It usually happens around 4:00 PM. The voice on the line is tense, there’s background noise from a busy loading dock, and the message is almost always the same:

“I booked a truck earlier today, but the driver never showed up and stopped answering their phone. How fast can you get a Sprinter to my gate?”

When an assembly line is on the verge of sitting idle or a late-delivery penalty is ticking away, the cheap rate promised six hours earlier suddenly becomes the most expensive quote in the company’s budget.

Understanding why those lowball quotes fail so often comes down to how different providers approach their commitments.

1. “Optioning” a Load vs. Committing an Asset

In the spot market, low-cost freight options often accept a load at a rock-bottom rate before securing an actual truck. They post the shipment to public boards, hoping a driver will take it for cheap. Sometimes that works, often it doesn’t, especially as capacity changes.

If capacity tightens or no driver accepts their low offer, they stall. By the time they admit they can’t cover the load—or simply stop taking your calls—you’ve lost hours of critical transit time.

2. Phantom Capacity and Zero Safety Margin

When a carrier operates on paper-thin margins, there is zero buffer for real-world friction. If a driver gets delayed at a dock or finds a higher-paying shipment down the road, your “booked” truck gets dropped. At bargain rates, there are no financial resources built in to dispatch a backup vehicle or pay deadhead miles to cover the gap.

3. What You Are Actually Paying For

Lowering a quote is easy if you treat delivery times as rough estimates. Doing what you said you were going to do—every single time—takes operational discipline and real capital.

Our pricing reflects the exact cost required to honor our word:

• Guaranteed Asset Commitment: When we say a truck is moving to your dock, that asset is locked in—not parked on a message board waiting for a better offer.
• Live, Transparent Tracking: You get direct, honest updates through every stage of transit—never radio silence when timing matters most.
• Proactive Fail-Safes: We maintain the operational depth to handle road disruptions and weather delays without abandoning your load.

The Bottom Line

Every single day, our business is built around a simple mantra: honor our word.

When we give you a rate and a pickup window, we take immense pride in delivering exactly what we promised, exactly when we promised it. Saving $250 on a freight quote to then put an $18,000 order at risk is never the answer, which is why we build trust directly into our rates.

Our prices aren’t set to compete for the lowest bid on a screen—they are set to ensure that when you hand us a critical shipment, you can turn your attention back to running your business, knowing the truck is actually going to show up. Call us today at 844.382.5068 or chat online, we can’t wait to help you.

The Catalysts Behind Rising Rates

• • Capacity Attrition: Prolonged operational stress has accelerated carrier exits. Slower fleet growth and a leaner supply backdrop mean fewer trucks are actively competing for freight.
  • Regulatory Pressures: Heightened regulatory enforcement and stricter commercial driver’s license (CDL) eligibility requirements have structurally tightened driver availability. This labor constraint continues to exert upward pressure on operating costs.
  • Volatile Operating Expenditures: Spikes in diesel fuel costs have significantly impacted the bottom line. Spot rates—which absorb these costs directly—have subsequently hit multi-year highs across all major equipment types.

What This Means for Shippers

The Shift to Expedited Shipping

• • Guaranteed Dedicated Capacity: We match shipments directly to dedicated sprinter vans or box trucks. Because your cargo is the only freight onboard, you eliminate the risk of transit delays or terminal bottlenecks.
  • Rapid Dispatch Capabilities: With national coverage that allows for on-demand pickups typically within two hours, we prevent costly production line shutdowns or missed distribution deadlines.
  • Intermodal Flexibility: When ground capacity faces extreme bottlenecks, TEC seamlessly coordinates time-critical air freight and air charter services, providing a reliable safety valve for high-value or highly urgent shipments.

The domestic air freight industry is facing immediate disruption following the FAA’s decision to ground all McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo aircraft after the fatal UPS crash in Louisville, Kentucky. The grounding has already created pressure throughout overnight freight, next day air cargo, and domestic air freight networks as carriers race to adjust capacity during an already strained shipping environment.

For companies that rely on air freight services, air freight shipping, and overnight air cargo services, the sudden removal of MD-11 aircraft from operation raises concerns about tighter capacity, shipping delays, and rising air freight rates across the United States.

