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_042125April 21, 2025

Van spot rates are mixed as flatbed rates rise for another week

For the first time this year, broker-posted spot rates for dry van and refrigerated equipment moved in opposite directions during the week ended April 18 (week 15). Dry van spot rates fell to their lowest level since late April 2024 while refrigerated spot rates were the highest in 10 weeks. Easter might have played a role in refrigerated’s strength, although the holiday has not been a reliable catalyst for higher rates. Meanwhile, flatbed spot rates rose to their highest level since October 2022.

View this week's full commentary

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.

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FTR_2025 CV Symposium_Social_General(1)

Navigate the Shifting Political Landscape with Confidence. Join us in Detroit for this exclusive event.

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RU graphic for web pages

Updated biweekly on Fridays, FTR's Joseph Towers provides timely updates on rail topics moving the market.

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Most Recent Orders & Indices

Class 8-01

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.

Truck Orders
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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.

 

Trailer Orders
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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.

 

Trucking Conditions
New SCI (1413 × 730 px)

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.

Shippers Conditions

State of Freight TODAY Articles

Truck Freight Recovery Postponed: February TCI Shows Mixed Signals
Truck Freight Recovery Postponed: February TCI Shows Mixed Signals
by Avery Vise, VP of Trucking
February's Trucking Conditions Index shows slight improvement, but carriers should prepare for a delayed recovery due to economic challenges and global trade issues.
Read the article
Read the article
How Freight•cast™ Connects the Dots: From Economic Shifts to Modal Splits
How Freight•cast™ Connects the Dots: From Economic Shifts to Modal Splits
by Eric Starks, Chairman of the Board
Discover how FTR's Freight•cast™ model integrates economic forecasts to accurately predict freight demand and modal splits, helping you stay ahead in transportation planning.
Read the article
Read the article
Why Understanding the Difference Leads to Better Decision-Making
Why Understanding the Difference Leads to Better Decision-Making
by Derek Young, VP of Sales & Marketing
Transform raw data into actionable intelligence to enhance decision-making, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge in the transportation industry. Learn how to leverage market intelligence effectively.
Read the article
Read the article

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