FTR | State of Freight

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

July 1, 2025 23 mins

This episode focuses on a flurry of pro-trucker policy actions from the Department of Transportation, including a national audit of non-domicile CDL practices, withdrawal of a speed limiter rule, and two new pilot programs that allow more flexible hours-of-service. FMCSA also committed to expanding truck parking, modernizing its complaint system, and cracking down on double brokering. On the data front, diesel prices declined after...

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In this episode of FTR’s Rail and Intermodal Update, host Joseph Towers covers:

  • FTR Conference: Sept. 8–11 in Indianapolis — trucking and rail focus.
  • Tariffs & Geopolitics:
    • U.S. tariffs may return July 8.
    • Risk of Strait of Hormuz closure could spike oil prices, similar to past global shocks.
  • Rail Traffic (Week Ending June 21)
  • Tariff Impact:
    • U.S. metal traffic ↑; Canada ↓ — shows expected shift due to steel/aluminum ta...
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In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review some big changes in the fuel and petroleum markets in the wake of big developments in the Middle East. We also examine some key data related to the industrial, consumer, and housing sectors and 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 ...

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In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review some alarming pricing data out of the Bureau of Labor Statistics related to trucking insurance as well as pricing more broadly in the U.S. economy. We also revisit trucking revenues for the first quarter in light of more detailed data, examine the latest data from the FMCSA’s drug and alcohol clearinghouse, and recap the week in diesel prices and the spot mar...

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In this episode of FTR’s Rail and Intermodal Update, host Joseph Towers covers:

Tariff Update.

Rail Traffic – Week Ending June 7

Commodity Trends

The Rail Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Senior Analyst, Rail, Joseph Towers.  As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the PDF of the presentation.

Download the PDF: https://www.ftrintel.com/rail...

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In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we dig into the latest employment data for trucking and related sectors and review the broader employment picture for the economy. We also revisit international trade in goods now that we have more detailed data and review a closely watched indicator of the health of the manufacturing sector. Plus, we recap the week in diesel prices and the spot market for truck freigh...

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In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review the latest figures on imports and exports of goods and look at data on consumer spending, inventories, and orders for manufactured goods. Plus, we discuss the entry and exit of for-hire carriers in May and 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, A...

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 This weeks topics include: 

  • FTR Conference
  • Tariff Update
  • Rail Traffic
  • Uinta Rail Line 

The Rail Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Senior Analyst, Rail, Joseph Towers.  As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the PDF of the presentation.

Download the PDF: https://www.ftrintel.com/rail-podcast

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In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review several important developments in Washington related to trucking. We also examine revenues for trucking in the first quarter and sales for new and existing homes in April. 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...

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In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we dig into some key indicators of the industrial, consumer, and retail sectors and discuss the latest pricing data for consumers and businesses. 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 ...

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This week's topics include:  

  • RSI Conference and Expo
  • Tariff Update   
  • Rail traffic update

The Rail Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Senior Analyst, Rail, Joseph Towers.  As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the PDF of the presentation.

Download the PDF: https://www.ftrintel.com/rail-podcast

Support the show

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 In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we discuss the temporary trade deal between the U.S. and China and revisit trade data for March now that we have more detailed data. Plus, we recap the week in 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 ...

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In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we discuss so much stuff that it is too unwieldy to list it all here, but it includes the latest data on payroll employment in trucking and changes in the for-hire carrier population in April. 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 ...

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In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we discuss the Trump administration’s new policy on English proficiency and its exploration of tariffs or quotas regarding heavy-duty trucks. We also review the latest data from FMCSA’s drug and alcohol clearinghouse and address key indicators of the housing and manufacturing sectors. Plus, we recap the week in diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight as usu...

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This week's topics include:  Tariff Update • ARCI results • Rail traffic update

The Rail Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Senior Analyst, Rail, Joseph Towers.  As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the PDF of the presentation.

Download the PDF: https://www.ftrintel.com/rail-podcast

Support the show

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In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review some key indicators of the industrial, consumer, and housing sectors and discuss the latest Trump administration move in trade policy. 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 welcome t...

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In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review sales of autos and light trucks, the latest data on pricing for consumers and businesses, inventories and sales in the wholesale sector, applications for new businesses, and construction spending. 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...

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 In this episode of FTR’s Rail and Intermodal Update, host Joseph Towers unpacks the whirlwind developments in U.S. trade policy, focusing on the evolving tariff landscape and its far-reaching implications for inflation, imports, and international relations—especially with China. 

The Rail Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Senior Analyst, Rail, Joseph Tower.  As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look ...

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In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we dig into the latest figures on payroll employment in trucking and changes in the population of active for-hire trucking firms. We also review the labor situation for the U.S. more broadly, examine more detailed information on imports during February, and consider how the manufacturing sector performed in March. Plus, we discuss the ongoing U.S. trade war and recap t...

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In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review the latest data on imports and exports, consumer spending, inventories, manufacturing orders, and sales of new homes. 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 welcome to follow along and...

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