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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!

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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 10, 2025

Total loads_031025

Van spot rates continue to decline in the latest week

 Broker-posted spot market rates in the Truckstop system for dry van and refrigerated equipment declined slightly during the week ended March 7 (week 9). The decrease in refrigerated spot rates was mostly in line with expectations for that week of the year, at least over the past five years. Dry van spot rates, however, have declined only three times during a comparable week dating back to at least 2008. Flatbed spot rates continued their steady climb and were at their highest level since July.

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 2025_SM_recording_1-1

Navigate the Shifting Political Landscape with Confidence. Watch the replay our 2025 SOF Transportation Outlook.

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

TCI for January at -2.56 Mirrors December’s Positive Reading
TCI for January at -2.56 Mirrors December’s Positive Reading
by Avery Vise, VP of Trucking
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index for January drops to -2.56 due to higher diesel prices and weak freight rates, reversing December’s positive reading. Stay informed with our market updates.
Trucking Employment Declines in February; Revisions Show Industry Returning to Pre-Pandemic Levels
Trucking Employment Declines in February; Revisions Show Industry Returning to Pre-Pandemic Levels
by Avery Vise, VP of Trucking
Trucking employment saw a decline in February, with revisions showing the industry returning to pre-pandemic levels, while parcel and local delivery jobs surged significantly.
Rail Traffic Rebounds After Winter Disruptions
Rail Traffic Rebounds After Winter Disruptions
by Joseph Towers, Sr. Analyst, Rail
Rail traffic rebounds after winter disruptions, driven by gains in carloads and intermodal traffic, while facing broader industry challenges and external pressures from new tariff measures.

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