FTR | State of Freight
State of Freight is a series of industry resources from FTR, the leader in market intelligence and forecasting for the North American freight transportation industry. FTR podcasts provide updates for the Trucking and Rail markets, as well as the broader economy. Each podcast includes a slide deck of graphs that can be used in presentations or for internal analysis. For show downloads and to signup for more State of Freight content, go to www.FTRintel.com/podcast.
Episodes
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review several metrics that suggest that trucking capacity has tightened, including stronger than seasonal performance for spot rates. We also discuss some key economic indicators, including retail sales, home sales, and consumer inflation.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are...
This episode of FTR’s Rail and Intermodal Update focuses on year-end trends in North American rail traffic, with Joseph Towers breaking down the latest carload and intermodal performance by commodity and carrier. The podcast also addresses the growing uncertainty surrounding the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger following public opposition from the Teamsters Rail Conference, setting the stage for what could be a chall...
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review the latest data on payroll employment and wages in trucking and the employment situation for the U.S. economy as a whole. We also discuss trucking industry revenues for the third quarter and review a surge in business applications and distorted goods trade figures. Plus, we recap the week in diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight as usual.
The Tr...
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we briefly discuss some recent safety enforcement moves and examine the change in the for-hire carrier population in November. We also review indicators related to the industrial and consumer sectors and to employment. Plus, we recap the week for diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight, both of which saw some big changes in the latest week.
The Trucking Mark...
This week’s Rail and Intermodal Update delivers a concise look at rail traffic trends as the industry moves through a quiet holiday period with limited major news expected. Joseph Towers highlights the upcoming Midwest Association of Rail Shippers Winter Meeting and provides timely context on the delayed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger filing. The episode then breaks down the latest carload and intermodal performance, noting...
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review some indicators of the industrial and consumer sectors and pricing for freight transportation services and selected trucking cost centers. Plus, we recap the week in diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight as usual.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcom...
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we examine payroll employment in trucking and broader economic and review indicators on housing and trade. We also discuss an annual revision of industrial production figures that show a significantly different picture of the manufacturing sector than we had before this week. Plus, we recap the week in diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight as usual.
The Tr...
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we discuss court action last week blocking a new rule regarding non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses and recap the week in diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators...
In today’s episode, Joseph Towers recaps key takeaways from FTR’s recent Houston events and breaks down the latest railcar and intermodal trends. He highlights weak new car orders, declining backlogs, and a softer outlook for builders heading into 2026, then shifts to intermodal with October’s sharp TEU declines at the Port of Long Beach and muted U.S. rail traffic. Despite broad softness—especially in automotive—he notes a few bri...
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we examine data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regarding the drug and alcohol clearinghouse and enforcement of the English language proficiency requirement for drivers. Plus, we look at non-governmental data on private-sector employment in October and recap the week in the spot market for truck freight.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’...
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review changes in the for-hire carrier population in October and discuss a key indicator of the health of the manufacturing sector. Plus, we recap the week in diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and ...
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review the limited economic indicators we have during the government shutdown, including figures on consumer inflation and sales of existing homes. Plus, we examine some surprising data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s drug and alcohol clearinghouse and recap the week in diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight as usual.
The Trucking...
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review the new tariffs that will be imposed on medium- and heavy-duty trucks as of November 1. Plus, we recap the latest week for mortgage rates, diesel prices, and the spot market for truck freight.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the ...
- New Mexican regulation: Requires GPS tracking (updating every 30 seconds) and large QR codes on all U.S. petroleum exports to Mexico transported by rail or truck. Railcars without GPS must comply within 30 days — a tight and challenging timeline.
- QR code mandate: Took effect September 25, 2025, giving shippers only 20 business days to apply codes after receiving them from the government.
- Traffic Trends: Total North American rail...
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we examine English language proficiency violations since they became an out-of-service violation in June. Plus, we recap the week in diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indic...
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we consider a few non-governmental economic indicators since that’s about all we have for now. Plus, we discuss the latest on truck tariffs and changes in the for-hire carrier population in September. Plus, we recap the week in diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight as usual.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery V...
This weeks Rail Market Update covers:
Leadership Shift at CSX: Joe Hinrichs departs, Steve Angel steps in as CEO, raising questions about future strategy.
STB in the Spotlight: Robert Primus files lawsuit over wrongful termination; operations slowed by the government shutdown.
Traffic Trends Mixed: Total North American rail traffic up slightly (+0.8%); intermodal growth (+2.2%) driven mainly by easy comparisons, while carloads (-0.6%)...
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review the latest data on home sales, international trade, consumer spending, and inventories. Plus, we discuss some major news out of Washington related to trucking and recap the week in diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are ...
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we dig into some key freight-related economic indicators, including manufacturing production, retail sales, and inventories. Plus, we recap the week in the spot market for truck freight as usual.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs ...
This week in the Rail Market Update:
- STB Developments: President Trump nominated Dick Closter to replace Marty Oberman on the Surface Transportation Board and renominated Michelle Schultz, while Robert Primus continues to contest his firing. These moves come as the STB prepares to weigh the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern transcontinental merger.
- Rail Traffic Trends: For the week ending September 13, North American rail ...
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