Indicators

Tesla's Musk says Semi passes 500-mile, 81K test

With just days until initial deliveries begin, Tesla CEO Elon Musk says the electric Semi can do 500 miles at 81,000 pounds. Also: Averitt Express expands; ACT Research believes the rate bottoming process is underway; ATRI seeks input on predatory towing.

November 29, 2022

Tesla Semi truck

Trucking conditions tumbled in September

Rising fuel prices, weak rates and rising inflation led to a drop in trucking conditions in September, according to FTR. Also: Autonomous trucking firm Waabi unveils self-driving tech; Atlas Van Lines names new president and COO.

November 18, 2022

FTR Trucking Conditions Index September 2022

Trucking in 2023: Recession uncertain, driver shortage shows balance

A recent CCJ webinar, sponsored by Bestpass, discussed the market forces, business conditions and supply chain issues that will impact carrier operations in 2023.

November 11, 2022

CCJ webinar participants

Truck orders continue to reflect fleets' thirst for newer trucks

Pent-up replacement demand remains in the market thanks to a complicated new truck production cycle that has limited many fleets from replacing aged equipment for the past two years.

November 4, 2022

Kenworth truck assembly line

Diesel fuel supply 'vulnerably stable,' widespread shortage unlikely

The Energy Information Administration announced last week that distillate levels are at their lowest point since 2008, but that was coming out of peak demand, and we're currently headed into increased demand.

November 1, 2022

trucks at a fuel island

U.S. economy going into a recession 'early next year'

Experts agree the likelihood of a recession early next year is high but they expect it to be short and mild, and underlying indicators suggest it might not be that bad for trucking.

October 27, 2022

Pictured are Andrew Boyle, co-president of Boyle Transportation and American Trucking Associations Vice Chairman; Bob Costello American Trucking Associations chief economist and senior vice president; and MUFG Securities Americas Managing Director, Global Head of Investment Banking Capital Markets Strategy, Tom Joyce.

FTR's Eric Starks offers positive outlook for trailer sector at NTDA Convention

Business might not feel as great today as it did 12 months ago, but that doesn’t mean a recession is underway. And even one does arrive in 2023, Starks said FTR data indicates the trailer market should still be healthy in the months and years to come.

October 13, 2022

FTR Chairman and CEO Eric Starks

Trucking employment numbers take a dive, per BLS

The Bureau of Labor Statistics' monthly Jobs Report showed trucking lost more than 11,000 jobs last month. Also: Averitt recognized for sustainability efforts; FMCSA denies request for pulsating brake light exemption for all trucks.

October 10, 2022

trucks on highway

September truck orders 'sensational,' record-breaking

The strength in orders reflects OEMs having fully opened their order boards for 2023 a bit earlier than normal.

October 5, 2022

Kenworth assembly line

Unlike prior storms Hurricane Ian delivers 'more regional impact' on loads and rates

Preexisting market conditions help turn Category 4 Hurricane Ian into more of a regional event as national freight averages remain 'virtually unchanged.'

October 4, 2022

Coast Guard Port of Jacksonville Hurricane Ian

Conditions for carriers improved in July

FTR reports trucking conditions remained negative despite gains from June. Also: Freight volumes were flat in August while utilization was down; TLSS has acquired New Jersey-based Freight Connections.

September 23, 2022

FTR Trucking Conditions Index July 2022

Truck tonnage rebounds in August after dip in July

ATA's For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index rose 2.8% in August after decreasing 1.5% in July. Also: FMCSA to study how drivers engage with autonomous trucks; Volvo to begin customer testing of hydrogen fuel-cell trucks in Europe in 2025.

September 22, 2022

ATA August 2022 Truck Tonnage Index

Replacement demand likely to drive truck orders despite economic headwinds

Despite economic volatility and sagging rates, fleets want more trucks.

September 21, 2022

Mack assembly line

Despite widespread economic headwinds, truck orders persevere

Order intake suggests demand still strong, but production challenges barely chipping away at backlog.

September 7, 2022

Mack truck assembly line

Freight volumes, rates dipped in June

ACT Research's For-Hire Trucking Index for June showed an increase in trucking capacity and a decrease in freight volumes and rates. Also: Yellow opens a new Driving Academy in Detroit; Amazon begins rolling out custom electric Rivian delivery vehicles.

July 25, 2022

ACT Research For-Hire Trucking Index freight rates June 2022

Trailer orders skyrocket as backlog pushes into early 2023

OEMs are holding onto 'an enormous amount' of fleet commitments for 2023, but unstable commodity costs and other variables make quoting prices difficult.

July 24, 2022

semi trailer with doors open

Trucking authority revocations paint seemingly bleak but misleading picture

Expert says contract pricing is more than 50 cents per mile above the previous 2018 record high, "and poised to go higher."

July 21, 2022

net revocations of trucking authority

Trucking conditions fell back negative in May

Then-record diesel prices offset a freight market that was slightly stronger in May than in April, FTR reports. Also: FMCSA hosting info session on under-21 pilot program; former Daimler CEO joins AI Fleet's Board of Directors; more.

July 21, 2022

FTR's Trucking Conditions Index May 2022

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Tesla Semi delivery

Tesla delivers 'the most badass rig on the road' to Pepsi

Tesla CEO Elon Musk Thursday night handed over his company's first production electric Semi trucks to PepsiCo.

Melton truck

The new age of driver recruitment leans into the power of social media

a truck drivers on the highway over a train track

House passes bill to avoid rail strike

tank truck on the highway

Rail strike would 'immediately disrupt' fuel, DEF supply

Mechanic looking under the hood

Watch: The current state of the diesel technician workforce

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