comparable weeks after mostly declining in April. Flatbed spot rates rose for an 18th straight week and the 23rd time in the past 24 weeks.

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 & Intermodal Update: Tariffs, Traffic Trends, and the Revised UP/NS Merger

Rail & Intermodal Update: Tariffs, Traffic Trends, and the Revised UP/NS Merger

by Joseph Towers, Sr. Analyst, Rail
Explore the latest updates in rail and intermodal transport, including tariff changes, traffic trends, and insights on the revised UP/NS merger application.
Key Market Signals Every Transportation Leader Should Be Tracking

Key Market Signals Every Transportation Leader Should Be Tracking

by FTR Analysts
Discover key market signals impacting the freight and transportation landscape, from economic growth trends to shifts in consumer spending and energy prices.
Spot Rates Set Records as Fuel Volatility and Lean Inventories Keep Pressure on Freight Markets

Spot Rates Set Records as Fuel Volatility and Lean Inventories Keep Pressure on Freight Markets

by The FTR Experts
Freight markets face record spot rates and fuel volatility, with tight capacity and lean inventories creating a dynamic environment for carriers and shippers.

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