Small Truckload Market Trends · Q1 2026

STL Freight Index

  • Median rate benchmarks
  • QoQ volume momentum by zone
  • Inbound/outbound directional dynamics
  • Inter-zone O-D corridor pricing
  • City-level rate benchmarks across 24 freight hubs
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Index Map

Five consolidated indicator sets. One market reference.

The STL Freight Index compiles median rate and volume data stratified by truck type, distance band, and weight category — providing a quarterly benchmark for pricing trends, regional demand shifts, and corridor imbalances.

1Indicator

National rate index

Jan 2023 – Q1 2026
2Indicator

Regional volume momentum
by zone

QoQ volume shifts across 6 major freight zones. Identify where demand is building or softening before it shows up on load boards.

3Indicator

Directional rate dynamics

Inbound vs. outbound vs. in-region rate spreads by zone. When outbound lags inbound, carriers need reposition loads — that's your negotiating window.

4Indicator

Inter-zone O-D corridor rate changes

Origin-destination corridor pricing across every major zone pair. QoQ rate change per lane. Spot underpriced corridors in your routing guide in seconds.

5Indicator

City-level hub rate
performance, 24 metros

Rate benchmarks for 24 U.S. freight metro hubs — outbound, inbound, and spread. Stop pricing to national averages that don't reflect your actual origin market.

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The complete report — all rate tables, regional heat maps, directional dynamics data, and the full inter-zone O-D corridor matrix. No paywall. No spam. Unsubscribe any time.

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