Craig Fuller

Craig Fuller

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Founder & CEO, FreightWaves; freight/transportation markets analyst and media leader.

SONAR Launches Real‑Time Rail Dashboard for Bulk & Intermodal Data
SocialMar 30, 2026

SONAR Launches Real‑Time Rail Dashboard for Bulk & Intermodal Data

Excited to introduce SONAR's rail dashboard, which offers high-frequency bulk and intermodal data at your fingertips.

By Craig Fuller
Critical Trucking Regulator FMCSA Severely Underfunded
SocialMar 30, 2026

Critical Trucking Regulator FMCSA Severely Underfunded

The FMCSA is the most important regulator in trucking. Its job is to monitor the 800k registered motor carriers that transverse the highways. The problem: it is critically underfunded

By Craig Fuller
Intermodal Spot Rates Rise Amid Tight Trucking, China Container Surge
SocialMar 30, 2026

Intermodal Spot Rates Rise Amid Tight Trucking, China Container Surge

Intermodal spot rates are starting to respond to tight trucking conditions and surge of containers from China post-CNY https://t.co/16XPKA9srV

By Craig Fuller
From River‑Rail Junction to Global Logistics Hub
SocialMar 30, 2026

From River‑Rail Junction to Global Logistics Hub

Chattanooga began as the city where the river met the railroad and it has become a global leader in logistics. Diesel runs through Chattanooga's freight founders.

By Craig Fuller
Freight Rates Surge 12% as Flatbed Capacity Tightens
SocialMar 30, 2026

Freight Rates Surge 12% as Flatbed Capacity Tightens

CH Robinson, the largest freight broker, ups their rate forecast to +12% this year. They also mention the incredible strength of flatbed trucking. According to SONAR, nearly half of all flatbed loads are being rejected by carriers. Source: FreightCaviar https://t.co/zBb6ZV8OkV

By Craig Fuller
Flatbed Trucking Signals Bullish Freight Market Surge
SocialMar 30, 2026

Flatbed Trucking Signals Bullish Freight Market Surge

Despite the noise around the war, this is the most bullish setup we’ve had in the domestic freight market since COVID. The industrials are roaring back, as proven by the strength of flatbed trucking.

By Craig Fuller
Driving a Semi: Japanese Students' Iconic American Experience
SocialMar 30, 2026

Driving a Semi: Japanese Students' Iconic American Experience

We used to host Japanese exchange students and would take them down to the truck terminal to drive a semi and stop at the Pilot. It was the highlight of their American experience. Nothing is more American than traditional trucking culture....

By Craig Fuller
Stolen Kit Kats Reveal Widespread Cargo Crime
SocialMar 30, 2026

Stolen Kit Kats Reveal Widespread Cargo Crime

It’s going to take a load of stolen Kit Kats for people to realize how pervasive and common cargo crime is.

By Craig Fuller
Catch My Early CNBC Interview on Freight Outlook
SocialMar 30, 2026

Catch My Early CNBC Interview on Freight Outlook

I will be on CNBC at 5:15 AM ET today. Talking about the state of freight. Tune in!

By Craig Fuller
Truckloads Surge as LTL Consolidates in Freight Recovery
SocialMar 29, 2026

Truckloads Surge as LTL Consolidates in Freight Recovery

The Cass Shipment index is an important barometer of freight activity, but there are some important nuances. The freight market had been in one of the biggest recessions in history. But in late November, we saw a surge of activity that has...

By Craig Fuller
Chicago Stays Among Nation’s Tightest Housing Markets
SocialMar 29, 2026

Chicago Stays Among Nation’s Tightest Housing Markets

Chicago was one of the first markets to tighten. Despite tightness spreading to other major markets, Chicago remains one of the tightest markets in the country. https://t.co/mLkRlRBTH3

By Craig Fuller
Atlanta's Capacity Tightens Sharply, Rejection Rate Hits 13.6%
SocialMar 29, 2026

Atlanta's Capacity Tightens Sharply, Rejection Rate Hits 13.6%

When capacity first started to tighten, Atlanta stayed out of the rally. In recent weeks, Atlanta has started to sharply tighten. Rejections at 13.62% https://t.co/3hELRXDncJ

By Craig Fuller
Dallas Surge Redirects Trucks, Balances National Capacity
SocialMar 28, 2026

Dallas Surge Redirects Trucks, Balances National Capacity

When a big market like Dallas surges, large carriers prioritize loads inbound to take advantage. This takes trucks from other parts of the country, but smoothes out the capacity map across the US.

