U.S. Freight Map
Explore freight activity and positioning opportunities across the country.
The U.S. Freight Map gives you a broader view of where freight activity is happening across the country. Instead of evaluating every load in isolation, use the map to understand which regions are producing opportunities, where freight is moving, and where you may want to position your vehicle next.
Think Beyond the Load in Front of You
A load can look attractive on its own and still leave you in a difficult market. The Freight Map helps you add that bigger picture to your decision. Before accepting a load, consider not only where it takes you, but also what freight may be available once you arrive.
See Freight Activity
Get a broader view of where loads are concentrated and which areas are showing meaningful freight activity.
Understand Market Direction
Use pickup and delivery patterns to understand how freight is moving between different parts of the country.
Evaluate Your Destination
Consider whether your delivery location gives you access to additional opportunities or may require repositioning.
Plan Your Next Move
Use market information alongside individual loads to make better positioning decisions before and after each trip.
How to Read the Freight Map
Start With Your Current Position
Begin with where your vehicle is now and look at the surrounding freight activity.
Locate Your Market
Identify the area where your vehicle is currently available for its next load.
Review Nearby Activity
Look for areas with meaningful freight activity that may give you multiple options rather than a single opportunity.
Consider Your Operating Radius
Decide how far you are willing to reposition before taking your next load.
Evaluate the Destination
A good load should be evaluated together with the market it places you in.
Look at the Destination Market
Check the freight activity around the area where the load delivers.
Consider Your Next Load
Think about whether the destination gives you reasonable access to your next opportunity.
Account for Repositioning
If the destination has limited activity, include the expected repositioning distance and cost in your decision.
Compare Possible Directions
Use the broader market picture to compare where you could move next.
Compare Markets
Look at multiple nearby markets instead of automatically choosing the first available load.
Consider Freight Flow
Pay attention to where loads are moving and whether those directions fit your operating strategy.
Choose Your Position
Select the market or direction that gives you the strongest combination of current opportunity and future flexibility.
A destination is part of the rate
Use the Map to Find Positioning Opportunities
Sometimes the best decision is not simply taking the highest-paying load available. A slightly different route may place you closer to a stronger market and create a better opportunity for your next trip.
Strong Position
- Multiple nearby load options
- Active freight market
- Good access to preferred lanes
- Reasonable repositioning distance
- More flexibility for the next load
Weak Position
- Limited nearby freight
- Few available options
- Long repositioning distance
- Poor access to preferred markets
- Higher risk of waiting between loads
Combine the Map With Loadboard Filters
The Freight Map is most useful when combined with the Loadboard. Use the map to understand the broader market, then use Loadboard filters to narrow that market down to loads that actually fit your vehicle, schedule, route preferences, and rate expectations.
- 1Identify the market you want to operate in.
- 2Review freight activity in that area.
- 3Open the Loadboard and filter for suitable opportunities.
- 4Compare the available loads by rate, miles, timing, and destination.
- 5Consider where each load leaves you after delivery.
- 6Select the opportunity that best fits your overall strategy.
Do not chase activity blindly
Watch How Markets Connect
Freight markets are connected. A load from one area to another changes where your vehicle becomes available for its next trip. Over time, recognizing these connections can help you build routes and positioning decisions around the markets that work best for your business.
Make Positioning a Business Decision
Strong carriers do not only think about today's load. They think about the next load, the next market, and the cost of getting there. The Freight Map gives you another layer of information to make those decisions with greater awareness.
Think one move ahead
From Market Awareness to Strategy
The Freight Map helps you understand the market around each load. The next step is turning that information into a repeatable strategy based on your own history, preferred markets, and positioning goals.