Market and Industry Insights

Logistics Trends to Watch

From global uncertainty to seasonal swings, the forces shaping freight are more interconnected than ever. Today, shippers are under pressure to balance cost efficiency with reliability, making it essential to know where logistics trends are headed.

Freight Market Conditions

After the post-COVID boom with record-high rates and surging demand, the freight market has cooled. Right now, there are more trucks than loads to fill them, which has led to lower prices and looser capacity. According to FreightWaves, tender rejection rates — a key indicator of market tightness — were just 6.67% in June 2025. That means carriers are still accepting most loads and trucks remain widely available. Even so, there are early signs of tightening in key hubs like Atlanta and Chicago.¹ This aligns with recent data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), which reported that the Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 0.8% from June to July 2025, reflecting a slight uptick in freight activity compared to the previous month.²

This period, often called the “Great Freight Recession,” has both shippers and carriers asking if rates have truly bottomed out or if a rebound is just around the corner.³

Soft vs. Strong Markets

Knowing the difference between soft and strong markets helps shippers plan ahead. In today’s soft market, there’s plenty of capacity and rates stay lower. A strong market, on the other hand, emerges when capacity tightens — often during seasonal spikes — pushing prices up and making it harder to secure trucks.⁴

This is where long-term carrier partnerships make a big difference. Reliable relationships help shield shippers from cost swings and capacity crunches, so goods keep moving even when the market gets tough.

Seasonal & Economic Factors

Even though the market is soft right now, seasonal challenges are always on the horizon. Fall and winter tend to bring busier periods, as demand peaks around major holidays and winter weather disrupts schedules. During these times, truck availability can tighten and prices rise fast. On top of that, concerns about new tariffs can cause companies to move goods earlier in the year to avoid potential cost increases.⁵

Shipper Priorities

Despite the market’s ups and downs, shippers consistently focus on:

Cost Sensitivity — It’s important to watch rates closely as capacity shifts.
Visibility & Technology — GPS tracking, cargo monitoring, and proactive communication are must-haves.
Flexibility — Non-asset intermodal providers like Genex can adapt by choosing the best routes, railroads, or modes of transportation.
Relationships — Trust, clear communication, and unwavering service drive long-term value.

Growth

Intermodal freight is becoming increasingly critical in the logistics landscape. According to Research and Markets, the global intermodal freight transportation market is expected to reach $118.55 billion by 2029, growing at a 15.1% compound annual rate.⁶ This growth is driven by e‑commerce demand, infrastructure investments, and sustainability initiatives, emphasizing why shippers must consider intermodal solutions for an efficient supply chain.

Be Prepared

The freight market will always have its ups and downs, but being prepared makes all the difference. Genex stays ahead of the curve and keeps you informed. Partner with the team who can help guide you to success.

Sources:

FreightWaves. (2025). Truckload’s path to equilibrium.
Bureau of Transportation Statistics. (2025, July). The July 2025 Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 0.8% from June and fell 0.1% from July 2024. U.S. Department of Transportation. https://www.bts.gov/newsroom/july-2025-freight-transportation-services-index-tsi-rose-08-previous-month-and-fell-01
FreightWaves. (2025). Rates, rejections, and red tape: Reading the market before it moves.
FreightWaves. (2025). Tender rejections: The freight market’s crystal ball.
FreightWaves. (2025). Prepare for a hot, tight July 4th freight market.
Research and Markets. (2025). Intermodal freight transportation market report 2025: Global industry trends, size, share, and forecast to 2029. https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/6019970/intermodal-freight-transportation-market-report?srsltid=AfmBOorHjLNFGUuxzeC_W-Z2UesXaTuWJtM52fQsOSlGEwtHX2PTymAW