Freight Forecasting Solutions
Proprietary Data
Class 8 Tractors
For over 35 years, on the second business day of each month, our team receives market indicator data directly from the NA Classes 5-8 truck OEMs.
When we're talking freight, we focus on Class 8 trucks.
We break Class 8 trucks down into subsegments: Tractor Day Cabs, Tractor Sleepers, Straight Day Cabs, and Straight Sleepers, giving us a split between Class 8 vocational trucks and Class 8 tractors; we're the only firm to receive the split of Class 8 straight trucks and Class 8 tractors.
Because Class 8 vocational trucks and Class 8 tractors have very different jobs, this information is incredibly valuable for accurately measuring and forecasting the active, freight-hauling tractor fleet.
When you measure Class 8 supply, the number of freight-hauling tractors in the market, you're in a better position with ACT's Class 8 tractor forecast and population because it accurately represents the market. And, because Class 8 Tractors drive the market, being able to identify the market patterns that drive the cycle is essential.
In addition to the market indicators, the OEMs provide a rolling six-month build plan that we aggregate and use as a data point in our forecasting methodology.
The Class 8 tractor data is the foundation of our rate forecasting because it provides the supply in our supply-demand balanced approach.
Insights into ACT Proprietary Data
Market Indicators
The market vitals that measure the health of the industry are what we call market indicators; those metrics allow OEMs, suppliers, investors, dealerships, and fleets to understand and plan for the next phase in the cycle and beyond.
For-Hire Survey
One of the most popular and regularly discussed data points is ACT For-Hire Trucking Index. For two decades we've surveyed mega and large fleets (household names and publicly traded carriers), turning the results into diffusion indexes to provide insights into the current perspective from the world of a trucking company. We address volumes, pricing, capacity, productivity, and drivers in a monthly survey, using these insights to understand or confirm market activity.
Cass Information Systems
Through an exclusive partnership with Cass Information Systems, ACT Research has insights into the Cass network that are available nowhere else. For example, through our partnership, we developed the Cass Truckload Linehaul Index®, an accurate indicator of the latest developments in per-mile truckload pricing and one of the variables that only ACT Research can forecast. This index gives brokers forward-looking insights into per-mile truckload rates.
DAT Freight & Analytics
Another exclusive partnership, DAT Freight & Analytics, is the leading load board in the market. Through our partnership, not only do we forecast spot rates for the truckload market, but we have been given additional visibility to DAT data to view and forecast:
- Dry Van Spot Rates
- Dry Van Contract Rates
- Reefer Spot Rates
- Reefer Contract Rates
- Flatbed Spot Rates
- Flatbed Contract Rates
Giving you greater insights into the subsegments, allowing you to optimize your business better and support your customers.