Current Market Condition

Freight has been low for several years. I haven't heard of any imminent layoffs at a major carrier, but I have seen people saying that container ships are starting to leave from China virtually empty because of the tariff dispute. That could have a major impact on the industry in coming weeks and months if true.

 

What are you going to do if you don't drive a truck? If that pays more than trucking, do that other job.

Find the job/employer that will hire you the day after CDL school. DO NOT GO TO CDL SCHOOL AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THAT. Find the JOB then decide about the other things. If you don't find a job waiting for you don't go to CDL school.

 

There are approximately 3.6 million professional truck drivers in the U.S., according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA). This number represents a significant portion of the American workforce and plays a crucial role in the country's economy. The trucking industry is also a large employer, with over 8.5 million people employed in trucking-related jobs, including truck drivers.


The trucking industry is expected to see a slow but steady recovery in 2025, with modest growth in freight demand and capacity rebalancing. While some experts predict potential rate increases later in the year due to economic recovery and increased demand, the overall outlook remains cautiously optimistic.

Key Trends and Forecasts:

• Freight Demand:
  ACT Research and FTR Transportation Intelligence predict modest growth in freight demand for 2025, with ACT Research suggesting a 1.8% increase over 2024 levels.
• Capacity Rebalancing:
  Trucking's capacity problem may be reaching an equilibrium in 2025, with some analysts predicting a slightly more hospitable market for fleets.
• Truck Volumes:
  The American Trucking Associations forecasts a 1.6% growth in truck volumes for 2025, following a period of decline.
• Rate Trends:
  DAT iQ predicts that new contract rates are now higher than previously negotiated rates, indicating a potential trend towards higher rates.
• Rate Increases:
  InTek Freight and Logistics expects relatively stable freight rates in the first quarter, with potential rate increases in the latter half of the year.
• Zero-Emission Trucks:
  The adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) is expected to be slower than anticipated, with OEMs exploring alternatives to ZEVs to reduce emissions.
• Government Regulations:
  Regulations will be a key driver of electrified truck adoption in Europe and the United States.

Factors Influencing the Forecast:

• Economic Recovery:
  Economic recovery, particularly in housing construction, could lead to increased demand for trucking services.
• Inventory Adjustments:
  Retailers and manufacturers are adjusting inventories, which could lead to slower replenishment cycles and a reduction in the urgency for freight movement.
• Tariffs:
  Tariffs could negatively impact the industry by increasing costs for motor carriers.
• Capacity Issues:
  The trucking market continues to grapple with overcapacity, particularly in the for-hire sector, which may constrain spot rates.

 

Why would you want to drive a truck now…? Everything is your fault.
Everything.
People hate you, “slow stupid truck always in my way!!! I’ll cut him off!! Then take that exit, slamming on the brakes!”

 

It's a fine time to go into trucking especially for a mega carrier like Schneider.

In terms of market conditions... everyone everywhere has an ax to grind and their own pockets to grease. Until you find good sources of data and a strong framework to analyze it through just flip a coin if some prediction is bs or not.

For example, the largest personality in trucking right now is the founder of Freightwaves, who is from a trucking pedigree, and who doesn't know much but parrots other people's opinions regularly.

But it's the best we got.

 

It doesn’t matter how the market is doing, it only matters how you are doing. Like was said, don’t go get your CDL until you have a job offer. There’s good jobs even in the worst markets, and lousy jobs in the best markets

 

If Schnieder will take you, go for it. Get your experience. That's the most valuable thing to have in a downturn, when companies scale back on hiring, experienced drivers is always the direction they will go. Get your CDL, and get started. Give to the industry. Whatever you get out of the industry always has/always will be contingent on what you give to the industry. That's regardless of economic times. I got started in 2010 and it was a downturn then so don't worry about the what it's. Just do it.