Demand for short-haul truckloads is increasing due to rising inventory costs and full warehouses.

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-04-20 00:30:00

Demand for short-haul truckloads in the U.S. has increased while long-haul volumes have decreased due to intermodal transport replacing long-haul trucking. This shift is attributed to rising inventory costs and full warehouses. COTVI can provide insight into the economy and truckload market. Automotive and retail sectors are key drivers of local freight, impacting economic indicators. Retail supply chains have evolved due to e-commerce, leading to more fulfillment and distribution centers near end customers. Markets with high COTVI include Detroit, Elizabeth, Houston, and Allentown. Changes in COTVI could result from trade negotiations, affecting consumer demand and the economy. A decline in Allentown market freight could indicate a slowdown in consumer spending, while other markets may offer targeted signals. Retail sales surpassed expectations in March, boosted by consumer purchases ahead of tariffs, but this increase may be temporary. The demand for short-haul truckloads is a critical economic indicator, unaffected by supply chain restructuring or intermodal transport. The FreightWaves Chart of the Week provides insights into the freight market using SONAR data, helping participants visualize real-time trends. SONAR aggregates data from various sources and offers commentary on industry trends, enhancing the client experience. Request a SONAR demo for more insights on the freight market.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: Look to short-haul freight as an economic bellwether