Trucking Market Nears Recovery As FTR Predicts 2026 Rebound

Trucking Market Nears Recovery As FTR Predicts 2026 Rebound

The FTR Trucking Index edged up to 0.3, signaling easing price pressures and improved utilization. Market improvement is anticipated in 2026-27, with capacity constraints potentially acting as a catalyst. While the index shows a slight positive movement, the underlying issue of capacity and its impact on pricing and overall market health remains a key factor to watch. The expectation of future market recovery hinges on the interplay between demand and the availability of trucking resources.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Trucking Conditions Improve but Recovery Still Slow FTR Index

Trucking Conditions Improve but Recovery Still Slow FTR Index

The latest FTR Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) indicates improvements in the trucking industry, but recovery faces challenges like excess capacity, high fuel costs, and driver shortages. The report emphasizes the need for continued capacity adjustments and efficiency improvements for the industry to survive and thrive in the competitive market. Market conditions are expected to continue improving in early next year. The industry needs to focus on streamlining operations and adapting to changing demands to achieve sustainable growth.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Stricter English Rules Fail to Dent US Trucking Rates

Stricter English Rules Fail to Dent US Trucking Rates

The U.S. government is strengthening enforcement of English proficiency requirements for truck drivers, aiming to enhance safety and protect domestic jobs. In the short term, the policy has a limited impact on capacity and freight rates remain relatively stable. Long-term, the market may adapt through training, technology, and advancements in autonomous driving could alleviate labor shortages. Trucking companies and shippers should closely monitor policy implementation and adapt accordingly. Government agencies should also carefully evaluate the policy's impact and make adjustments as needed.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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North American Trucking Market Adapts As Trailer Orders Decline

North American Trucking Market Adapts As Trailer Orders Decline

Recent data indicates a decline in US trailer orders, but backlogs are still increasing, reflecting both capacity bottlenecks and ongoing demand. Heavy-duty truck orders continue to grow, driven by tight capacity and fleet renewal needs. The used vehicle market is cooling, with demand shifting towards new vehicles. The North American commercial vehicle market faces both opportunities and challenges. A rational approach to market fluctuations is necessary to capitalize on long-term growth opportunities. The market presents a mixed picture of decreasing trailer orders coupled with strong truck demand.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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Trucking Safety Ratings Face Scrutiny Over Regional Data Gaps

Trucking Safety Ratings Face Scrutiny Over Regional Data Gaps

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is calling for a review of the current safety rating system, citing issues such as geographic bias and insufficient data, leading to distorted ratings. Industry associations generally express dissatisfaction with the existing system, advocating for simplified ratings and a focus on safety. The FMCSA faces the challenge of establishing a fair and reliable safety rating system, requiring solutions to address data limitations and regional disparities. The current system is seen as flawed and in need of significant improvement to accurately reflect carrier safety performance.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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Trucking Safety Ratings Face Scrutiny Over Bias Data Issues

Trucking Safety Ratings Face Scrutiny Over Bias Data Issues

The American Trucking Associations is calling for a reevaluation of the freight safety rating system, citing unfair ratings due to regional enforcement disparities and data quality issues. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance have also expressed dissatisfaction with the current system, arguing that it fails to effectively improve road safety. They advocate for simplified rating criteria and the avoidance of misleading information. The groups believe a revised system is crucial for accurately assessing and improving the safety performance of trucking companies.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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Trucking Industry Weighs Safety Vs Efficiency in Hours Rules

Trucking Industry Weighs Safety Vs Efficiency in Hours Rules

The revision of the U.S. Hours of Service (HOS) regulations for truck drivers is a sensitive issue for the logistics industry. Safety advocates argue for shorter working hours to ensure safety, while transportation companies prefer maintaining the status quo for efficiency. The new rules impact truck drivers' schedules, transportation costs, and even the final price of goods. The future of HOS may involve more intelligent and personalized regulations, seeking a balance between safety and efficiency. This ongoing debate highlights the complexities of regulating a vital industry.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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FMCSA Proposes Safety System Overhaul to Reduce Trucking Accidents

FMCSA Proposes Safety System Overhaul to Reduce Trucking Accidents

The US FMCSA has released a proposed rule to revise the SMS (Safety Measurement System). The aim is to more accurately identify high-risk carriers, reduce accident rates, and improve road safety by adjusting safety categories, violation groupings, simplifying severity weights, modifying intervention thresholds, and optimizing carrier comparisons. A 90-day public comment period has been initiated, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed changes. This revision seeks to enhance the effectiveness of the SMS in identifying and addressing safety concerns within the trucking industry.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Trucking and Logistics Firms Outline 2026 Supply Chain Plans

Trucking and Logistics Firms Outline 2026 Supply Chain Plans

The CSCMP EDGE conference highlighted the current state of ground transportation. The trucking industry faces overcapacity and regulatory hurdles. The parcel delivery market is undergoing reshuffling, while the LTL sector urgently needs digital transformation. Shippers should closely monitor market dynamics, adapt strategies accordingly, and build long-term partnerships with reliable carriers to remain competitive in the future supply chain landscape. They need to be agile and proactive in navigating these changes to ensure resilience and efficiency in their operations.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Winter Challenges Threaten Trucking Carrier Profits TD Cowen Index

Winter Challenges Threaten Trucking Carrier Profits TD Cowen Index

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index reveals that carriers are facing declining rates and rising costs. To survive, they need to refine cost control, optimize services, and embrace technological innovation. Carriers should also capitalize on opportunities in e-commerce and other emerging markets. The index highlights the pressures on carrier profitability and the need for strategic adjustments to navigate the challenging freight landscape.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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