Download the Q4 2025 U.S. Economic Update
In Partnership with FTR Transportation Intelligence
Q4’s Freight Forecast Has Some Twists You Should See Coming
The United States (U.S.) freight economy looks strong on paper—but the story beneath the surface is far more complex. The Q4 2025 U.S. Economic Update unpacks the latest data and policy that could reshape LTL freight markets in 2026.
What's inside the update:
- Tariffs and Trade Turbulence: Get a clear analysis of how new and proposed tariffs—are impacting imports, pricing, and consumer behavior;
- Trucking Capacity in Flux: Find out how new FMCSA rules could indirectly affect LTL trucking operations;
- Shifting Labor Market: See how job growth, industrial output, and consumer spending trends are shifting and what that means for freight demand; and
- Freight Flow and GDP Reality Check: Learn why the latest GDP numbers might not tell the full story—and how falling imports are masking deeper structural trends.
Get the intel you need to steer through this uncertain economy and anticipate what's next in freight. Get your Q4 2025 U.S. Economic Update today.
* This update 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.
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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.