Every year, I mark December 15th and January 15th on my calendar, as these dates signal a shift in the freight market. Typically, freight markets tighten around mid-December and then return to normal by mid-January. So, how did things shake out this year? Well, in two words: Status Quo.
My friends at FreightWaves and other media outlets have been predicting a major shift in the market. Back in November, I shared similar thoughts, expecting some movement. However, after observing this holiday season, it seems like we might need to pump the brakes a bit. Demand remained flat, and trucks were readily available, which is a far cry from the freight market trends we’ve seen in previous years.
While I remain excited about the potential changes in freight markets for 2025, I’m adopting a “I’ll believe it when I see it” approach. The market dynamics are always changing, and there’s still a lot of uncertainty. For example, with a looming port strike, first-quarter demand might be weaker than usual, which makes it hard to predict any significant improvements in the short term. Given the current state of supply chain trends, we may need to prepare for more fluctuations ahead.
It’s true that freight market temperatures are no longer sub-zero—they’re certainly above freezing. I don’t see any 80-degree days on the horizon anytime soon. As we move into 2025, I’m optimistic about what the future holds but remain realistic about the challenges and uncertainties we may face. As we continue to monitor these evolving supply chain trends, it’s clear we may have to wait a little longer for a big breakthrough.