LTL Shipping News: Recent Trends and Developments

LTL market report: Summer 2025 highlights

If your supply chain relies on LTL shipping, you know how quickly market changes can disrupt performance. Shifts in carrier rates, service levels and capacity can influence how efficiently and reliably your freight moves. We’ve rounded up the latest LTL market news to help you plan with confidence.

What’s top of mind right now?

Here’s what shippers, carriers and logistics teams are watching most closely.

New NMFC classifications

Recent changes to NMFC classifications are altering how some freight is categorized and priced. If your shipments fall under revised classes, you could see rate adjustments if you aren’t prepared. Verifying that your freight is properly classified and that you’re getting accurate measurements can help avoid reclass fees, disputes and unexpected increases in shipping costs.

If you’re unsure how these changes apply to your freight, our team is available to walk you through it and ensure everything is classified correctly.

Electric vehicle utilization

Conversations about electric trucks are continuing across the LTL industry as carriers look for ways to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. While the overall share of EVs in freight is still small, these types of conversations and pilot programs mark a shift in how carriers think about fuel efficiency, cost control and sustainability.

ArcBest is actively evaluating how electric vehicles can contribute to our operations, helping us cut emissions, boost efficiency and provide more sustainable logistics solutions for your business.

Facility and service area changes

Several LTL carriers have adjusted their service networks this year, either reopening locations, consolidating facilities or expanding in high-demand areas. These changes are often driven by evolving freight volumes and the need to improve service reliability.

ArcBest is investing in our ABF network to support those goals. We’re happy to talk through any questions and help you plan as we continue making improvements throughout 2025 and beyond.

Cross-border freight questions

Ongoing discussions about tariffs and trade policies are creating uncertainty for businesses shipping across the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders. Potential tariff adjustments could impact freight volumes in key markets, especially for industries that rely on cross-border trade.

Closely monitoring these developments and working with carriers that offer flexible solutions can help you manage shifting demand and capacity challenges.