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

April 13, 2026

Total rates_041326

Van spot rates retreat a bit in the latest week

For the first time since fuel prices began to surge due to the Iran conflict, broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop.com system for both dry van and refrigerated equipment declined week over week during the week ended April 10 (week 14). Dry van spot rates had eased about a half-cent during week 11 but refrigerated spot rates had surged nearly 44 cents in four straight weeks of rate increases. Flatbed spot rates, meanwhile, rose for a 15th straight week to their highest level since July 2022.

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

Freight Market Signals: Energy Shock, Rate Reaction, and Demand Stability

Freight Market Signals: Energy Shock, Rate Reaction, and Demand Stability

by FTR Analysts
Explore the latest freight market trends driven by energy volatility, stable consumer demand, and rising rates, offering insights for strategic planning.
Class 8 Orders Show Strength—With Signals of a Turning Market

Class 8 Orders Show Strength—With Signals of a Turning Market

by Dan Moyer, Sr. Analyst, Commerical Vehicles
Class 8 truck orders show strong growth, signaling a market recovery despite potential risks. Discover insights for informed decision-making in the commercial vehicle sector.
Diesel Surge Reshapes the Freight Market

Diesel Surge Reshapes the Freight Market

by The FTR Experts
Rapidly rising diesel prices are reshaping the freight market, impacting carrier costs and creating regional disparities. Discover the latest insights and trends.

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