--- title: A Look into Demand and Freight Indicators description: Explore key metrics in manufacturing, including durable goods orders and the ISM index, to understand their impact on freight demand and logistics trends. image: https://today.ftrintel.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/Blog%20images/2025/01-January/TMU%20Jan%206%20(2).png --- ![](https://today.ftrintel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/Blog%20images/2025/01-January/TMU%20Jan%206%20(2).png?width=1600&height=500&name=TMU%20Jan%206%20(2).png) trucking ISM # A Look into Demand and Freight Indicators ![Avery Vise, VP of Trucking](https://today.ftrintel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Avery%20outside_cropped.jpg?width=48&height=48&name=Avery%20outside_cropped.jpg) Avery Vise, VP of Trucking January 8, 2025 A Look into Demand and Freight Indicators 1:55 Let’s look into what’s happening in the industrial sector, specifically manufacturing. It’s no secret that manufacturing is a major driver of freight demand, so understanding its trends can give us a clearer picture of what’s on the horizon for logistics and supply chains. Today, we’ll focus on two key metrics: **new orders for manufactured goods** and the **Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) manufacturing index**. ### **Durable Goods Orders: A Mixed Picture** In November, total new orders for durable goods fell **1.1% m/m**, but excluding transportation equipment (volatile sectors like vehicles and aircraft), they were nearly flat. - **Year-over-Year (y/y)**: Total orders dropped **5.2%**, but orders without transportation equipment rose **1.5%**. ### **Core Capital Goods: A Bright Spot** Core capital goods (nondefense, excluding aircraft) rose **0.7% m/m**, the best gain since August 2023, and were up **1.1% y/y**—a solid sign of investment strength. Adjusted for inflation, these orders still grew **0.5% m/m** but remain **1.6% lower y/y**, showing gradual improvement. ### **ISM Manufacturing Index: Signs of Stability** The ISM manufacturing index improved in December, up **0.9 points to 49.3%**. While still contracting (below 50%), the sector shrank more slowly. Even better: - **New Orders and Production**: are in expansion territory. - **Backlogs**: Sharp improvement, hinting at stronger production—and freight—down the line. ![New Orders Core Cap Goods](https://content.ftrintel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/Blog%20images/2025/01-January/New%20Orders%20Core%20Cap%20Goods.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=New%20Orders%20Core%20Cap%20Goods.png) ### **What’s Next for Freight?** Despite challenges, the data shows resilience in manufacturing. Rising orders and improving ISM metrics suggest freight demand tied to this sector may stabilize or grow modestly. ### Tune in to my Trucking Podcast! ![11 Podcast Graphics - Updated 5.28.24(2)](https://today.ftrintel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/11%20Podcast%20Graphics%20-%20Updated%205.28.24(2).png?width=1080&height=1080&name=11%20Podcast%20Graphics%20-%20Updated%205.28.24(2).png) ### Tune into my Trucking Podcast Tune in to the FTR Trucking Podcast, where we break down the latest trends, market insights, and economic shifts shaping freight and transportation. Whether you’re a fleet owner, driver, or industry professional, our expert hosts deliver actionable intelligence and engaging conversations to help you navigate the road ahead. Don’t just keep up—drive the conversation. [ Subscribe now and join the journey! ](https://www.ftrintel.com/trucking-podcast) What trends are you seeing in your operations? 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