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 saw a 7.4% year-over-year decline in February, along with an 8.1% drop from January’s levels. The monthly decrease is part of typical seasonal patterns, as the quieter shipping period typically extends through Q1. This trend continued this year despite tariff-induced uncertainty, creating the possibility of front-loading freight.
The paper & packaging and retail sectors within the Breakthrough Ecosystem experienced year-over-year growth in loads during February. Meanwhile, the consumer packaged goods, food and beverage, and durable goods industries within the Breakthrough Ecosystem decreased, pulling year-over-year shipments down and resulting in a decrease in total freight shipments.
Freight market update
Published: March, 31 2025
The University of Michigan’s March Consumer Expectations report showed its lowest reading since U.S. inflation peaked in 2022. Lower expectations suggested pessimistic consumer attitudes toward the business climate, personal finance, and spending. A decreasing willingness of consumers to spend may dampen economic prospects for 2025, because resilient consumers were the linchpin of U.S. economic growth during 2024, particularly when private investment contracted in Q4.
The uncertain policy environment supports our expectations for limited freight demand growth during the first half of 2025. We expect gradual increases in freight demand during the second half of 2025.
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.
23+ million shipments
$28 billion in transportation spend
12+ billion commercial miles
1.5+ 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.