The LTL industry continues to navigate an environment of uncertainty, shaped by fluctuating market conditions, evolving freight dynamics, and operational cost pressures. This is in parallel with continued consolidation among carriers. In an effort to provide clarity amid these challenges, the NMFTA LTL Benchmarking Group Program has been instrumental in helping carriers elevate their performance through data-driven insights and best practices.
Pricing Discipline Persists; Volumes Soft; Cost Pressure Nudges OR Higher
Quick Q3 Facts at a Glance
- Private cohort (NMFTA sample, Q3 vs. Q2 2025): Shipments/day 108,409 (-5.2% QoQ), avg shipment weight 1,219.3 lb (-0.4%), density 14.14 pcf (2.8%), OR 85.0% (198 bps), revenue/CWT $24.05 (2.2%), revenue/shipment $293.84 (0.4%).
- Private cohort YTD (Q1–Q3 2025): Shipments/day 111,323, avg weight 1,226.7 lb, density 13.81 pcf, OR 84.3%, revenue/CWT $23.66, revenue/shipment $293.18.
- Public LTL (Q3 2025, dataset snapshot): simple avg OR 85.7%; shipments-weighted OR 84.1%.
