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
Freight demand softened in March following weather‑driven volatility earlier in the year. After a January disruption and a February rebound, volumes declined 0.9 percent year over year, returning demand to the flat to slightly negative trend seen in recent months. Broader macroeconomic pressures including elevated inflation risk, higher fuel costs, slowing labor momentum, and geopolitical uncertainty continue to weigh on freight activity.
Demand strength remains limited outside targeted areas such as AI and digital infrastructure, pointing to stabilization at a subdued level rather than a broad recovery. Consumer spending remains uneven as higher gasoline prices pressure household budgets, constraining freight volumes. Looking ahead, the Breakthrough Freight Demand Indicator signals subdued conditions, with only gradual improvement expected later in 2026.
Freight market update
Published: April 28, 2026
After early‑year disruption, freight demand lost momentum in March as weather effects faded. Following a winter‑impacted January and a February rebound, volumes declined 0.9 percent year over year, returning demand to a flat to slightly negative trend. Macro pressures including inflation risk, higher fuel costs, and geopolitical uncertainty continue to weigh on demand, despite strength in AI and digital infrastructure.
Truckload capacity is tightening as the cycle rebalances, driven by fewer active drivers, regulatory frictions, and replacement‑focused fleet behavior that is limiting capacity growth. Rising diesel prices and operating costs are increasing pressure on marginal fleets, contributing to firmer contract and spot rate expectations as pricing pressure extends into 2026.
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.
46.5 million shipments
$35 billion in transportation spend
16.5 billion commercial miles
2.5 billion gallons of diesel fuel
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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.