The Importance of the MD-11 in Domestic Air Freight

While the MD-11 may appear to be an aging aircraft platform to those outside logistics, the aircraft has remained a major workhorse within domestic air freight operations for decades. UPS and FedEx both utilize MD-11 aircraft heavily for overnight air freight shipping between major hubs and regional cargo markets nationwide.

The aircraft is especially valuable for moving heavier freight pallets, industrial cargo, high volume overnight shipments, and time sensitive freight that smaller aircraft cannot efficiently absorb. Within the air cargo services sector, the MD-11 continues to play a significant role despite ongoing fleet modernization efforts.

The FAA grounding followed reports that the left engine detached from a UPS MD-11 during takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, leading to a catastrophic crash that killed 14 people. Following Boeing’s recommendation, UPS and FedEx voluntarily grounded their MD-11 fleets before the FAA formally suspended operations pending inspection and engineering review.

Impact on UPS and Overnight Air Freight Services

UPS is expected to feel the strongest operational impact because the carrier historically relied heavily on MD-11 aircraft throughout its overnight freight network. Louisville Worldport is one of the largest domestic air freight hubs in the world and processes enormous freight volume every night.

The removal of widebody cargo aircraft from the network creates immediate scheduling challenges and tighter overnight capacity. This could potentially affect delivery schedules, aircraft routing, and available space for heavier air freight shipping throughout the UPS system.

For shippers utilizing air freight services for critical production freight, automotive parts, medical shipments, aerospace cargo, or industrial materials, even a small reduction in aircraft availability can significantly impact transportation planning.

Pressure on FedEx Air Services and Air Freight Rates

FedEx Air Services is also expected to experience additional pressure as displaced freight moves throughout the broader domestic air freight network. Although FedEx operates a more diversified widebody fleet, the loss of MD-11 aircraft still removes meaningful lift capacity from the market.

As available cargo space tightens, many analysts expect air freight rates to increase, particularly for overnight air freight delivery and next day air cargo shipments. Capacity constraints often create higher pricing pressure as shippers compete for fewer pallet positions and aircraft departures.

The impact could become especially noticeable during peak shipping periods, weather disruptions, or high volume manufacturing cycles when domestic air freight networks already operate near capacity.

How the Air Cargo Services Market Could Change

The grounding may also accelerate long term changes within the air cargo services industry. Both UPS and FedEx have already been transitioning toward newer Boeing 767 and 777 freighter aircraft as older MD-11 fleets age.

However, replacing widebody cargo aircraft is not a quick process. Aircraft manufacturing timelines, freighter conversions, pilot training, and operational scheduling limitations mean replacement capacity cannot appear overnight.

This situation could force carriers to prioritize higher revenue freight while pushing some shipments toward alternative transportation methods including expedited trucking, sprinter van services, straight trucks, and team driver operations.

Domestic Air Freight Shippers May Need More Flexible Solutions

For companies that regularly depend on overnight freight shipments and domestic air freight services, flexibility may become increasingly important in the weeks ahead.

Shippers may need to evaluate multiple transportation options including:

• Same day commercial airline services
• Heavy scheduled overnight air freight
• Expedited trucking solutions
• Dedicated sprinter van transportation
• Straight truck expedited freight
• Linehaul and economy freight alternatives

The current disruption highlights how interconnected the national supply chain has become. A grounding affecting one aircraft type can quickly ripple throughout air freight shipping, overnight freight delivery, and domestic air cargo services nationwide.

The Domestic Air Freight Industry Watches Closely

Over the coming weeks, the freight industry will closely monitor FAA findings, aircraft inspections, and Boeing engineering reviews to determine how long the grounding may remain in effect.

In the meantime, shippers utilizing air freight services should expect tighter capacity, potential routing adjustments, and continued pressure on air freight rates as UPS, FedEx, and the broader domestic air freight industry work to stabilize operations.

For businesses with urgent freight needs, proactive planning and flexible transportation solutions may become more important than ever as the air cargo services market adjusts to this significant disruption.

For businesses relying on ltl shipping, expedited freight, overnight freight, and air freight services, the current environment feels less like a clear recovery and more like a mixed, evolving landscape.

LTL Freight: Recovery or Just Stabilization?

There’s no question that ltl freight has shown signs of life. Pricing has edged upward in many lanes, and capacity discipline has improved. But does that automatically mean a full recovery? Not necessarily.

