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 18, 2026

Total rates_051826

Spot rates skyrocket during International Roadcheck week

Broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop.com system for refrigerated equipment posted their largest week-over-week spike ever during the week ended May 15 (week 19) as market pressure from International Roadcheck week added to the ongoing need for fuel cost recovery. The jump in dry van spot rates fell just short of a record weekly increase while flatbed spot rates rose for a 20th straight week to a record level. Dry van and refrigerated rates remain well below their all-time highs at the end of 2021.

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_webinar_July 2026_LI Registration No headshots

Join us for this free webinar!  It's 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

Trailer Demand Shows Another Sign of Stabilization as April Orders Surprise to the Upside

Trailer Demand Shows Another Sign of Stabilization as April Orders Surprise to the Upside

by Dan Moyer, Sr. Analyst, Commerical Vehicles
April trailer orders show unexpected growth, signaling potential stabilization in the U.S. trailer market amid cautious fleet spending and ongoing uncertainties.
Reaction to the Supreme Court decision in Montgomery is overblown

Reaction to the Supreme Court decision in Montgomery is overblown

by Avery Vise, VP of Trucking
The Supreme Court's ruling in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport is significant but not as drastic as some claim. It highlights ongoing issues in broker liability and carrier selection safety.
Shipper Conditions Deteriorate as Fuel Costs and Capacity Pressures Intensify

Shipper Conditions Deteriorate as Fuel Costs and Capacity Pressures Intensify

by The FTR Experts
Shipper conditions are worsening as fuel costs rise and capacity tightens, leading to significant challenges in the freight market. Stay informed on trends and forecasts.

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