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
Total shipments within the Breakthrough Ecosystem experienced a modest year-over-year increase of 1.1% and a month-over-month rise of 5.2%. Most regions reported year-over-year increases, except for the West N. Central region and the East N. Central region, which saw a decline of roughly 5%.
Every industry, except for durable goods, recorded year-over-year gains. If we observe consecutive months of robust year-over-year growth, it may signal early signs of recovery. Conversely, demand for durable goods freight has declined for the sixth consecutive month, primarily driven by reduced volumes in the automotive and home construction sectors.
Freight market update
Published: November 20, 2024
The freight market may gain from a year-end boost in consumer confidence and spending. In October, the Consumer Confidence Survey saw its largest monthly rise since March 2021 and more families expect improved financial situations in six months. This confidence uplift positively influenced economic indicators like retail sales, which grew 0.4% from September to October and 2.8% annually. Consumers showed spending resilience despite high 2023 holiday prices, especially in dining out and other discretionary categories. Long-term confidence and spending will likely remain tied to the labor market, with more consumers finding jobs “plentiful.”
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.