ECONOMIC TRUCKING TRENDS: Balance, even signs of growth, return to for-hire market

The latest data shows stability, even signs of growth, returning to the for-hire trucking segment. Canada’s spot market was flat in November, but the truck-to-load ratio improved for carriers. ACT…

ECONOMIC TRUCKING TRENDS: Vocational truck buyers line up, and trailer orders get a bounce

Trucking conditions in October turned positive for just the third month this year, but FTR projects they’ll stay consistently positive from Q2 2025 right through 2026, at least. Trailer orders…

ECONOMIC TRUCKING TRENDS: Class 8 orders rise, and prospect of tariffs could drive further near-term gains

There was a healthy jump in Class 8 orders in November, but they still lagged 2023 numbers. Industry forecasters suggest the prospect of tariffs on goods imported from Canada and…

ECONOMIC TRUCKING TRENDS: Freight markets returning to balance, reefer rates get U.S. Thanksgiving boost

The Canadian spot market saw better conditions in October. Capacity has left the system, tightening the truck-to-load ratio to 3.64, down 16% year over year. There could be some volatility…

ECONOMIC TRUCKING TRENDS: Fleets cautious with Class 8 orders, spot market improves in line with expectations

With 2025 order books now open, fleets are ordering Class 8 trucks at a “healthy” but cautious level, industry forecasters report. Inventory levels remain high, meaning OEMs will be pressured…

ECONOMIC TRUCKING TRENDS: Growth slowly returning to for-hire market, capacity reduction to come in unexpected form

Additional states are set to remove CDLs from drivers who’ve tested positive for drugs or alcohol under the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse in the U.S. this month, which could provide…

ECONOMIC TRUCKING TRENDS: Trailer orders concerning, but spot market turning for the better

The trailer order season started weak, “well below expectations,” according to one industry forecaster, causing concerns about the remainder of 2024 and into next year. There’s mounting evidence that cash-strapped…

ECONOMIC TRUCKING TRENDS: Class 8 orders jump, step taken to reduce internal trade barriers

Class 8 orders doubled in September, as fleets began lining up for 2025 build slots. However, demand remains at replacement levels in the face of a freight market that continues…

ECONOMIC TRUCKING TRENDS: Truck tonnage, spot market volumes improve, but rates still challenged

We have mostly positive news this week, as the latest trucking economic data points to improving for-hire freight, and a market that is slowly returning to balance. But the spot…

ECONOMIC TRUCKING TRENDS: Rail strike boosts Canadian spot market, trailer orders disappoint

Loadlink reported strong load posting growth in August, buoyed in part by the short-lived rail strike and fears over supply chain disruptions. Spot market rates in the U.S. remained weak…

ECONOMIC TRUCKING TRENDS: Rising truck inventories a concern, spot rates disappoint

Industry forecasters are sounding the alarms on bloated truck inventories. Both heavy-duty and medium-duty truck lots are filling up, which could potentially put pressure on OEMs to curtail production. No…

ECONOMIC TRUCKING TRENDS: Class 8 orders sluggish, spot rates get Labor Day bump

Class 8 orders for August were up slightly, but not to the same extent as they normally are for the month, according to industry forecasters. ACT Research indicates the sluggish…

ECONOMIC TRUCKING TRENDS: Private fleets continue to add capacity, insource

Frustrated by the length of the current for-hire freight market downturn? Blame private fleets! They continue add capacity and pull more freight within their own networks, according to ACT Research.

ECONOMIC TRUCKING TRENDS: Class 8 orders, reefer rates weaken, but overall market continues slow recovery

It’s a mixed bag of economic news this week, with reefer rates and Class 8 orders disappointing while the broader market continues its slow recovery. Private fleets continue to aggressively…

ECONOMIC TRUCKING TRENDS: Class 8 orders spike, spot market rates ‘stable’

May was a strong month for Class 8 truck orders. Does it signal improving freight conditions or the beginning of a pre-buy ahead of costly EPA27 emissions regulations? And the…