FTR | State of Freight
State of Freight is a series of industry resources from FTR, the leader in market intelligence and forecasting for the North American freight transportation industry. FTR podcasts provide updates for the Trucking and Rail markets, as well as the broader economy. Each podcast includes a slide deck of graphs that can be used in presentations or for internal analysis. For show downloads and to signup for more State of Freight content, go to www.FTRintel.com/podcast.
Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning September 28, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we discuss some slight relief on diesel prices, a mixed picture for spot rates in the latest week, and figures on manufacturing demand and home sales.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
Download the PDF: https://ftrintel.com/trucking-podcast
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Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning September 21, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review key indicators of the industrial, consumer, and housing sectors and discuss another record high for diesel prices. Plus, we recap the week in the spot market for truck freight as usual.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
Download the PDF: https://ftrintel.com/trucking-podcast
Supp...
Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning September 14, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review a second straight record in the price of diesel and a mixed week for spot rates. We’ll also examine home sales, price inflation, sales and inventories in the wholesale sector, and applications for new businesses.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
Download the PDF: https://ftrintel...
Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning September 7, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review a new record high price for diesel and discuss a strong month for job growth in trucking and the economy as a whole. Plus, we recap the week in the spot market for truck freight and examine some indicators of manufacturing, construction, and trade.Â
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
...
Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning August 31, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we discuss preliminary figures on likely changes in the estimate of employment in the U.S. economy and in trucking. Plus, we review some significant economic indicators that are relevant to freight and recap the week in diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight as usual.Â
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the present...
Rail Market Update - Week ending August 28, 2026
In this episode of FTR’s Rail Market Update, host Joseph Towers covers:
Developments related to the UP-NS merger processA recap of recent changes in North American rail traffic levels.As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the PDF of the presentation.
Download the PDF: https://www.ftrintel.com/rail-podcast
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Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning August 24, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we highlight a milestone – for 2026, at least – for diesel prices, and it’s not a welcome one. We also review the latest data on manufacturing output and housing starts and recap the week in the spot market for truck freight as usual.Â
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
Download the PDF: h...
Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning August 17, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review the latest data on retail sales, home sales, and price inflation for both consumers and businesses, including a record change for one trucking sector. We also recap the week in diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight as usual.Â
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
Download the PDF...
Rail Market Update - Week ending August 14, 2026
In this episode of FTR’s Rail Market Update, host Joseph Towers covers:
 Eleventh Circuit court of appeals upholds the FRA’s rule on two-person crewsWeekly rail trafficAs this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the PDF of the presentation.
Download the PDF: https://www.ftrintel.com/rail-podcast
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Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning August 10, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we dig into payroll employment for trucking and for the broader economy in July and review international trade data for June. Plus, we recap the latest week in diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight.Â
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
Download the PDF: https://ftrintel.com/tru...
Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning August 3, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we look back at the U.S. economy in the second quarter of this year and review encouraging indicators of the industrial, consumer, and construction sectors.Â
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
Download the PDF: https://ftrintel.com/trucking-podcast
Support the show
Rail Market Update - Week ending July 27, 2026
In this episode of FTR’s Rail Market Update, host Joseph Towers covers:
 UP’s second submission of required supplemental merger information.ARCI new car indicatorsWeekly rail trafficAs this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the PDF of the presentation.
Download the PDF: https://www.ftrintel.com/rail-podcast
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Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning July 27, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we dig into notable changes related to diesel and petroleum pricing and to the spot market for truck freight. We also review some key indicators of the industrial and housing sectors.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
Download the PDF: https://ftrintel.com/trucking-podcast
Support the sh
Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning July 20, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we discuss the huge reversal in diesel prices over the past couple of weeks and a host of key economic indicators related to the industrial, consumer, and housing sectors. Plus, we recap the week in the spot market for truck freight.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
Download the PDF: h...
Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning July 13, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we discuss EPA’s proposed changes in NOx emissions regulations, a milestone for trucking market conditions from the carrier perspective, notable changes in diesel prices and the spot market for trucking freight, and a handful of general economic indicators.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
Download the PDF: https...
Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning July 6, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we recap a record-setting week in the spot market and the latest in diesel prices. We also review changes in payroll employment for trucking and the U.S. economy as a whole and look at some key indicators of the industrial and construction sectors.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
Downlo...
Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning June 29, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we examine some key indicators of the industrial, consumer, and housing sectors and review advance data on trade in goods and retail inventories. Plus, we recap the week in diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight as usual.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
Download the PDF: http...
Rail Market Update - Week ending June 26, 2026
In this episode of FTR’s Rail Market Update, host Joseph Towers covers:
 Weekly rail trafficA deeper dive into intermodal’s strengthAs this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the PDF of the presentation.
Download the PDF: https://www.ftrintel.com/rail-podcast
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Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning June 22, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review notable changes in the spot market for truck freight and for diesel prices and discuss key economic indicators related to the housing and consumer sectors.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
Download the PDF: https://ftrintel.com/trucking-podcast
Support the show
Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning June 15, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we discuss a development related to the recent Supreme Court decision regarding broker liability and review a host of economic indicators related to the industrial, consumer, and housing sectors. Plus, we recap the week for diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight as usual.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
Rail Market Update - Week ending June 12, 2026
In this episode of FTR’s Rail Market Update, host Joseph Towers covers:
 Richard Kloster sworn in to the STBWeekly rail trafficAs this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the PDF of the presentation.
Download the PDF: https://www.ftrintel.com/rail-podcast
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Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning June 8, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we examine payroll employment for trucking and the broader economy. Plus, we recap the week in diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight.Â
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
Download the PDF: https://ftrintel.com/trucking-podcast
Support the show
Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning June 1, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we look at some notable moves in diesel prices and in the spot market for truck freight. We also examine several key indicators of activity in manufacturing, consumption, housing, and international trade.Â
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
Download the PDF: https://ftrintel.com/trucking-podcast
Support...
Rail Market Update - Week ending May 29, 2025
In this episode of FTR’s Rail Market Update, host Joseph Towers covers:
 STB accepts revised UPNS merger application as “Complete”.Procedural merger timeline delayed until certain deficiencies are remedied by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern.Update on weekly rail trafficÂThe Rail Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Senior Analyst, Rail, Joseph Towers. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the PDF of the presentation.
Download the PDF: https://www.ftrintel.com/rail-podcast
Suppor...
Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning May 25, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review another strong week in the spot market for truck freight and recap the latest on diesel and crude prices. Plus, we discuss the House highway bill, trucking revenues in the first quarter, and residential construction in April.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
Download the PDF: https...
Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning May 18, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we discuss a record-setting week in the spot market for truck freight and in pricing for trucking services in April and briefly recap some notable developments in Washington. Plus, we recap the week in diesel and crude prices and address several key economic indicators, including manufacturing output, retail sales, consumer inflation, and inventories.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indica...
Rail Market Update - Week ending May 15, 2026
In this episode of FTR’s Rail Market Update, host Joseph Towers covers:
Responses to the UP-NS merger applicationDick Kloster’s road to the STBWeekly rail trafficÂThe Rail Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Senior Analyst, Rail, Joseph Towers. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the PDF of the presentation.
Download the PDF: https://www.ftrintel.com/rail-podcast
Support the show
Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning May 11, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review a notable shift in the trucking industry’s payroll employment in April. We also recap the latest data on diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight and discuss various indicators related to employment, housing and non-residential construction.Â
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
Download the PDF: http...
Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning May 4, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we recap the week for diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight and review some key indicators of the industrial, consumer, housing, and international trade sectors. Plus, we discuss changes in the for-hire carrier population in April, the number of Class 8 truck orders during the month, and Gross Domestic Product for the first quarter.
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the gr...
Rail Market Update - Week ending May
In this episode of FTR’s Rail Market Update, host Joseph Towers covers:
 Updated Section 232 tariffsWeekly rail trafficUpdated UP-NS merger applicationÂThe Rail Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Senior Analyst, Rail, Joseph Towers. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the PDF of the presentation.
Download the PDF: https://www.ftrintel.com/rail-podcast
Support the show
Trucking Market Update - Week Beginning April 27, 2026
In this week’s episode of FTR’s Trucking Market Update podcast, we review a record-setting week in the spot market for truck freight and recap the week in diesel prices and petroleum as usual. Plus, we look at retail sales for March and at inventories for February.Â
The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR’s Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.
Download the PDF: https://ftrintel.com/truckin...
