Despite all the talk of a “freight recovery,” 2025 has felt flat for many drivers. Truck tonnage has slipped to some of its lowest levels in nearly two years, and forecasts for a big rebound never materialized. Yet this story is deeper than “no freight.” Understanding what tonnage really measures, how the consumer economy is behaving, and what that means for day‑to‑day driving can help Williams Logistics drivers stay focused and ready for the eventual upturn.
What Tonnage Really Means
In trucking, “tonnage” is the total weight of freight moved over a period of time, usually measured in tons per month or year. Industry indexes, like the American Trucking Associations’ Truck Tonnage Index, track those tons to show whether the volume of goods moving by truck is rising or falling.
For drivers, lower tonnage doesn’t mean trucks are empty; it means there is less total freight weight in the system, which can translate into more competition for loads, changes in lanes, and pressure on rates. Seeing tonnage as a big-picture gauge—not a verdict on individual performance—helps put slow periods in perspective.
Why 2025 Tonnage Disappointed
Analysts looking at 2025 say the core problem is policy and economic uncertainty, not a collapse in trucking itself. Rapid shifts and threats around tariffs have made shippers delay hiring, capital projects, and inventory restocking because they don’t know what their costs will be.
Several freight drivers that usually boost tonnage have also underperformed:
- Single‑family housing starts fell roughly 8–10% instead of growing, cutting demand for building materials and related freight.
- Manufacturing new orders lost momentum after a strong start, reducing industrial shipments.
- Containerized imports softened into peak season, so there was simply less merchandise that needed to be positioned for the holidays.
The result is a trucking market that feels “stuck”—not a crash, but not yet a true recovery either.
How the Consumer Economy Fits In
On the consumer side, the story is mixed. Inflation has cooled from its peak but is still high enough that most Americans say the economy feels “poor” and that elevated prices are straining budgets. At the same time, consumer spending has stayed surprisingly resilient, with people trading down, hunting bargains, and splurging selectively rather than stopping spending altogether.
For trucking, that means freight is still moving—but often as smaller, more carefully targeted shipments instead of broad, booming restocks. Drivers feel this as more short‑notice changes, tighter appointment windows, and fewer “overflow” loads.
Actionable Ways Drivers can Respond
Even in a soft tonnage environment, professional drivers have levers they can control:
- Protect safety and service first. Carriers under margin pressure stick with drivers who run on time, communicate clearly, and keep clean safety records. High‑service drivers are the last ones to be sidelined when freight is thin.
- Stay flexible on lanes and schedules. With housing, imports, and manufacturing shifting, freight hot spots may move. Being open to different regions, schedules, or multi‑stop loads can keep miles steadier when your usual lanes slow.
- Lean into fuel‑efficient, professional driving. With costs high and rates under pressure, small gains in MPG and reduced equipment abuse matter more than ever to fleet health and job security.
- Invest in skills that match where freight is growing. Freight tied to e‑commerce, food, and essential consumer goods has held up better than some discretionary categories. Asking for training or exposure in those segments can position you for stronger miles.
The 2025 tonnage story is challenging, but it is also temporary. Freight cycles always turn. By understanding what tonnage really signals and focusing on controllable habits—safety, flexibility, professionalism—Williams Logistics drivers can ride out the slow patch and be first in line for opportunity when the freight engine revs again.