A freight market recovery?
A shift in the freight market is ongoing,
Positive indicators were found throughout the latest OOIDA Foundation freight market update.
Mother’s Day, Roadcheck week and produce season have strengthened the current upcycle, according to data from the Total Sport Market Cycle Indicator.
Still, it remains a capacity over demand conversation.
Trucking capacity is now near 2013 levels, which continues to drive freight market recovery.
Additionally, the cloud of global conflict looms large.
“Uncertainty remains elevated,” the Foundation said. “Much of 2026 will depend on geopolitical developments, which are affecting fuel and production costs and could lead to higher interest rates and weaker housing activity. If conditions stabilize, the market could transition to a more secure demand-driven recovery.”
Van market
A more than 40% increase in demand was driven by a drop in capacity (15%) combined with an increase in loads (19%).
Overall freight volumes remain soft and have been largely flat since the second quarter of 2023.
All regions reported a rise in rates, the greatest increase coming in the Southeast.
Miscellaneous durable goods wholesalers, miscellaneous non-durable goods wholesalers and miscellaneous manufacturing were all down.
Flatbed market
Demand was higher for the sixth consecutive month.
The Southeast and Midwest reported the highest demand, while the Northeast was the only region to see a decrease.
Rates rose at a much higher rate than expected.
Concrete product manufacturing, primary metal manufacturing and construction machinery manufacturing drove May growth.
Reefer market
Seasonal demand patterns were reported.
The South Central and West Coast regions saw the best demand; only the Northeast was down.
Rates moved with demand and have remained above the three-year moving average for 11 consecutive months.
However, demand remains below 2019 levels.
Food manufacturing expansion drove this sector’s growth in April.
What do you think? Can the World Cup save produce season?⚽ pic.twitter.com/2nZJVY9Rvd
— DAT Freight & Analytics (@datfreightteam) June 23, 2026
Truck market
Tighter supply remains the main driver of accelerating rates, according to the Cass Shipment Index.
Estimated for-hire carrier entries increased. However, the recent surge in the freight market could once again deviate from seasonal patterns.
May used truck sales were below historic averages, but retail prices remained stable.
Freight market
U.S. manufacturing continued to expand for the fifth consecutive month and grew at a faster pace than the previous month.
In June, more builders cut prices and the use of sales incentives was again above 60%, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
C.H. Robinson said it expects modest demand growth through June, followed by stronger acceleration in the back half of the year, as shippers increasingly turn to intermodal to offset rising fuel and truckload costs. LL
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