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MAY 2025 FREIGHT FOCUS

Freight Demand Outlook Choppy

 

Our freight rate and volume forecasting services are the bridge between ACT's leadership in Class 8 forecasting and award-winning economic analysis, with ACT's transportation industry experience.

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ACT's Top 5 Freight Focus - May 2025

1. The shipments component of the Cass Freight Index® rose 0.4% in April m/m


2. Aggregate DAT contract rates of $2.16 per mile, net fuel, in April, were flat from March.

 

3. US dry van TL spot rates, net fuel, fell 3₵ m/m to $1.57 per mile in April, also down 4₵ in SA terms. 

 

4. The Driver Availability Index rose 3.0 points, to 54.0 in April from 51.0 in March.

 

5.  Intermodal spot rates fell 2₵ m/m in April to $1.46 per mile, including fuel, 2₵ below the normal seasonal pattern.

 

ACT For-Hire Trucking Index_ Driver Availability

Freight Forecast Report Overview

The monthly 61-page ACT Freight Forecast report provides analysis and forecasts for a broad range of U.S. freight measures, including the Cass Freight Index, Cass Truckload Linehaul Index, and DAT spot and contract rates by trailer type for the U.S. and Canada. The service provides monthly, quarterly, and annual predictions for the TL, LTL, and intermodal markets over a two- to three-year time horizon, including capacity, volumes, and rates. The Freight Forecast provides unmatched detail on the freight rate outlook, helping companies across the supply chain plan with greater visibility and less uncertainty.

ACT Research Overview

ACT Research is recognized as the leading publisher of commercial vehicle truck, trailer, and bus industry data, market analysis and forecasts for the North America and China markets. ACT’s analytical services are used by all major North American truck and trailer manufacturers and their suppliers, as well as banking and investment companies. ACT Research is a contributor to the Blue Chip Economic Indicators and a member of the Wall Street Journal Economic Forecast Panel. ACT Research executives have received peer recognition, including election to the Board of Directors of the National Association for Business Economics, appointment as Consulting Economist to the National Private Truck Council, and the Lawrence R. Klein Award for Blue Chip Economic Indicators’ Most Accurate Economic Forecast over a four-year period. ACT Research senior staff members have earned accolades including Chicago Federal Reserve Automotive Outlook Symposium Best Overall Forecast, Wall Street Journal Top Economic Outlook, and USA Today Top 10 Economic Forecasters. More information can be found at www.actresearch.net.

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Key Items Covered Monthly In the ACT Freight Forecast:

  • ACT Class 8 Tractor Sales Forecast
  • Cass Shipment Index Forecast®
  • Cass Truckload Linehaul Index® Forecast
  • DAT Dry Van Spot Rate Forecast
  • DAT Refrigerated Spot Rate Forecast
  • DAT Flatbed Spot Rate Forecast
  • LTL Tonnage and Yield Forecast
  • Intermodal Load and Rate Forecast
  • U.S. Economic Forecast

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