From Yahoo Finance: 2025-05-15 15:06:00

April saw freight rates increase year over year but volumes remained pressured, with a slight improvement from March. Shippers reacted to the uncertain trade policy by pulling forward goods and suspending earnings guidance. Carriers are expanding cost-saving initiatives in response to demand uncertainty.

The Cass report noted a rebound in Q3 due to the U.S./China trade deal. Landstar System reported that loads hauled by truck were slightly below normal seasonality in April. Carriers anticipate a lift in the second quarter but are unsure of the impact. Rates are on an upward trend despite volume uncertainties.

Cass’ expenditures dataset showed a 3.3% sequential increase in April, the first year-over-year increase since January 2023. Diesel prices were down 11% year over year. Actual freight rates were up approximately 5% year over year and 3% from March.

Less-than-truckload carriers reported higher yields in the first quarter while the TL linehaul index declined slightly from March to April. The report highlighted a 15-year low in TL carrier margins and noted that modest rate increases are not enough to offset cost headwinds.

The Cass report emphasized the uncertainty in the freight market downturn, with expenditures turning positive for the first time in 28 months. Data used in the indexes is sourced from freight bills paid by Cass, a provider of payment management solutions.

Read more: April sees mixed freight trends on path to recovery