The freight and transportation industry is one of the most dynamic in the world. Fluctuations in consumer demand, trade policy, and the global supply chain can all impact current logistics trends. While no one can truly tell what the industry’s future will hold, looking at current data and freight industry news can give us a clue as to what to expect. Below, find eight data-backed freight transportation trends and learn how they might impact your supply chain.
8 Freight transportation trends for 2025
More truck reliant
Trucking accounts for around 72% of the United States’ freight transportation. The total freight moved by trucks steadily declined post-pandemic, in part due to rising diesel prices. But that’s slated to change in the next decade.
Diesel prices in March 2025 are also down nearly 11% from 2024. According to a data forecast from the American Trucking Association (ATA), truck transportation is expected to increase by 1.6% throughout 2025 and continue to grow year-over-year. Ultimately, trucking is predicted to account for nearly 77% of all U.S. freight transportation by 2035, recrowning trucks as the go-to transportation choice for most American businesses.
Reduced cross-border trucking
While trucking throughout the United States is predicted to increase in demand, international trucking through Canada and Mexico is another story.
The ATA predicts that the current U.S. administration’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico will reduce cross-border trucking transportation in 2025, thanks to higher consumer prices on imported goods. Therefore, uncertainty abounds over how long the tariffs will last.
Declining train transport
Experts may predict a growing reliance on trucks, but freight train transportation is expected to slow in 2025, following a slight dip that began in 2023. According to the ATA, lower rail transportation is thanks, in part, to lowered coal supply. If this trend continues, the total amount of U.S. goods transported by rail will drop from 10.6% in 2024 to 9.9% by 2035.
Freight transportation trends so uptick in Domestic Air
With more online shoppers than ever before prioritizing fast shipping, expect to see more businesses relying on air freight in 2025. According to UPS, e-commerce is the primary driver of increased air freight demand, and the industry is predicted to grow by 3.5% in 2025.
But despite increased demand, carriers are struggling to meet capacity, which led to an increase in air shipping rates in 2024. Therefore, if this transportation trend continues, expect air rates to increase even further in 2025.
Higher load-to-truck ratios
The “load-to-truck ratio” is the total freight loads that need to be shipped compared to the number of trucks available to haul the loads in a given area. An ideal ratio is 2:1, or two loads per available truck. If more trucks are available than loads to haul, such as in a 1:2 ratio, that can indicate a cooler market or lower carrier rates.
While late 2024 saw a shortage of trucks to meet demand, new data indicates that the market is balancing out. ACT Research’s 2025 trucking forecast found that the national average load-to-truck ratio was 7:8 in February 2025, a sharp change from 6:1 in December 2024. While these numbers suggest a surplus of available trucks nationally, it’s important to remember that the ratio can vary widely between regions and cities.
Freight transportation trends show accelerated automation
In recent years, warehouse robotics and automation systems have emerged as a way for logistics companies to increase their efficiency while reducing labor costs. Subsequently, more warehouses are expected to join the movement.
Fortune Business Insights predicts that the warehouse robotics industry will grow from $5.82 billion in 2024 to $6.51 billion in 2025, an increase of around 11.8%. Check out our blog post to learn more about the potential benefits of warehousing automation.
Lower shipping container rates
While shipping container rates exploded post-pandemic, DHL’s Ocean Freight Market Update indicates that prices are finally trending downward. Since the beginning of 2025, the World Container Index (WCI) has decreased by 14%, while the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) has fallen by 19%.
It remains to be seen if potential tariffs on European and Asian goods could impact consumer prices. These market signals could indicate lower ocean shipping rates on overseas goods.
Ai-Optimized routes
While automated trucks are still far from the highway, AI has impacted many truck drivers’ routes. New AI trucking tools can optimize a driver’s route for speed and fuel efficiency, helping with faster shipping times.
After implementing an AI-routing system in 2024, one refrigeration trucking company saw its on-time percentage points increase by 2% while its revenue per truck grew by 17%. While this is only a single case study, you can expect more trucking companies to try AI-enabled routing for faster delivery times.
A New England trucking company for 2025 and beyond
You can’t always tell what tomorrow will bring. However, if you’re looking for a logistics partner who can stay on top of industry trends and rise to meet new market challenges, N&D Transportation is ready for you.
With over 50 years in business, we understand how to adapt to an evolving transportation industry. We’ll use our knowledge and experience to bring you the fastest shipping times, most affordable rates, and highest customer satisfaction. Contact us today and start working with one of the best Rhode Island Trucking Companies around
