Truist: Signs of Freight Market Recovery Emerging, Old Dominion, XPO, and ArcBest Poised to Outperform Market

LootboxPhobia

2026-03-16 21:07:32

Abstract generation in progress

Investing.com – According to an analysis report released by Truist on Monday, freight market indicators continued to improve in February and extended into March, with capacity exiting the full truckload transportation market and manufacturing activity stabilizing.

The average rejection rate for carriers in February was 13.9%, up from 13.1% in January, reaching 14.3% by March 15. In comparison, February 2025 was 5.3%, and March 2025 was 5.9%, highlighting tightening capacity in the full truckload market.

The ratio of freight volume to truck count also improved, with the DAT ratio averaging 9.13 in February, higher than 8.23 in January. In comparison, February 2025 was 4.73, and March 2025 was 4.82.

The national average spot rate increased from $2.32 per mile in January to $2.41 in February, and as of March 15, it averaged $2.43 per mile. In comparison, February 2025 was $2.03 per mile, and March 2025 was $1.99 per mile.

Industry capacity slightly contracted, with the total number of truck fleets in February decreasing by about 1.0% year-over-year. Fleets operating 1 to 6 power units declined by 1.3% YoY. This segment accounts for over 85% of total industry capacity.

In February, regulatory enforcement intensified, with over 3,000 trucks suspended for failing to meet English language requirements, a 41% increase compared to January.

Manufacturing activity continued to expand in February. The ISM Manufacturing PMI was 52.4 in February, down slightly from 52.6 in January, marking the second consecutive month of expansion. The new orders index was 55.8, compared to 57.1 in January.

Truist maintains buy ratings on Old Dominion Freight Line (NASDAQ: ODFL), XPO (NYSE: XPO), and ArcBest Corporation (NASDAQ: ARCB), believing these carriers are poised to benefit from improved industrial activity and increased freight volume.

The firm also maintains buy ratings on freight brokerages C.H. Robinson (NASDAQ: CHRW) and RXO (NYSE: RXO), as well as a hold rating on Landstar System (NASDAQ: LSTR).

This article was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence. For more information, please see our Terms of Use.

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.