## What to know about the LTL market right now

While broad LTL market conditions have recently remained steady compared to previous years of volatility, underlying indicators provide important context for how shipments are moving across North America.

Manufacturing activity, a continued focus on network efficiency and changes in cross-border volume all play a role in how LTL shippers manage capacity and day-to-day shipment execution.

Here’s a look at the latest signals shaping the LTL market.

### Manufacturing activity shows signs of stability

Manufacturing activity remains one of the clearest indicators of LTL demand, since a lot of freight moving through LTL networks supports industrial production, retail replenishment and business-to-business supply chains. While conditions vary across industries, the [May ISM report](https://www.ismworld.org/supply-management-news-and-reports/reports/ism-pmi-reports/pmi/may/) showed continued expansion in manufacturing activity, with growth in new orders and production. However, businesses appear to be managing inventory levels carefully and maintaining a more cautious approach to hiring as demand trends remain uncertain.

While this doesn’t necessarily translate into immediate market-wide changes, it does reinforce the importance of monitoring freight patterns. Even moderate shifts in manufacturing output can influence shipment volumes, regional capacity availability and network balance.

This is where strong carrier networks and flexible transportation strategies become increasingly important. Providers with broad geographic coverage, established networks and access to multiple capacity solutions are often more capable of supporting changing demands.

For example, ArcBest’s LTL carrier, ABF Freight, continues operating one of the largest and most established LTL networks in the country. Combined with ArcBest’s broader logistics capabilities, we’re able to help shippers manage changing freight volumes, evolving lane needs and more complex distribution strategies.

### What you can do to align with demand

- Monitor shipment trends within your specific industry and shipping regions
- Share forecast or inventory changes with providers as early as possible
- Review routing guides and backup options for critical lanes

### LTL carriers are focusing on network efficiency

Across the LTL industry, carriers continue to prioritize network efficiency and disciplined freight management following several years of cost pressure and demand fluctuation.

One of the most visible indicators of this is how carriers manage freight quality and network utilization. LTL networks are designed around maximizing trailer density and minimizing service center congestion, which means shipment characteristics play a larger role in cost and service outcomes than in many other modes.

As carriers focus on network efficiency, shippers may see increased attention on freight characteristics and accurate data. Packaging, dimensions, density and lead times can all influence how efficiently freight moves through an LTL network, which can ultimately affect pricing, service performance and capacity availability.

### What you can do to support operational efficiency

- Standardize packaging and pallet configurations where possible to simplify handling and improve trailer utilization
- Provide complete and accurate shipment details upfront, including dimensions, weights, accessorial requirements, shipment ready time and operating hours
- [Plan for higher-volume shipping periods](https://arcb.com/blog/prepare-for-peak-shipping-season) to help avoid capacity constraints and service disruptions

## Cross-border strategies are impacting networks

Freight activity between the U.S. and Mexico remains an important part of North American supply chains. According to the [U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics](https://www.bts.gov/newsroom/transborder-freight-data-annual-report-2025-0), U.S.–Mexico trade exceeds $870 billion annually and continues to grow year over year, reflecting broader shifts in manufacturing and sourcing.

With more freight moving across the border, LTL networks may see shifts in regional volume and more variable shipping patterns. This is often due to shipments moving through multiple providers and facilities before reaching their final destination. Clear visibility and proactive planning become more important for keeping freight moving efficiently.

### What you can do to improve cross-border planning

- Solidify shipment details early, including documentation, dimensions and handling requirements, to reduce errors across providers
- Monitor how changes in sourcing, production timing or inventory location may impact downstream LTL volumes and routing
- Build clear plans for delays or exceptions, so issues at the border or transfer points can be resolved quickly

[Learn more about shipping freight to Mexico](https://arcb.com/blog/shipping-to-mexico-from-the-usa).

## We’re here to help

Have questions about how these trends could affect your shipments? Our team is here to help you [navigate the LTL market](https://arcb.com/blog/ltl-freight-shipping) and keep your freight moving.  
  
[Get in touch](https://arcb.com/contact-us/connect-with-sales) with an expert today or [explore our LTL solutions](https://arcb.com/shippers/solutions/less-than-truckload).