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Freight demand

Economic trends
ATA's Costello shares tariff impact on economy, truck freight
It was starting to get better. You might have noticed it. Speaking Tuesday at the TRALA Annual Meeting, ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said there was a brief period in the first quarter where macroeconomic indicators were trending up for trucking.
April 8, 2025
ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello
Freight demand
Cross border imports surged ahead of Trump tariffs. Boost could last '2 or 3 more weeks'
Trucking activity at the Port of Laredo — the busiest land port in the U.S. — jumped 48.5% year-over-year during the first three months this year.
April 2, 2025
semi truck hauling a container
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June 11, 2025
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Economic trends
RXO forecasts 2025 freight recovery despite current challenges
Trucking still faces some challenges but "green shoots" starting to emerge.
March 28, 2025
Maxresdefault 67e58e806de5c
Economic trends
Small carriers talk solutions to market pressures
During Truckload's small carrier panel, four fleets discuss how they've traversed the past 27 months of a down freight economy.
March 20, 2025
TCA Small Carrier Panel
Economic trends
The unknown of the 2025 freight economy
Bob Costello, chief economist at American Trucking Associations, shares his outlook on the freight economy for 2025.
March 18, 2025
Bob Costello
Economic trends
ATA economist on trucking: It's getting a little bit better
There are glimmers of hope for a trucking rebound in 2025, although it could be an unsatisfying change of fortune.
October 14, 2024
Bob Costello
Economic trends
The economy is again trucking's top concern, driver shortage continues to fall
While the driver shortage persists as a significant challenge in the trucking industry, the recent economic downturn has emerged as a more pressing concern for many businesses.
October 12, 2024
Semi trucks in traffic
Freight demand
Truck tonnage hit 18-month high in August
ATA's Truck Tonnage Index showed an increase for the second month in a row in August. Also: Volvo delivers 70 VNR Electric trucks under grant program; Southeastern Freight Lines expands in Southwest; brokerage announces acquisition.
September 25, 2024
ATA Truck Tonnage Index August 2024
Economic trends
Owner-ops see mixed income gains with costs down, but wait for 'kickstart' on rates
Taking its midyear look at the last 12-month period, ATBS showed owner-operator income on average has been flat, though independents and leased flatbeds/reefers all posted modest gains.
September 20, 2024
Mix Collage 20 Sep 2024 08 17 Am 9159
Economic trends
FTR sees stable trucking capacity with slow, steady market recovery
"We are unlikely to go lower in terms of volume or rates. We're solid, but not showing any particular strength."
July 11, 2024
Few trucks parked at warehouse
Freight demand
Tanking rates and soaring costs lead per-mile cost to record highs
The per-mile marginal costs of trucking reached a new high in 2023.
June 25, 2024
truck driving on the highway
Economic trends
FTR: Slow, steady stability in store
“Stability is important because you can plan your costs better, and we have been in a very stable spot rate environment.”
June 13, 2024
Ftr1
Economic trends
Agility, data modeling will drive fleet business and sustainability success
Heavy duty fleet executives are cautiously optimistic about the current year and how it may shape up for their organizations.
April 23, 2024
Truck driver taking a break
Economic trends
Baltimore bridge collapse a 'logistical hassle,' long-term effects unlikely
Deep integration with the Baltimore port means long-term disruption of freight flows is unlikely.
March 28, 2024
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott on a Coast Guard Cutter
Economic trends
Equipment, auto haulers may feel strain from Baltimore bridge collapse
The Baltimore port was a major player in the import/export of construction and farm equipment, cars and light trucks and bulk minerals.
March 27, 2024
Boat on the water near the Francis Scott Key bridge
Economic trends
Population shift will soon drive trucking tidal wave, expert says
The U.S. stands to benefit from falling global population, and a record-breaking younger pool of consumers and employees with drive freight demand.
March 25, 2024
Ken Gronbach speaking at TCA convention in Nashville
Economic trends
Mexico passes China as top U.S. export partner, and that’s good news for freight
A near-shoring effort isn't as simple as taking port freight and moving it cross-border.
March 22, 2024
Maxresdefault 65fc2e15b2a2a
Economic trends
Truck tonnage rebounded in February
ATA reported tonnage hauled was still down from a year ago, indicating the freight recession is ongoing. Also: Paccar Parts' TRP brand opened its 300th global store as it celebrates 30 years in business.
March 20, 2024
ATA Truck Tonnage Index February 2024
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Top Stories
Fuel Island
Regulations
Gallon-based user fee provides sustainable infrastructure funding
The Truckload Carriers Association proposes a Gallons-Based User Fee (GBUF) to modernize the Highway Trust Fund, ensure fairness for all vehicle types, and build a stronger, safer transportation network.
20250603 Mack Trucks Donates Electric Refuse Chassis To Río Hondo College To Advance Heavy Duty Ev Training
Alternative power
California doubles down on emissions regulations, starts work on next generation rules
ABF Freight has expanded its fleet of terminal trucks from Orange EV. After an initial deployment of four trucks in June 2022, ABF has since increased its fleet to nine and has purchased five more for 2025 deployments.
Alternative power
Yard tractors take lead in battery electric market share
Accident Skid
Maintenance
Electronic brake systems offer safety boost, ease of maintenance
1044 Heavy Duty Truck Tires Summer Heat
Maintenance
Are your truck and trailer tires up for summer's heat?
CCJ Top 250
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View, sort and download the trucking industry’s most comprehensive ranking of for-hire carriers in North America, based on a blend of metrics including fleet size, annual revenue and number of drivers.
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White Papers
The Road to Better Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is shifting into high gear—see how fleets are staying ahead in 2025.
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