On June 16, 2026 the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc.® (NMFTA)® hosted the third insightful webinar in a series: LTL by the Numbers: Exclusive Benchmarking Insights to Help Leaders Navigate What’s Next. While freight volumes remained soft through much of the first quarter, panelists expressed growing optimism that market conditions are beginning to improve.
NMFTA’s LTL Benchmarking Program Group provides its membership an opportunity to track KPIs that provide insights into critical areas such as Operating Ratio (OR); Revenue per Shipment; and more.
Here’s What We’re Seeing Across The Industry
🔹 Market Stabilization Begins
According to NMFTA benchmarking data, private carrier participants experienced a 3.6% year-over-year decline in shipments during Q1. However, conditions improved as the quarter progressed.
Tim Mikesic, Chief Financial Officer of Ward Transport & Logistics, noted that weather disruptions impacted January and February volumes, but March marked a turning point as freight activity began to stabilize. That trend has continued into Q2, with volumes tracking ahead of typical seasonal patterns.
🔹 Truckload Recovery Creates LTL Opportunities
One of the strongest themes from the discussion was the improving truckload market. Unlike previous recoveries, today’s truckload improvement is being driven largely by capacity constraints rather than increased demand.
As truckload capacity tightens and rates rise, some freight is shifting back into LTL networks.
“We are seeing some larger shipments that previously we had not seen,” Mikesic explained, pointing to increased movement of freight that may have traditionally moved via truckload.
Panelists also noted increases in shipment size, handling units, and freight length, all indicators that market dynamics are beginning to shift.
🔹 Yield Remains a Top Priority
Despite ongoing volume challenges, carriers have maintained pricing discipline throughout the prolonged freight downturn. General Rate Increases (GRIs) and continued focus on profitable freight are helping support financial performance across the industry.
David Meyer, Chief Strategy Officer at Ward Transport & Logistics, emphasized that yield remains one of the most important indicators of market health. As capacity tightens, carriers are increasingly focused on freight that aligns with their networks and long-term profitability goals.
🔹 Technology Investments Continue to Pay Off
Technology was another major focus of the discussion, particularly as carriers look for ways to improve efficiency and customer service.
Dimensioning technology continues to deliver strong returns by improving billing accuracy, density calculations, and freight costing. Panelists described dimensioners as one of the industry’s most impactful recent technology investments.
Beyond dimensioning, carriers are investing in AI initiatives, route optimization tools, automation, data visibility platforms, and vehicle safety technologies.
Ward Transport has developed a cross-functional AI roadmap to identify opportunities for automation and improved decision-making across the organization.
🔹 Industry Watches FedEx and Amazon
The panel also discussed two major industry developments: the FedEx Freight spin-off and Amazon’s growing transportation ambitions.
While the FedEx spin-off is expected to create new opportunities and competitive dynamics, panelists believe the company’s near-term focus will be on maintaining customer service and executing its growth strategy.
Amazon, meanwhile, remains a wildcard. Although not viewed as an immediate competitive threat in the LTL space, its technology capabilities and vast data ecosystem continue to attract attention across the industry.
🔹 NMFC Changes Rolled Out Smoothly
One notable positive: the industry’s transition through the 2025 National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC)™ changes was largely seamless.
- Minimal disruption reported;
- Little negative feedback; and
- Growing alignment around continued classification modernization.
🔹 Looking Ahead
While carriers remain cautious after several years of market volatility, the overall outlook for the second half of 2026 is increasingly positive.
Improving truckload fundamentals, stronger shipment trends, continued pricing discipline, and ongoing technology investments are all contributing to a more optimistic view of the market.
For disciplined carriers focused on yield, efficiency, and customer service, the remainder of 2026 may offer meaningful opportunities as recovery continues to take shape.
Join Us in 2026
Tuesday, September 15 at 1:00 pm ET: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IHd_8MgbTXuzsZc5v9XgBg
Tuesday, December 15 at 1:00 pm ET: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JJUmQPb4QK6eYo3ItJ4e7Q
