The US freight economy took a harder hit than the broader US economy in the past year, with manufacturing contraction, bloated inventories, and lower imports contributing to a freight recession —even though the US to date has avoided a broader economic recession. A recovery is coming, though it’s not clear how strong it will be or when it will arrive. Factors such as inflation, interest rates, housing demand and consumer confidence all cloud the picture as the US heads toward a presidential election year. This session, featuring a panel of experts who will draw on a wealth of data, will look deeply into what’s driving the US economy, freight demand, transportation capacity, and pricing as we plan for 2024.