Freight demand

Business climate continues to benefit shippers

More stable fuel costs send the SCI into positive territory for September after going negative in August.

November 28, 2023

A chart showing 2022 and 2023 Shipping Conditions Index numbers from FTR.

Truck tonnage creeps upward

American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) announced this week its advanced seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 1.1% in October after declining 1.1% in September.

November 23, 2023

ATA truck tonnage chart for October 2023

Has freight cycle bottomed out?

With freight volumes, rates and tonnage all running below last year's peaks, many in the industry have begun questioning if, or when, the cycle will hit bottom.

November 21, 2023

Blue Class 8 tractor on the highway

Freight market likely to stay soft in final months of 2023

“We continue to expect the freight cycle to turn once capacity tightens, but early signs of 2024 equipment production suggest that may be a while,” says Tim Denoyer, ACT Research’s vice president and senior analyst.

October 30, 2023

A few trucks parked at a warehouse

Truck tonnage slips again in September

“While it is likely a bottom has been hit in truck freight tonnage, there could still be choppy waters ahead as the freight market remains volatile,” says ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello.

October 24, 2023

ATA September 2023 tonnage index

Freight market hits rougher patch in August

FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index in August fell to -12.54, down significantly from July’s already negative reading of -5.34. FTR said the sharp decline in conditions for carriers was due to significantly higher fuel prices and weaker freight volume.

October 20, 2023

Three trucks parked against a fleet terminal

FTR delivers weak peak season outlook

Consumers are still pending even as student loan payments kick in, personal savings is down and mortgage rates are up, FTR analysts say, making a weak brew for freight's peak season.

October 12, 2023

A chart showing active truck utilization.

FTR: Trucking Conditions Index shows weakness for carriers

"For-hire trucking companies have already faced the longest period of consistently unfavorable market conditions since the Great Recession," says FTR Vice President of Trucking Avery Vise.

August 23, 2023

A fever chart showing negative conditions in the trucking industry.

Dissolution of Yellow beginning to impact freight

The rebalancing of the U.S. freight market is being drawn out by reluctance to part with workers and significant private fleet capacity expansion, ACT Research announced in its freight forecast Outlook report this week.

August 16, 2023

Truck drives next to train line

Freight shipments, spending see steepest drop since early pandemic

In the second quarter, truck shipments dropped 9% nationwide and as much as 27% regionally.

August 1, 2023

forklift loading a trailer

Freight cycle near bottom

That spot rates have largely held onto the gains from Roadcheck suggests the freight market is close to its balance.

June 14, 2023

semis loaded with containers

J.D. Power says Class 8 retail was weak in November, auction pricing stable

Since the market correction began in the first quarter, trucks with 400,000 miles or less have barely lost any value, says Chris Visser, senior analyst and product manager, commercial vehicles.

December 16, 2022

Number of trucks retailed per dealership rooftop.

Truck tonnage slips in October

American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) announced last week its advanced seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index decreased 2.3 percent in October after rising 0.8 percent in September.

November 28, 2022

ATA truck tonnage chart for October 2022

Truck tonnage rose by 6.8 percent in 2021

The trucking industry moved 10.93 billion tons of freight in 2021, generating $875.5 billion in revenue, according to the latest edition of American Trucking Associations’ American Trucking Trends 2022.

October 19, 2022

Trio of trailers on highway

Trucking's monthly employment numbers hit two-year low

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its monthly Jobs Report on Friday, and preliminary numbers show payroll employment in trucking taking a dive unlike anything seen since the dawn of the pandemic.

October 10, 2022

Trucks driving on highway

Analysts expect softening in freight market in months ahead

Despite rising truck tonnage month over month, analysis of truck freight conditions were muted in August and multiple industry experts are now predicting truck freight and carrier conditions will continue to weaken into 2023.

September 26, 2022

Trucks through mirror.

As rates fall again, risk of freight recession 'now considerable'

U.S. freight volumes fell last month compared to March and April 2021, according to the recent Cass Transportation Index April 2022 report.

May 12, 2022

Reefer trailers parked in docks

Biden Issues Plan to Speed Up Infrastructure Projects; Some Concerned 2-Year Goal Omitted

Two-year goal set by infrastructure law not mentioned in new action plan, road contractor group says.

May 12, 2022

Biden infrastructure projects bridge building

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Finalists named for ATD's 2024 Truck Dealer of the Year

The American Truck Dealers (ATD), Trucks, Parts, Service and Procede Software are pleased to announce the nominees for the 2024 Truck Dealer of the Year. There are seven dealers up for the 2024 award.

Truck on interstate driving

Late-model depreciation gently slowing for used trucks

Kriete Group chargers

How electric trucks may transform dealer revenue streams

The image on the left shows a sign being taken down and the image on the right shows a new FleetPride sign in its place.

Rebranding demands strategy, communication

Download The Comprehensive Guide on In-House vs Outsourced Maintenance

Download The Comprehensive Guide on In-House vs Outsourced Maintenance

Learn how to move your used trucks faster

With unsold used inventory depreciating at a rate of more than 2% monthly, efficient inventory turnover is a must for dealers. Download this eBook to access proven strategies for selling used trucks faster.

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