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 9, 2026

Total rates_030926

Flatbed spot rates are now the highest since October 2022

Broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop.com system for flatbed equipment rose for the 15th time in 16 weeks during the week ended March 6 (week 9) to the highest level since October 2022. Adjusting rates for the fuel price difference between last week and fall 2022 indicates that flatbed spot rates are even more attractive today, though that differential is narrowing rapidly with the ongoing surge in fuel prices. Dry van and refrigerated spot rates declined but remain very strong versus recent years.

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

Trucking Conditions Improve as Market Recovery Strengthens

Trucking Conditions Improve as Market Recovery Strengthens

by FTR Analysts
Trucking conditions improved significantly in January 2026, driven by stronger freight rates, higher load volumes, and increased equipment utilization, signaling a robust market recovery.
Mixed Economic Signals Continue in Freight Markets

Mixed Economic Signals Continue in Freight Markets

by FTR Analysts
Freight markets face mixed economic signals with labor market contractions, rising diesel prices, and resilient manufacturing activity shaping the outlook. Stay updated with FTR's insights and forecasts.
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.

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