ACT Research's June For-Hire Trucking Index shows freight rates holding near record territory with a 70.2 reading, while capacity tightened to a 43-month high of 55.0.

The market balance is favoring fleets, indicated by the high Freight Rate Index and the climbing Capacity Index. Despite this, Class 8 tractor sales remain below replacement levels, and new FMCSA regulations on CDLs, ELDs, and driver school closures are restricting driver availability. This confluence of factors means shippers face sustained upward pressure on rates and limited room for growth, as larger fleets signal expansion but broad capacity remains constrained.