In many markets, ltl freight shipments remain inconsistent. Some regions are busier, others are still quiet. And while rates are rising modestly, they are doing so after a prolonged period of softness. That could just as easily indicate correction rather than expansion. What we have seen are very erratic and dynamic prices being a constant.

It raises a fair question: are we seeing true growth, or simply a market finding its footing after a downturn?

Expedited Freight and Overnight Shipping: A Different Story

One area that hasn’t followed the same pattern is expedited freight and overnight freight. Demand here has remained relatively steady, even during slower periods. April, for example, was significantly the busiest month of the year for us. That’s because urgency doesn’t wait for market cycles.

• Overnight freight shipments still move when production lines are at risk
• Expedited freight continues to support time-critical operations
• Air freight services remain essential when speed is non-negotiable

In that sense, expedited logistics can be a more reliable indicator of real-world demand. And while it hasn’t surged dramatically, it also hasn’t dropped off in the same way as some other modes.

Air Freight Services: Holding Value, Not Exploding

The same cautious trend applies to air freight services, including next flight out freight and overnight air shipping.

These services continue to perform their role of moving urgent freight quickly but they haven’t necessarily seen a dramatic spike that would signal a broad economic rebound. Again, the jury is out. Instead, activity appears steady and situational. When businesses need speed, they use it. When they don’t, they look for lower-cost alternatives.

So again, the question becomes: is stability being mistaken for recovery?

Rates Are Moving… But Why?

There’s also been noticeable movement in pricing this year, especially in ltl shipping. Rates have increased in many areas but the reasons aren’t entirely straightforward.

• Carriers have reduced excess capacity
• Operating costs remain elevated
• Pricing discipline has improved

And one factor that cannot be ignored is fuel.

Fuel costs have risen significantly compared to recent lows, and that increase flows directly into freight pricing. Higher diesel prices impact trucking rates through fuel surcharges, while rising jet fuel costs influence air freight services and overnight air shipping. Even modest increases in fuel can ripple across the supply chain quickly. Proactive pricing (which is proving to have been correct) was instantaneous following recent developments in the Middle East.

This raises another important question: are higher rates truly demand-driven, or are they being pushed upward by cost pressures like fuel?

In many cases, it’s likely a combination of both but the distinction matters when evaluating the strength of a recovery. We would say, at present, that things remain stable neither improving nor deteriorating but price changes are definitely a reality.

Reading Between the Lines

It’s tempting to label any positive shift as the end of a downturn. But freight markets are rarely that simple.

Yes, there are encouraging signs:

• Stabilizing ltl freight activity
• Gradual pricing improvements
• Consistent demand for overnight freight and air freight services

But there are also lingering questions:

• Why does demand still feel uneven across regions and industries?
• Why hasn’t expedited volume spiked if the broader economy is accelerating?
• Are rate increases being driven more by fuel and cost control than actual growth?

These are not signs of a fully settled market they’re signs of transition and we think that will remain the case for the remainder of 2026, at the very least.

What This Means for Shippers

For now, flexibility remains the most practical strategy.

• Use ltl freight for cost-effective, non-urgent shipments
• Lean on expedited freight when timing is critical
• Turn to overnight freight and air freight services when speed is essential

Working with a knowledgeable logistics partner such as TEC can help navigate these shifting conditions and identify the right solution for each shipment.

Final Thoughts

So, is the freight recession over? Maybe. More likely is it is just evolving.

Between uneven demand, cautious growth signals, and rising cost pressures like fuel, the market doesn’t point clearly in one direction. What seems certain is that conditions are changing—but whether that change represents a full recovery is still open to interpretation.

For now, the smartest approach is to stay informed, stay flexible, and keep asking questions. In freight, the story is rarely as simple as the headline.