By Craig Fuller
Dallas Shifts From Backhaul Nightmare to Extreme Tightening
SocialMar 28, 2026

Dallas Shifts From Backhaul Nightmare to Extreme Tightening

I'm old enough to remember when Dallas was a backhaul market and one of the worst places to send trucks to. That is has not been the case for many years and certainly not now. The Dallas market is experiencing...

By Craig Fuller
Texas Capacity Tightens; Dallas Rejections Hit 19% High
SocialMar 28, 2026

Texas Capacity Tightens; Dallas Rejections Hit 19% High

Capacity out of Texas is tightening faster than any other market. Rejections out of Dallas surged to 19%, the highest levels since 2021! https://t.co/0Um53N20C4

By Craig Fuller
Truckload Volume Index Hits 4‑Year High, Up 12% YoY
SocialMar 28, 2026

Truckload Volume Index Hits 4‑Year High, Up 12% YoY

SONAR Truckload Volume Index continues to climb. +12% YoY, highest levels in 4 years https://t.co/7CorH9A2bO

By Craig Fuller
FreightWaves Launches Low‑Cost National Freight Market Monitor
SocialMar 28, 2026

FreightWaves Launches Low‑Cost National Freight Market Monitor

FreightWaves will be introducing a brand new low-cost data, new, and research platform of national freight market summary data for website browsers next week. We call this FreightWaves Market Monitor. It is a roundup of our national data, making it...

By Craig Fuller
Flatbed Rates Surge, Contradicting Miller’s Flat Forecast
SocialMar 28, 2026

Flatbed Rates Surge, Contradicting Miller’s Flat Forecast

Can someone explain this why Jason Miller believes that flatbed spot rates are flat or down slightly in March? Is DAT's flatbed data that far off from Truckstop and SONAR (two completely independent data sources)? Even if you use Miller's...

By Craig Fuller
DOT Actions Finally Boost Truck Drivers' Earnings
SocialMar 27, 2026

DOT Actions Finally Boost Truck Drivers' Earnings

The hard working truck drivers are finally able to make hard earned money thanks to the DOT’s efforts

By Craig Fuller
SBA Launches Huge Financing for Specialized Truckers
SocialMar 27, 2026

SBA Launches Huge Financing for Specialized Truckers

Reefer, hazmat, and flatbed truckers and logistics service providers were just given a massive financing vehicle by the SBA.

By Craig Fuller
FreightWaves Launches Top‑Rated Daily Freight Market Show
SocialMar 27, 2026

FreightWaves Launches Top‑Rated Daily Freight Market Show

FreightWaves Today, our daily freight market show coming in May, is now the most successful ad-supported show we've ever launched at FreightWaves. I will be the host alongside Julie, featuring Zach, Malcolm, Charles, and our team of market experts. Each...

By Craig Fuller
Inevitable Conflict Drives Need for Self‑Sufficient Supply Chains
SocialMar 27, 2026

Inevitable Conflict Drives Need for Self‑Sufficient Supply Chains

We’ve never been good at fixing things we blew up and we are the world’s best at blowing things up. It was never a matter of if we’d get into a kinetic conflict with Iran, but when. All the more...

By Craig Fuller
Zero‑Carbon Policies Spark Australia’s Fuel Shortage Crisis
SocialMar 27, 2026

Zero‑Carbon Policies Spark Australia’s Fuel Shortage Crisis

Australia faces a massive gasoline and diesel shortage, which is a travesty of its own making. NIMBYism and zero carbon policies are killing first world economies https://t.co/zOWEhNZ4qm

By Craig Fuller
Truckers Praise Sec. Duffy as First Supportive DOT Leader
SocialMar 27, 2026

Truckers Praise Sec. Duffy as First Supportive DOT Leader

@SecDuffy is a rockstar among truckers who feel that he is the first DOT Secretary that has their back...

By Craig Fuller
Truckstops Exploit Tax-Driven Diesel Price Gaps; West Coast Policies Blamed
SocialMar 27, 2026

Truckstops Exploit Tax-Driven Diesel Price Gaps; West Coast Policies Blamed

The major truckstops already do this arb. They will move their diesel purchases between PADs to take advantage of price deltas at the rack. But a good portion of the diesel cost delta is actually tax and transportation related. The...

