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

Total loads_051225May 12, 2025

Spot rates fall sharply in the latest week 

Broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop system fell substantially for all equipment types during the week ended May 9 (week 18). Dry van spot rates fell to their lowest level since June 2020. After a sharp increase in the previous week, refrigerated spot rates fell by the most in 12 weeks. Flatbed spot rates saw their largest week-over-week drop since June 2023. Higher spot rates during the current week are virtually a lock due to the annual International Roadcheck roadside inspection event.

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_May 2025_LI_Watch Replay

Navigate the Shifting Economic Landscape with Confidence. Watch the replay of this impactful webinar.

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

May’s Market Mood: Inflation Clouds, Trade Crosswinds, and Fed Watch
May’s Market Mood: Inflation Clouds, Trade Crosswinds, and Fed Watch
by FTR Analysts
Stay ahead in May's economic landscape with insights on Fed policy, trade turmoil, and inflation trends affecting the freight market.
Turning Data Into Direction: Meet FTR’s Dan Moyer
Turning Data Into Direction: Meet FTR’s Dan Moyer
by Eric Starks, Chairman of the Board
Discover how FTR’s Senior Analyst Dan Moyer turns complex data into actionable insights for the freight industry in this engaging interview with Eric Starks.
Freight Market Outlook: Why “Neutral” Doesn’t Mean “Normal” for Shippers
Freight Market Outlook: Why “Neutral” Doesn’t Mean “Normal” for Shippers
by Avery Vise, VP of Trucking
Explore why a near-neutral Shippers Conditions Index signals a need for strategic reevaluation and how tariffs are reshaping the freight market landscape.

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