Episode Details

Join FreightWaves for our December State of Freight webinar as we wrap up a volatile year and project the key drivers for the transportation market in 2026. Hosted by Julia Becker, VP of Media Operations, this session features deep-dive analysis from strategic experts Zach Strickland (Head of Freight Market Intelligence) and JP Hampstead (Strategic Analyst).

The team explores the surprising "peakiness" of the 2025 holiday season and examines why traditional market cycles are shifting. Using real-time data from the SONAR platform, this webinar breaks down the core metrics every shipper, carrier, and broker needs to understand to navigate the year ahead.

Key Discussion Points

• Tender Rejections & Spot Rates: Why rejection rates surged to 11.9% and the implications of the sharp trajectory in spot market pricing.

• Inventory Shifts: The transition from "just-in-case" to "just-in-time" inventory strategies and how lean management is increasing freight velocity.
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• Capacity Volatility: An analysis of the continued exit of small and mid-sized carriers and the regulatory pressures—including English language proficiency enforcement—impacting driver availability.

• Economic Tailwinds & Headwinds: The impact of recent Fed rate cuts, unemployment figures, and the looming review of the USMCA trade agreement on flatbed and dry van demand.

• The Rise of Short-Haul: A look at the 11% growth in local fulfillment freight and what it reveals about consumer buying patterns.

• AI in Logistics: Where mid-sized fleets should focus their tech investments, from route optimization to back-office automation.

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