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 - March 2, 2026

Total rates_030226

Spot rates remain quite elevated in the latest week

Overall broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop.com system rose notably during the week ended February 27 (week 8) as rates for both flatbed and dry van equipment moved higher and refrigerated rates posted their smallest decrease since the 45-cent spike in week 4. Spot rates for all three principal segments were quite strong versus the same week last year. The latest week included some strength linked to a winter storm in the Northeast, but weather will become an increasingly insignificant factor. 

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

Nonresidential construction Spending Is All About the 1s and 0s

Nonresidential construction Spending Is All About the 1s and 0s

by FTR Analysts
Discover how shifts in construction spending are impacting freight demand, with residential stability, cooling manufacturing, and surging data centers shaping the market landscape.
Class 8 Orders Surge in February, Signaling Strengthening Fleet Confidence

Class 8 Orders Surge in February, Signaling Strengthening Fleet Confidence

by Dan Moyer, Sr. Analyst, Commerical Vehicles
Class 8 truck orders surged in February, signaling market recovery and strengthening fleet confidence, driven by improving freight fundamentals and clearer regulatory signals.
Five Freight Signals to Watch Right Now

Five Freight Signals to Watch Right Now

by FTR Analysts
Discover the five key freight signals shaping the current market, indicating stabilization rather than contraction. Learn about cost pressures, lean inventories, revenue trends, and more.

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