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 - December 8, 2025

Total rates_120825

Spot rates surge during the week following Thanksgiving

The total broker-posted spot rate in the Truckstop.com system rose by the most in a week since March to its highest level since early July during the week ended December 5 (week 48). Refrigerated spot rates were especially strong, surging by the most since International Roadcheck week in May to their highest level since January 2023. Flatbed spot rates rose by the most since April and were the highest in six weeks while dry van spot rates rose solidly to their highest level since mid-year.

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

Trucking Market Conditions Hold Steady in October: What Carriers Should Watch Next

Trucking Market Conditions Hold Steady in October: What Carriers Should Watch Next

by FTR Analysts
Get insights into October’s Trucking Conditions Index and how revised economic data and industrial production trends could impact your capacity decisions for 2026.
Trucking Market Update –  Key Trends Shaping the Freight Market

Trucking Market Update –  Key Trends Shaping the Freight Market

by The FTR Experts
Stay informed with the latest trucking market trends, including falling diesel prices, shifting freight rates, and key economic indicators influencing the industry.
Class 8 Orders Pull Back Sharply in November: What the Data Tells Us About 2026

Class 8 Orders Pull Back Sharply in November: What the Data Tells Us About 2026

by Dan Moyer, Sr. Analyst, Commerical Vehicles
Class 8 truck orders dropped sharply in November as fleets prioritize financial discipline over expansion amid weak freight conditions and economic uncertainty.

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