1. San Antonio, TX – I-35 Northeast Expansion (NEX)
Plastic barriers remain in place as the long-term I-35 ramp and frontage road closure continues. The northbound O’Connor Road exit ramp and frontage road between Wayland Way and Bludau-Bishop Road stay closed to support widening and safety enhancements. These closures are slated to last through December 19, 2025, with more activity expected in the weeks ahead.MySAtecexpedited.com
A separate year-long closure of the westbound Loop 1604 entrance ramp (Lookout Road to Nacogdoches Road) also impacts local traffic, as part of braided ramp construction.MySA

2. San Antonio Region – Loop 1604 Nightly Closures
Ongoing nightly closures along Loop 1604’s major intersections—including Hausman Road, Babcock Road, and La Cantera Parkway—will continue this week. Maintenance work for the $1.4 billion North Expansion Project includes ramp and frontage road shutdowns, with only one main lane per direction remaining open.San Antonio Express-News

3. Texas – I-10 / U.S. 69 Eastex Interchange (Beaumont/Orange area)
Construction along I-10 near the Eastex Interchange was paused due to a utility conflict but will resume in mid-to-late October. Frontage roads are expected to reopen with two lanes in each direction when work resumes.Beaumont Enterprise

4. Illinois – Interstate 72 Resurfacing
Starting this week, a 6.5-mile resurfacing project on I-72 includes guardrail, shoulder, and drainage upgrades between Old U.S. 36 and U.S. 67. Though one lane in each direction remains open, expect slowdowns and lane shifts through 2026.Jacksonville Journal-Courier

5. Colorado – Greenland Wildlife Overpass (I-25)
Construction of what is claimed to be the world’s largest wildlife overpass is underway between Denver and Colorado Springs. This $15 million project aims to reduce animal–vehicle collisions by up to 90%. Expect intermittent lane closures and traffic modifications during its final construction phase through the end of the year.Axios

At The Expedited Company we keep updated on these projects to allow your expedited freight shipment via dedicated cargo van, box truck, flatbed or dry van to plan for the best possible routing and also provide you with the most reliable shipping times in the industry. Why take a chance with your next freight shipment? Call 844-382-5068 for assistance today.

1. Truckload (Full Truckload & Expedited Ground)

Over the past year, U.S. truckload freight costs—both spot and contract rates—show persistent inflation, though with moderation in early 2025.

• Spot rates climbed roughly 11.6% YOY in Q4 2024, according to RXO’s Curve Index, and remain inflated in Q1 2025, though growth has slowed FreightWavesRXOTrucking Dive.

• Contract rates moved from a contraction of –1.5% in Q4 2024 to a modest +1.4% YOY increase in Q1 2025 RXO.

• Arrive Logistics expects spot rates to stay relatively stable through mid‑2025, with moderate YOY growth. Contract rates have reached a floor and are unlikely to fall further Arrive LogisticsThinkFreight.

• Flock Freight’s Q2 outlook sees Q1 ending with only +3% YOY spot rate growth, down from +5.5% in Q4. They project +8–10% YOY growth in Q2, and potentially +20% by year’s end, tempered by uncertain freight demand and tariffs Flock Freight.

Summary: Compared to a year ago, ground freight costs remain elevated but are growing more gradually. The rest of 2025 should see mild to moderate rate increases, especially in spot markets.

2. Expedited Freight (Hot‑Shot, Same‑Day, Ground)

While less frequently broken out separately in data, expedited or hot‑shot freight, which relies on urgency and oversized premiums, tends to mirror spot rate trends—though with added surcharges for speed and shorter notice.

Given overall carrier oversupply and plentiful capacity, expedited costs have softened somewhat. Still, they remain pricier than standard truckload due to immediacy. As spot rates stabilize, expedited premiums may also moderate but remain premium relative to regular linehaul.

3. Domestic Air Freight

Air cargo costs over the past year have exhibited mixed signals—growth in some areas, softening in others.

• IATA reports a modest 3.2% YOY growth in air cargo demand in January 2025—its 18th consecutive month of expansion, but slower than prior years IATA.

• Bertling sees 2024 air freight growth at 11.3%, with a projected +5.8% growth in 2025. However, uncertainties from tariffs, e-commerce rule changes, and trade policy introduce volatility bertling.com.

• Since May 2025, U.S. air cargo shipments from Asia dropped 20–30% compared to a year ago, largely due to elimination of the de minimis exemption and rising tariffs Wall Street JournalReutersFinancial Times+1Financial Times+1.

• Mordor Intelligence forecasts the U.S. air freight market at about $49.85 billion in 2025, with a projected CAGR of 4.33% through 2030 Mordor Intelligence.

