U.S. truck freight volumes declined 5.8% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous quarter, according to the latest U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index, with the Southwest seeing a dramatic 21.2% drop and the Northeast posting a 3.6% increase in shipments.
Freight spending also fell nationally by 2.5% quarter over quarter and 8.6% year over year. The mixed regional results highlight continued volatility in the trucking industry amid shifting economic and weather conditions.
“While there is tremendous focus on the nationwide freight statistics, detailed regional data is very useful—particularly during times of uncertainty like today—for shippers and carriers to incorporate into their planning,” said Bobby Holland, director of freight business analytics at U.S. Bank.
The Northeast’s gains were attributed to stronger retail sales and increased port traffic, with the Port of New York posting volume increases in both January and February. In contrast, the Southwest experienced harsh winter storms and declining manufacturing activity, leading to the largest quarterly decline of any region.
The Midwest and Southeast also posted declines in both volume and spending, driven by weak manufacturing activity and unusually severe weather. The West was the only other region to show a quarterly gain in shipments, up 1%, boosted by strong port volumes and improved factory output.
Bob Costello, senior vice president and chief economist at the American Trucking Associations, said that while truck freight was hit hard by factors such as housing starts and storms, there are signs of resilience. “There are some signs of improvement amid persistent headwinds for the trucking industry,” he said.
The U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index is based on transaction data from the bank’s freight payment platform, which handles over $43 billion in freight payments annually across truckload and less-than-truckload modes.
For the full report and regional breakdowns, visit the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index website.
