ACT Research released the latest installment of the ACT Freight Forecast, U.S. Rate and Volume OUTLOOK report. The monthly 56-page ACT Freight Forecast report provides forecasts through 2024 for volumes and contract rates for the truckload, less-than-truckload, and intermodal sectors of the transportation industry, including the Cass Shipments Index and Cass Truckload Linehaul Index. For the truckload spot market, the report forecasts rates through 2022. The Freight Forecast provides detail on the freight rate outlook, helping companies across the supply chain plan with greater visibility and less uncertainty.

“While we lower truckload rate forecasts on supply factors, we believe the bottoming process is beginning as spot rates are now further below costs than ever before,” said Tim Denoyer, vice president and senior analyst, ACT Research. “This month’s report focuses on the key question of how much further spot rates can decline and concerns about diesel shortages, which could hasten the bottoming process. Goods demand is soft and destocking is just beginning, but lower freight costs are set to be a growing disinflationary force in 2023.”