White Paper: Assessing Shippers’ Adaptability to Market Changes

The freight market, like many sectors, operates in cycles. Currently, it’s in a deflationary state. However, it’s crucial to remember that downturns are not permanent; they are simply one market phase. This period of contraction presents an ideal opportunity for shippers and freight companies to regroup, reassess their strategies and prepare for the anticipated upswing.

The upcoming period of inflation offers the chance for businesses to leverage the lessons learned during the downturn and adopt innovative technologies and strategies to maximize efficiency, profitability and competitiveness in a new market phase that could be just around the corner.

Amid the freight contraction of 2023, FreightWaves and Loadsmart surveyed shippers to understand just how they will adapt as the market recovers from the current sluggish demand to an eventual growth period.

Respondents revealed how their operations fared during the last freight boom cycle, their outlook for the future, and their current strategies and challenges. The survey uncovered methods that shippers can implement for operational agility to help them navigate obstacles that lie ahead.

Download the complimentary report today to access the full insights.

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
Fraud & Security

Freight Fraud Symposium

Double brokering. AI deepfakes. Identity theft. Freight fraud is an existential threat to the industry. Get ahead of it.

May 20, 2026
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame • Cleveland, OH
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AI & Technology

Supply Chain AI Symposium

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

July 15, 2026
The Old Post Office • Chicago, IL
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Rail & Policy

Future of Rail Symposium

Reshoring is rewriting freight demand. Join shippers, rail executives, and government officials to shape the next decade.

July 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
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Fraud & Security Freight Fraud Symposium May 20 • Cleveland, OH

Double brokering. AI deepfakes. Identity theft. Freight fraud is an existential threat to the industry. Get ahead of it.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame • Cleveland, OH Register Now
AI & Technology Supply Chain AI Symposium Jul 15 • Chicago, IL

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

The Old Post Office • Chicago, IL Register Now
Rail & Policy Future of Rail Symposium Jul 28 • Chattanooga, TN

Reshoring is rewriting freight demand. Join shippers, rail executives, and government officials to shape the next decade.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now