Download the Q1 2025 U.S. Economic Update
In Partnership with FTR Transportation Intelligence
Essential Insights for Freight and Supply Chain Leaders
The trucking industry is a direct reflection of the broader economy, and right now, the landscape is shifting. While economic growth has remained steady, the freight market has struggled with weak demand and elevated capacity. What does this mean for the year ahead?
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA)™, in partnership with leading economist Avery Vise of FTR Transportation Intelligence, presents the Q1 2025 U.S. Economic Update—a data-driven analysis of the latest economic and freight industry trends. This report equips trucking and supply chain executives with key insights into GDP growth, freight volume projections, industrial production, consumer spending, and tariff impacts—critical factors influencing trucking demand and profitability.
Read the Update to learn:
- Freight market trends and the factors shaping LTL and truckload freight volumes in 2025;
- Industrial sector shifts and what it signals for freight demand;
- How consumer spending habits are influencing freight movement across key sectors;
- How new tariffs and economic policies could reshape supply chains and trucking demand; and
- LTL vs Truckload outlook, including the latest capacity dynamics and what they mean for freight rates and operational strategies.
Get the full analysis—download the complimentary Q1 2025 U.S. Economic Update now.
* This report has been written and prepared by Avery Vise of FTR Transportation Intelligence
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Avery Vise has closely studied the transportation industry for nearly 40 years as an editor, analyst, and researcher, including more than 25 years dedicated specifically to the trucking industry. Currently, he is vice president of trucking for FTR Transportation Intelligence, which specializes in forecasting and data analysis in freight transportation. He serves as FTR’s chief analyst for trucking-related market data and insights concerning truck freight demand, capacity, rates, and regulatory impacts.
Vise is the principal author of FTR’s monthly Trucking Update report and contributes to the firm’s Shippers Update and Truck and Trailer Outlook services. He leads the weekly Spot Market Insights analysis, hosts the weekly Trucking Market Update podcast, and is a primary contributor to FTR’s Weekly Transportation Update publication. Another major focus is tracking trucking fleets’ driver and truck capacity and leading client projects to size markets for specific types of trucking operations. Vise also conducts regular webinars for clients and is a frequent speaker at conferences.
Prior to joining FTR in 2017, Avery was principal of his own transportation consulting and market research practice. Previously, he served as head of trucking market research and analysis for a media organization and as chief editor of a trucking industry magazine. Vise started his career at McGraw-Hill as an editor covering the commercial aviation industry before shifting his focus to the trucking industry in 1998.
About the Quarterly Updates
NMFTA is committed to providing valuable insights to the freight industry through its quarterly economic updates. These updates aim to illuminate lesser-known trends across the broader freight market that could potentially impact businesses. Additionally, they offer interpretations of current trucking industry trends, helping businesses understand the underlying factors shaping their experiences.
Through this initiative, the NMFTA strives to empower businesses with comprehensive and relevant market intelligence, enabling them to navigate the dynamic and often complex freight landscape with greater confidence.