The Breakthrough Monthly Freight Index
Elevate your freight strategy with the Breakthrough Ecosystem. Stay informed with the latest freight index and market update, empowering you to navigate shifts in demand and capacity.
Freight index analysis
Shipments within the Breakthrough ecosystem were flat month-over-month but increased by 0.3% year-over-year. We expect total ecosystem freight volumes will be lower during July, despite a seasonal bump from Independence Day. Lower shipment volumes remain largely explained by persistently high borrowing costs reducing durable goods purchases and activity in the housing market. Consumer confidence and business uncertainty remain headwinds for the freight market.
In aggregate, freight shipments were in-line with prior year levels in June. Across industries, performance was uneven. Durable goods and CPG shipments were down year-over-year, food and beverage shipments were flat, and paper and packaging and retail showed year-over-year gains.
Freight market update
Published: July 25, 2025
Freight market conditions in June remained stable, with Breakthrough Ecosystem volumes flat. July consumer sentiment inched up but remains below December 2024 levels, reflecting lingering uncertainty. June retail sales rose, partly due to tariff-driven price increases, but the slow housing market continues to pressure durable goods freight. On the supply side, Class 8 tractor orders dropped year-over-year, indicating loose capacity. Thus, linehaul rates were steady, and Breakthrough forecasts suggest only modest increases in the coming year. Looking forward, uncertainties about the housing market, equipment regulations, and new English proficiency rules may impact rates and capacity.
Adapt to freight market demands
To maintain a competitive advantage, integrate innovative strategies that leverage data, technology, and market expertise. By doing so, you can take a proactive approach to procurement.
Access real-time data
Prepare for the forecasted increase in freight demand by having access to a real-time, shipper-transacted dataset. With this type of data at your fingertips, you can benchmark your network against other industry-leading shippers and uncover opportunities within your transportation network.
Invest in relationships
Invest in mutually beneficial relationships with carriers to be prepared for any sudden changes in freight demand or capacity. Leverage Capac-ID to determine if alternative carriers might be a better match for certain lanes and loads.
Leverage a trusted source
Keep informed about market shifts to adjust your transportation plans promptly. By leveraging unbiased market expertise from sources like Breakthrough, you can effectively communicate market dynamics to your C-suite, enhancing your credibility as a transportation leader.
About the Breakthrough Ecosystem
The Breakthrough Ecosystem is one of the cleanest and most robust sets of transportation data in the U.S.
28+ million shipments
$32 billion in transportation spend
15+ billion commercial miles
2 billion gallons of diesel fuel
Take control of your freight network
Experience firsthand how Breakthrough’s innovative freight solutions can keep a constant pulse on your transportation network performance and identify areas for cost reduction and efficiency gains.