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 - December 29, 2025

Total rates_010526

Seasonal peak puts van spot rates at multi-year highs 

As expected, broker-posted spot rates in the Truckstop.com system rose during the week ended January 2 (week 52 of 2025), resulting in the highest rates for dry van and refrigerated equipment in several years. Refrigerated spot rates posted a large week-over-week gain and were the highest since February 2022. Dry van spot rates increased only modestly but once again were at their highest level since the beginning of 2023. Barring weather disruptions, van spot rates likely will decline in early January.

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_SOF webinar_Jan 2026_Generic register_1-1

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

December Class 8 Orders Surge, but Fundamentals Remain Cautious

December Class 8 Orders Surge, but Fundamentals Remain Cautious

by Dan Moyer, Sr. Analyst, Commerical Vehicles
December Class 8 truck orders surged due to policy clarity and pent-up demand, but overall market fundamentals remain cautious, indicating tactical rather than sustained growth.
Rail Volumes Close 2025 on Uneven Footing as Merger Uncertainty Builds

Rail Volumes Close 2025 on Uneven Footing as Merger Uncertainty Builds

by Joseph Towers, Sr. Analyst, Rail
Rail traffic in North America shows uneven performance as 2025 ends, with industrial carloads under pressure and intermodal stabilizing amid merger uncertainties.
Trucking Employment: Notably Tighter Capacity Reflected in New Data

Trucking Employment: Notably Tighter Capacity Reflected in New Data

by Avery Vise, VP of Trucking
Discover the latest trends in trucking employment, capacity, and wages, as well as the economic factors influencing freight demand and industry outlook for 2026.

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