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 saw a significant year-over-year decline of 3.9%, alongside an 8.4% drop compared to the previous month. While nearly all regions reported annual decreases, Pacific and New England stood out with increases of 2.8% and 3.4%, respectively.
After modest gains in October, all industries experienced softer volumes in November, with most falling below last year’s levels. However, Paper & Packaging (1.1%) and Retail (6.2%) managed to achieve growth. Demand for durable goods—primarily driven by the automotive and home construction sectors—continued its downward trend for the seventh consecutive month, posting its steepest year-over-year decline of the current cycle at 21.6%.
Freight market update
Published: December 27, 2024
Affluent and middle-income households drove nearly 3% U.S. economic growth in 2024 with real wage gains and strong spending. In 2025, GDP growth is expected to moderate to just over 2%, but steady wage and disposable income growth will continue, as these groups account for 85% of spending. Lower borrowing costs will boost housing and auto sales, supporting large purchases. However, demand for durable goods lagged in 2024, contributing to low linehaul rates. Gradual freight demand growth and upward rate pressure are anticipated in 2025 as demand improves within the Breakthrough Ecosystem of shippers.
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.