The Trucker: DAT: More loads, fewer trucks fail to budge spot rates
There were 2.3 million loads on the DAT One network during the week of June 22-28, the last full shipping week before the July 4 holiday.
There were 2.3 million loads on the DAT One network during the week of June 22-28, the last full shipping week before the July 4 holiday.
“Instability.” “Turbulence.” “Uncertainty.” “Seesaw freight demand.” All these are terms used by various economic forecasters to describe the freight market for May 2025.
A recent freight market outlook said all signs point to a continued recession.
Relying on load boards for all your freight is like trying to build a house with just a hammer—until you learn when and how to use each one, you’ll keep working harder for less.
Logistics experts are projecting flat freight demand heading into what is usually the trucking sector’s peak season
For independent truck drivers and small fleet owners, relying on just one load board can limit opportunities and increase downtime.
Even with a temporary Q3 boost, trade and legal uncertainty could extend the freight recession into 2026. Tariff policy remains key.
Shippers continued to frontload cargo in May ahead of tariffs, giving a boost to dry van volumes, but analysts note carriers still lack pricing power.
Certificial the COI platform behind the Smart COI Network, has launched its Vendor Management Partner Program to streamline insurance verification for procurement, compliance, and risk platforms.
Trucking operators who hoped freight volumes would rebound in 2025 after three years of soft demand are pushing off their forecasts for a recovery.