The Trucker: Economic signs point to better days ahead for those who survive
Freight volumes are still down and it is looking like the annual holiday shipping rush is turning into the holiday trickle.
Freight volumes are still down and it is looking like the annual holiday shipping rush is turning into the holiday trickle.
For the first time in 2025, the DAT Truckload Volume Index for all three equipment types was lower on both a month-over-month and year-over-year basis.
Trailer orders sprung to life in October, and cancellations fell. However, demand remains historically weak.
Trucking freight demand fell by roughly a third between April and October, despite the latter half of that period representing what should be the peak shipping season ahead of the holidays.
Truckload freight volumes declined for the fourth consecutive month in October, casting a long, cool shadow on shipping activity for holiday retail goods.
Freight market analysts say that 2025 will likely mark a quiet end for the freight recession preceded by the pandemic trucking boom.
Truck lenders must look beyond traditional credit metrics to find strong operators in light of industry challenges, with a heightened focus on asset expertise.
Freight tonnage continued to slow sequentially in October, reaching its lowest level since the start of the year, American Trucking Associations reported Nov. 18.
In a spirited debate at the Chicago Traffic Club, two of the transportation industry’s most influential voices squared off on the challenges facing freight markets.
Major ports are seeing a drop in imports. For the first time this year, rates in October for van, flatbed and refrigerated loads were lower on a monthly and annual basis, the report said, citing the DAT Truckload Volume Index.