Summary: Overall air freight costs peaked during 2024 but are now stabilizing or easing slightly in certain lanes. Policy shifts and reduced demand from Asia are likely to temper rates in late 2025, although domestic and value‑sensitive segments (e.g. pharmaceuticals, e‑commerce) will buoy continued growth.

Forecast for Remainder of 2025

Final Thoughts

• Truckload freight remains costlier than a year ago but will likely slow in growth through mid‑2025. Spot rates may surge in Q2–Q3, while contract rates stay steady.

• Expedited services will continue to command premium pricing, though conditional on spot rate trends and capacity.

• Air freight demand is softening in affected lanes (e.g., Asia to U.S.), but domestic demand remains steady. Expect manageable growth, with selective volatility tied to trade policy.

Why the delay?

1. LTL spinoff transition
   FedEx announced in December 2024 its plan to spin off FedEx Freight into a standalone LTL carrier, targeting completion within 18 months SMC³ Insider Blog+14SJ Consulting Group+14Kris-Tech Wire+14. Preparing for this separation involves reorganizing systems, refocusing its salesforce, and recasting cost models—efforts too significant to overlay with simultaneous pricing overhauls.

2. Operational realignment & capacity shifts
   In 2024, FedEx restructured its LTL network, closing dozens of terminals while expanding in vital markets to rebalance capacity. This network reshaping aimed at aligning assets with post‑spin capabilities is still underway, making immediate pricing shifts premature Journal of Commerce.

3. Market uncertainty & economic slowdown
   With freight volumes relatively flat and industrial demand softening, FedEx lowered its fiscal 2025 outlook. Introducing new rates during a period of weak demand, and while spin‑off jitters persist, risked destabilizing customer relationships FreightWaves.

4. Industry-wide pricing complexity
   The LTL sector is moving toward density-based pricing—pivoting from the old freight classification system—but the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) overhaul set for July 2025 still introduces uncertainty for both shippers and carriers alike transflo.com+14blog.tranzact.com+14smartforfreight.com+14. FedEx appears reticent to move ahead until the broader shift settles.

Impacts on the LTL Marketplace

1. Slow adoption of density‑based pricing

FedEx had begun piloting “space & pace” dimensional pricing back in 2022 FreightWaves+1Monexa AI+1Logistics Management+4smartforfreight.com+4Trucking Dive+4. Delaying its full launch now extends the period where shippers face a fragmented system: parcel carriers and LTL providers adopt a new pricing regime at different times, leading to confusion and inefficiencies.

2. Competitive repositioning by rival carriers

Competitors like Old Dominion and Saia are capitalizing on FedEx’s hesitation. Several have already implemented all‑in, single‑quote systems tied to weight and density, often promoting faster wins under simplified rate structures transflo.com+1Kris-Tech Wire+1.

3. Shipper uncertainty & repricing delays

Annual GRIs (General Rate Increases) in the industry are expected in the 3–8% range Argon & Co+1transflo.com+1. With FedEx’s pause, shippers face ambiguity in pricing projections—making budgeting, contract negotiations, and logistics planning more challenging.

4. Spin-off valuation implications

FedEx is deliberately fine‑tuning cost allocation—including internal recharges like marketing and tech—that influenced FedEx Freight’s operating margin transimpact.com+1FreightWaves+1. Delaying rate updates may preserve headline margins, but could mask underlying cost trends as the spin-off approaches. Analysts estimate the spin-off will unveil a US‑largest LTL carrier valued between $30–35 billion Journal of Commerce+3Reuters+3MarketWatch+3.

Outlook & Strategic Takeaways

• FedEx is pacing pricing changes to align with its spin‑off strategy and network overhaul—seeking clarity in both internal cost structure and market demand before moving ahead.

• Shippers should monitor announcements post‑November 2025 closely; that’s when NMFC changes will settle. Pricing clarity could finally emerge in late 2025.

• Competitors have an opening: simplified pricing is a key selling point, and FedEx’s delay allows gain in market share among shippers seeking pricing stability.

In summary, FedEx’s deliberate delay of LTL pricing changes is a calculated move to manage spin-off complexities, economic uncertainty, and ongoing sectoral reforms. But in doing so, it prolongs an era of pricing ambiguity for shippers while handing competitors a strategic opportunity in a fast-evolving industry landscape.