By Craig Fuller
New Map Shows Diesel Cost Per Mile by Location
SocialMar 27, 2026

New Map Shows Diesel Cost Per Mile by Location

We've created a new map, which tracks the estimated cost per mile for buying diesel, depending on where you purchase fuel. https://t.co/JKDNneabWc

By Craig Fuller
Flatbed Load Rejections Hit 50% This Weekend
SocialMar 27, 2026

Flatbed Load Rejections Hit 50% This Weekend

Flatbed rejections remain extremely elevated as we head into the weekend. Half of all flatbed loads are being turned down by operators. https://t.co/RMKQZhvvwh

By Craig Fuller
America Must Secure Supply Chains by Reshoring Production
SocialMar 27, 2026

America Must Secure Supply Chains by Reshoring Production

This is the primary reason that I am adamant about moving production back to the Americas. It’s more expensive, but without it, we are incredibly vulnerable. If kinetic war breaks out in Asia, our supply chains are at substantial risk....

By Craig Fuller
Truckload Van Rates Set to Beat 2021 Record
SocialMar 27, 2026

Truckload Van Rates Set to Beat 2021 Record

The record truckload van spot rate is $3.55/mile, hit in late 2021. I have conviction that we will surpass that this year. If we don’t, I will go to Turkey and get this haircut. https://t.co/vzD4gUx7Xc

By Craig Fuller
Auto Rail Shipments Near All‑time Highs Amid Economic Uncertainty
SocialMar 27, 2026

Auto Rail Shipments Near All‑time Highs Amid Economic Uncertainty

Despite the noise in the economy, auto shipments via rail are near all time highs https://t.co/JLtQ05WOqa

By Craig Fuller
US Chemical Rail Shipments Set New Historic Record
SocialMar 27, 2026

US Chemical Rail Shipments Set New Historic Record

Last month, the US shipped more chemicals via rail than any other time in history. With a week to go, March will break that number... https://t.co/uOZuXMwy6j

By Craig Fuller
Rates Surge Above Market Peaks Even Amid COVID
SocialMar 27, 2026

Rates Surge Above Market Peaks Even Amid COVID

Wowzer... Sherif is see rates far above market peaks, even during the COVID slam https://t.co/7CmmVuEBD6

By Craig Fuller
Turning a Fountain Into a Realistic Offshore Oil Rig
SocialMar 26, 2026

Turning a Fountain Into a Realistic Offshore Oil Rig

For the Motion Museum, we are going to convert the fish fountain that was inside of the Cabelas to the Gulf of America and put a giant offshore oil rig in the middle of it. Think Maelstrom from Epcot. We...

By Craig Fuller
Van Spot Rates Surge to $3.04/mile, Bears Stunned
SocialMar 26, 2026

Van Spot Rates Surge to $3.04/mile, Bears Stunned

Trucking van spot rates back up to $3.04/mile on the daily. Not looking good for the bears. https://t.co/QNrWq6PjDl

By Craig Fuller
Truck Spot Rates Surge to Cycle High, Vans $2.97
SocialMar 26, 2026

Truck Spot Rates Surge to Cycle High, Vans $2.97

Trucking spot rates hit new cycle high as the rally continues. $2.97 for vans. +$.14 in the past week. https://t.co/QVmlK0jug1

By Craig Fuller
Spot Rates Rebound Fully, Flatbeds Surge Amid Tight Capacity
SocialMar 25, 2026

Spot Rates Rebound Fully, Flatbeds Surge Amid Tight Capacity

Julie is correct. Trucking van spot rates have now recovered 100% of the diesel cost surge from this past month (+$.22/mile) and flatbed operators are doing even better (+$.59/mile). This only possible because capacity is so tight.

By Craig Fuller
US Freight Market Hits Unprecedented Bullish Surge
SocialMar 25, 2026

US Freight Market Hits Unprecedented Bullish Surge

You are not bullish enough. The trucking market is an 11 out of a 10 right now, with some the strongest charts since COVID. The resurgence of the US industrial economy and manufacturing renaissance is real, along with tightening capacity....

By Craig Fuller
Truck Spot Rates Stable; Fuel Adjustments Skew Perception
SocialMar 25, 2026

Truck Spot Rates Stable; Fuel Adjustments Skew Perception

Trucking spot rates are not down, despite the data in the Bloomberg terminal suggesting that is the case. Traders are looking at a calculated linehaul rate, which takes gross (what brokers pay to carriers) and then subtracts fuel on a predetermined...

