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 - August 25, 2025

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Van spot rates mixed as flatbed’s gradual slide continues

For the second time in three weeks, broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop.com system for dry van and refrigerated equipment moved in oppositive directions during the week ended August 22 (week 33). Dry van spot rates declined to their lowest level in 15 weeks. Refrigerated spot rates rose for a fourth straight week to their highest level in seven weeks. Flatbed spot rates declined for a seventh straight week, although the cumulative decrease in the past four weeks is barely more than a penny.

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_FSA webinar_Oct 2025_v2 Speaker headshots_1-1

Tariffs. Economic pressure. Capacity shifts. The food freight market is anything but stable. Join us Oct. 2 for a FREE 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

Housing Market Shows A Few Signs of Life, But Challenges Remain
Housing Market Shows A Few Signs of Life, But Challenges Remain
by Avery Vise, VP of Trucking
Housing market shows slight improvement, but challenges like high mortgage rates and weak job growth remain. Insights on residential construction, inventory trends, and implications for freight.
Shippers Face a Tougher Market as Fuel Prices Spike
Shippers Face a Tougher Market as Fuel Prices Spike
by The FTR Experts
Shippers face challenges as fuel prices spike, impacting June's Shippers Conditions Index. Learn about the market dynamics and expert forecasts shaping the future.
Uncertainty Ahead: What Markets, Housing, and Jobs Are Telling Us
Uncertainty Ahead: What Markets, Housing, and Jobs Are Telling Us
by FTR Analysts
Stay ahead of market shifts with insights on Fed policies, housing trends, and labor market dynamics from FTR's latest analysis.

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