Cass Freight Index

The Cass Freight Index showed an increase in truckload linehaul rates for the first time since December 2022.

FTR’s 2025 Transportation Outlook predicts steady growth in spot and contract rates amid a shifting economic and political landscape but cautions that the increases will not be as significant as those of 2020 or 2021

December data from Cass was mixed, with volumes falling notably but truckload rates moving higher.

Morgan Stanley released its 2025 Transportation Outlook, which describes the next year as likely a tale of two halves, one with a powerful restocking-driven upcycle followed by the fears of a downcycle beginning in 2026.

Volumes and expenditures moved higher in November, a Thursday report from Cass Information Systems showed.

The Cass Freight Index shows both volumes and expenditures remained lower in October.

ATRI’s 2024 “Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry” report saw truck parking dominate driver concerns, while motor carriers worry more about the economy.

Continued volume weakness along with a steadying rate environment were the primary takeaways from Cass Information Systems’ September report.

A recent FTR Transportation Intelligence conference highlighted continued poor freight market conditions that are forcing fleets to do more with less.

Cass Information Systems’ August update shows a freight market that is still awaiting a recovery.

Crete Carrier highlighted positive trends in holiday and retail demand as customers stage shipments for Halloween and Christmas.

Data from Cass Information Systems showed year-over-year declines in volumes and costs slowed in July.

Recent data by Motive suggests the freight recession is closer to an end as more robust June restocking spurs higher July retail sales.

Freight shipments and expenditures remained depressed in June, Monday data from Cass Information Systems showed.

OOIDA and other industry groups are suing over the EPA Phase 3 final rule on greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles.

Shipments and cost data for May show no letup in the freight downcycle.

Recent reports from Ryder System and Knight-Swift highlight significant total cost of ownership and poor range for electric trucks.

April data from freight payments platform Cass shows freight demand remains near cycle lows.

March provides little relief from the freight downturn, contrary to what carriers had hoped.

Excess truckload capacity continues to push down rates and change shipper behaviors to a more transactional approach.