For assistance navigating the many LTL options in the market please call us at 844-382-5068 and we will be happy to help you.

Customer Emergency:
On a Saturday just after lunchtime, The Expedited Company received an urgent call from a customer with a high-stakes delivery request. A luxury yacht docked in Key West, Florida, was scheduled to set sail by Sunday afternoon. The issue? The vessel was missing critical engine parts—without them, the sailing schedule would be derailed, resulting in disappointed clients and potential revenue loss.

At first, the customer believed the required parts could be sourced from Tampa, Florida well within range for a rapid expedited solution. Confident in our same-day ground freight capabilities, we began preparing routing and availability. However, within the hour, the customer called back: the Tampa supplier was closed for the weekend, and the only available parts were located in Houma, Louisiana, more than 1,000 miles away.

With time ticking and a tight Sunday afternoon deadline, this was the kind of complex, time-critical logistics challenge that The Expedited Company was built to solve.

Strategic Response: Real-Time Routing + Mode Comparison

The moment we received the updated information, our 24/7 dispatch team sprang into action. We evaluated two viable solutions:

• Next Flight Out (NFO) Air Freight
  With time constraints and weekend airline schedules, we assessed airport availability and cargo acceptance windows for both Houma and Key West. Unfortunately, commercial flight limitations and transfer timing meant air freight was riskier and more expensive for this scenario.

• Dedicated Ground Expedite (Sprinter Van)
  A direct ground shipment using a dedicated sprinter van offered a more reliable, controlled, and cost-effective solution—especially considering the rural Louisiana pickup location and strict delivery window in Key West.

Our recommendation: dedicated sprinter van.

Execution: 1,065 Miles Delivered in 22 Hours

Within two hours, our expedited driver was on site in Houma, LA, to collect the engine components. Our team coordinated with the parts supplier for seamless pickup and ensured full compliance with packaging and transport requirements.

The route spanned more than 1,065 miles, crossing multiple states, navigating the complexities of weekend travel, and managing driver rest breaks without sacrificing time. Thanks to our experienced network and proactive route planning, we completed the entire delivery in just 22 hours, arriving in Key West by early afternoon on Sunday with time to spare before the boat’s scheduled departure.

Results That Matter: Exceeding Expectations

The customer was ecstatic. What began as a weekend emergency had turned into a case study in reliability and performance. Not only did we meet the critical Sunday deadline, but we also provided a level of responsiveness and transparency that left a lasting impression.

Our client praised:

• Speed and responsiveness—our team was in motion within minutes of the call.

• Professional advice—we clearly explained the pros and cons of both air and ground options.

• Total coordination—from supplier contact to real-time tracking updates and delivery confirmation.

• Peace of mind—we delivered not just freight, but trust and confidence.

Key Takeaways: How The Expedited Company Delivers Under Pressure

This successful delivery highlights why customers across the country rely on The Expedited Company for their most time-sensitive freight needs. Our capabilities include:

• 24/7/365 availability – Always on call, including weekends and holidays.

• Nationwide same-day and overnight shipping – Sprinter vans, box trucks, and straight trucks ready to roll.

• Next Flight Out (NFO) air freight services – Ideal when time and distance demand speed.

• Real-time route analysis – We choose the best mode every time, not just the fastest or most expensive.

Whether you’re in need of urgent marine parts delivery, critical component transport, or simply a trusted partner who can solve problems before they become disasters The Expedited Company is your go-to solution.

Need Immediate Help?
If you’re facing a freight emergency—day or night—call us at 844-382-5068. We’ll respond with the urgency and professionalism your shipment deserves.

Because when the clock is ticking, we deliver.

As summer travel ramps up, several major Interstate highway projects are scheduled to begin or continue over the next four weeks. Whether you’re a daily commuter,, shipping expedited freight or planning a road trip, here’s what you need to know:

Interstate 5 (I‑5) – California

Caltrans is set to begin night-time repaving operations between Sacramento and Stockton starting July 15. Crews will close one lane in each direction nightly from 9 PM to 5 AM. Drivers can expect delays of 10–15 minutes; construction is slated to wrap up by August 5.