By Craig Fuller
Flatbed Rates Surge to $3.74/mile, Industrial Demand Spikes
SocialMar 25, 2026

Flatbed Rates Surge to $3.74/mile, Industrial Demand Spikes

Flatbed trucking spot rates +$.05/mile overnight to $3.74/mile as industrials show no sign of cooling. https://t.co/kpqUrejGlK

By Craig Fuller
Domestic Intermodal Rail Jumps 8% YoY
SocialMar 25, 2026

Domestic Intermodal Rail Jumps 8% YoY

Truckers aren't the only ones feeling the freight market surge. Domestic intermodal rail +8% YoY https://t.co/3KVVCFp8Q9

By Craig Fuller
Hair‑follicle Tests Could Curb Trucker Drug Abuse, Not Racism
SocialMar 25, 2026

Hair‑follicle Tests Could Curb Trucker Drug Abuse, Not Racism

Lots of public attention towards non-english speaking truck drivers, but the industry has far bigger safety issues. One of them is the proliferation of drug and alcohol issues among truck drivers, including cocaine and opioids. Currently, truck drivers are only...

By Craig Fuller
Freight Data Reveals Unprecedented Manufacturing Surge Since COVID
SocialMar 24, 2026

Freight Data Reveals Unprecedented Manufacturing Surge Since COVID

The freight data doesn't lie... It has been signaling incredibly strong manufacturing conditions for months. I am seeing some of the strongest freight volume charts tied to industrial activity I've seen since COVID. https://t.co/jJXPO8D1OQ

By Craig Fuller
Flatbed Market Surges, Rates Soar Despite 40% Rejection
SocialMar 24, 2026

Flatbed Market Surges, Rates Soar Despite 40% Rejection

Why is DAT trying to talk down the flatbed market? Nothing is fading in flatbed. This is the most extreme surge in flatbed markets we have tracked in many years, with no sign of it cooling. Rejection rates remain above...

By Craig Fuller
Trucking Spot Rates Hit 2022 Highs, Capacity Tightens
SocialMar 24, 2026

Trucking Spot Rates Hit 2022 Highs, Capacity Tightens

Trucking spot rates continue to rip, with daily trucking spot rates at their highest levels since March 2022. The flatbed market is showing some of the highest weekly spikes we have tracked, outside of COVID, a sign that industrials are...

By Craig Fuller
Capacity Tightening Hits Major Port Cities DFW, DEN, MSP, MEM
SocialMar 24, 2026

Capacity Tightening Hits Major Port Cities DFW, DEN, MSP, MEM

This map signals market momentum for rejection rates. The more blue a market, the tighter capacity is projected to get over next few days. The more orange a market, the more capacity conditions are weakening. Conditions tightening in major port...

By Craig Fuller
Rising Diesel Costs Neutralized by Higher Linehaul Rates
SocialMar 24, 2026

Rising Diesel Costs Neutralized by Higher Linehaul Rates

Despite much higher diesel prices, truckers are enjoying the best cashflows in years. The surge in linehaul rates over the past week have enabled small trucking companies to recover almost all of the increase in fuel costs. Chart: trucking spot...

By Craig Fuller
Flatbed Rates Surge to $3.69/mile, Biggest Jump Since COVID
SocialMar 24, 2026

Flatbed Rates Surge to $3.69/mile, Biggest Jump Since COVID

The flatbed market, the most sensitive to industrial demand, is on fire. Spot rates at $3.69/mile. +$.46/mile since the beginning of March. I haven't seen charts like this since COVID. https://t.co/YAEFIEkC4F

By Craig Fuller
Van Spot Rates Surge to $2.94/Mile Amid Tight Capacity
SocialMar 24, 2026

Van Spot Rates Surge to $2.94/Mile Amid Tight Capacity

Van spot rates on the 7-day chart jump to $2.94/mile as demand surges in recent weeks, against tightening capacity. https://t.co/Baw74kKjo8

By Craig Fuller
Trucking Rates Surge to Highest Levels Since 2022
SocialMar 24, 2026

Trucking Rates Surge to Highest Levels Since 2022

Trucking rates markets are smokin'. +$.03/mile overnight and $.32/mile in the past month. $3.04/mile on the daily chart, the highest level since March 2022, as freight demand firms in a backdrop of tighter capacity. https://t.co/Sabmv22Rjx

By Craig Fuller