Capacity

For October, the most recent month for which data is available, the SCI reading rose to 0.3, after September’s -0.5.

For October, the most recent month for which data is available, the TCI reading came in at 0.89, marking a slight improvement over September’s 0.42 reading.

October spot truckload volumes and rates were largely mixed again, according to the new edition of the DAT Truckload Volume Index, which was recently released by DAT Freight and Analytics.

FTR reported that preliminary October Class 8 truck net orders, at 24,300 units, saw an 18% gain, from September to October, while falling 22% annually. ACT reported that Preliminary Class 8 orders came in at 24,500 units in October, for a 21% annual decline,

For August, the most recent month for which data is available, the SCI came in at 1.3, following a -2.0 reading in July.

For August, the most recent month for which data is available, the TCI reading, at 0.3, marked an improvement over July’s -1.03, with FTR calling August’s reading “neutral.” The July TCI reading fared better than June’s -1,83, the lowest in 2025.

For July, the most recent month for which data is available, the TCI reading came in at -1.03, faring better than June’s -1.83 reading, the lowest in 2025, with the firm noting that the TCI improved despite all freight-related factors coming in lower than in June.

Carriers and brokers remain optimistic despite revenue declines and tariff pressures, truckstop.com and Bloomberg Intelligence reports.

The report’s second quarter shipment index value, at 77.2, increased 2.4% compared to the first quarter, snapping a stretch of 11 consecutive sequential declines, while falling 9.8% annually. As for spending, the second quarter spend index value, at 179.9, was up 1.2% sequentially and down 4.9% annually.

For May, the most recent month for which data is available, the SCI came in at -0.9, slightly below April’s -0.6 reading.

The $66 billion less-than-truckload (LTL) market is facing a turbulent year, with tariffs and economic uncertainty significantly impacting profitability. Analysts predict a challenging environment for LTL carriers, who are dealing with supply constraints, changes to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), and increasing pressure on pricing strategies.

For March, the most recent month for which data is available, the SCI came in at 0.1, which FTR said was, “basically neutral territory,” following a -0.3 February reading.

FTR explained that tighter capacity and slightly stronger freight volume more than offset lower fuel costs and weaker freight rates.

For February, the most recent month for which data is available, the TCI reading headed up to -0.21, marking an improvement over January’s -2.56 reading.

Logistics Management Group News Editor Jeff Berman recently spoke with Doug Waggoner, CEO of Chicago-based Echo Global Logistics about various topics, including: the state of the freight economy, tariffs and the trade war, trucking capacity, and AI, among others.