I‑95 Widening – Florida

Beginning July 20, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) starts a major widening project on I‑95 between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. The southbound side will add an additional express lane over 12 miles. Expect daytime partial closures and variable speed zones until early September, with typical 15–20 minute delays during peak hours.

I‑70 Bridge Replacement – Colorado

Across the Rocky Mountains, Colorado DOT is replacing a deteriorating bridge on I‑70 near Georgetown, beginning July 22. This is a major engineering effort: the old bridge will be demolished, and a new multi-span structure erected. Traffic shifts to detour lanes; expect lane reductions and occasional full closures. Estimated completion: August 18.

I‑80 Seismic Retrofit – Utah

Utah DOT kicks off a seismic strengthening project on I‑80 east of Salt Lake City, starting July 25. Purpose: to reinforce key overpasses against earthquake risk. Crews will work nights with one lane closed; expect 10–12 min delays. The project will wrap up by August 30.

I‑10 Drainage Improvements – Texas

Continuing into July, TxDOT begins drainage and culvert upgrades on I‑10 near San Antonio on July 18. Work extends over a 6‑mile stretch with shoulder closures and periodic single‑lane traffic. Estimated delay: up to 8 minutes. The job is expected to finish about August 8.

What Drivers Should Do

• Plan ahead: allow extra travel time, especially during morning/evening commutes.

• Check DOT alerts daily for shifts in schedules or emergency closures.

• Use navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps to reroute around congestion.

At The Expedited Company we routinely check what major projects are on deck nationwide so that we can provide the most accurate freight shipping transit times in the business. Why take a chance with your next freight shipment? Call 844-382-5068 for assistance today.

The ATA’s Chief Economist Bob Costello noted that while tonnage was “essentially unchanged” from April to May, the bigger picture remains that freight volumes are still in decline. “For-hire contract freight remains in a recession,” Costello said, adding that tonnage is down 1.3% through the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This isn’t just a statistical dip, it could be a harbinger of deeper structural shifts in the freight industry. Suddenly advances in technology are being discussed less frequently versus businesses trying to pinpoint where the market, and indeed the economy is heading.

Are We Seeing a Freight Recession, Market Reset or more simply Market Confusion?

Some in the industry are now asking whether this extended period of decline reflects a cyclical freight recession or the beginning of a more fundamental market reset. The surge in capacity post-pandemic combined with a slowdown in consumer spending and tighter inventory management may be creating long-term consequences for freight demand. As retailers and manufacturers recalibrate their logistics strategies, is there a new normal for tonnage levels? At TEC we think, based on speaking to customers, business and demand are relatively healthy but a deep fog of uncertainty is flooding the market in general.

What About the Role of Spot Market vs. Contract Freight?

Another dynamic worth examining is the distinction between the spot market and contract freight. While the ATA’s tonnage index is heavily weighted toward contract freight, the spot market has been even more volatile over the past year. Smaller carriers, particularly those reliant on spot rates, have felt the pinch more acutely than large for-hire fleets. Could this environment lead to more consolidation across the trucking sector as margins tighten?

Will This Impact Driver Demand and Equipment Orders?

A softer freight environment also raises questions about capacity planning. Will carriers slow down truck and trailer purchases in the second half of 2025? What effect might this have on driver recruitment and retention, especially with driver wages having surged in recent years to attract talent? If freight volumes remain low, we may see a shift toward optimization over expansion. Capacity at this time in the expedite market seems healthy whereas summer can usually see it contract to some extent.

How Should Shippers Adapt?

Shippers may find opportunity in this cooling market at times. Linehaul rates seem to be easing. With more capacity available, contract rates could remain competitive for the foreseeable future. But will this lead to a temporary benefit or long-term savings? Logistics managers need to weigh whether this is the time to renegotiate contracts or invest in new regional and last-mile delivery models. We are seeing rates hold steady with moderate decreases for long-distance ground expedites.

What Lies Ahead?

The next few months will be critical for understanding where the freight economy is heading. Will the back half of 2025 bring a rebound, especially with hopes pinned on the holiday shipping season? Or are we in for a prolonged plateau, as inflation, interest rates, and inventory adjustments continue to weigh on freight activity? As the industry navigates these uncertainties, it’s vital to ask tough questions and monitor the signals. From carrier networks and capacity strategy to procurement and pricing models, every stakeholder in the supply chain must stay agile and informed.