What are you seeing with freight rates?
Have you been able to navigate a down economy?
Maybe it’s been a rough year.
The OOIDA Foundation wants your perspective on freight rates.
Share your insights on the freight market by filling out this online survey.
“In these times of economic uncertainty, it’s important that academia, lawmakers and regulators hear from you regarding the state of the current freight market,” the Foundation said.
Insights from professional truckers are crucial in shaping policies that directly affect the freight industry.
This survey, which will be open until Feb. 20, can be completed anonymously and seeks feedback based on the type of operation, business model, pay-per-mile, cost of operation and more.
The Foundation recently released its January freight market update.
There were encouraging signs, including the Total Spot Market Cycle Indicator moving into positive territory for the first time since April 2025, higher rates overall and tightening capacity.
There were also lingering concerns, such as continued U.S. manufacturing contraction, a declining housing market index and increased backlogs.
“We believe the rate gains reflect a mix of seasonality, weather disruptions and tightening capacity,” the Foundation said in its freight market report. “Recent improvements are being driven more by shifts in capacity than a true market recovery.”
Current trends
Rates were largely down ahead of Winter Storm Fern, according to the DAT Freight & Analytics weekly report.
Trends in load and truck posts are likely to change in the short term due to storm-related restocking and cleanup, DAT added.
Winter storms don’t slow freight hubs like Atlanta👀
🌪️ As Storm Fern clears, Atlanta plays a key role in recovery logistics
🛣️ Major interstates + Port of Savannah flows keep freight moving
📦 Food, fuel, and rebuilding materials stage here
📈 Dry van spot rates are 12–15%… pic.twitter.com/fNQFMvNBc1— DAT Freight & Analytics (@datfreightteam) January 27, 2026
The Lunar New Year in China will also be a factor in the short term.
“Importers who could accelerate shipments created an artificial peak in inbound volumes in late 2025 and early 2026,” said Dean Croke, DAT Industry Analyst. “West Coast truckload carriers should anticipate a significantly softer spot market in the weeks following the holiday, though carriers with diversified freight bases may be better positioned to weather the downturn.” LL
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