Freightwaves
FreightWaves, founded in 2016 by Craig Fuller, is a data and media company serving the freight and logistics industry.
Profile
FreightWaves provides real-time freight market data, analytics, and news to help logistics companies make pricing and operational decisions.
FreightWaves, founded in 2016 by Craig Fuller, is a data and media company serving the freight and logistics industry. Its primary product is SONAR, a real-time data and analytics platform that aggregates and visualizes data from over 400 sources, including freight rates, capacity, and macroeconomic indicators. The company also operates a news division that covers the transportation and supply chain sectors, producing daily journalism and market analysis.
FreightWaves generates revenue through SONAR subscriptions, advertising, and events. The company has not publicly disclosed its own revenue or funding details in recent years, and its financial trajectory is opaque. As of early 2026, FreightWaves' news coverage has focused heavily on a wave of layoffs and bankruptcies across the U.S. logistics sector, reporting on over 5,100 freight-related job cuts in a single roundup.
The company's customer base includes third-party logistics providers, carriers, and shippers, as evidenced by case studies on its SONAR product page. FreightWaves operates from its headquarters in the United States and employs an undisclosed number of staff. The company's market position is as a specialized data provider and trade publication, competing with firms like DAT and Truckstop.com for data services, and with publications like Transport Topics and Journal of Commerce for news.
Who buys this
- Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and freight brokerages
- Asset-based trucking carriers and fleet operators
- Shippers and manufacturers managing supply chains
- Financial analysts and investors tracking transportation markets
Publicly disclosed clients
- Edge Logistics
- Best Dedicated Solutions
- Talon Logistics
- Big M Transportation
- Nussbaum Transportation Services
- ReedTMS Logistics
Strengths and what to watch
Strengths
- SONAR platform aggregates data from over 400 sources, providing a comprehensive view of spot and contract freight rates, capacity, and demand.
- Strong brand in freight news and analysis, with a dedicated editorial team that produces daily, industry-specific journalism.
- Case studies from multiple logistics firms (e.g., Edge Logistics, Nussbaum Transportation) report measurable ROI and improved decision-making from using SONAR.
Watch for
- FreightWaves has not publicly disclosed its own revenue, funding, or profitability since its early years, making it difficult to assess its financial health or growth trajectory.
- The company's news division has reported extensively on layoffs and bankruptcies across the logistics sector in early 2026, which may signal a softening market that could impact its own customer base and subscription revenue.
- Dependence on a single core product (SONAR) for data revenue creates concentration risk, especially if competitors like DAT or Truckstop.com introduce comparable real-time analytics features.
Recent moves
Key Information
- Industry
- Air/Space/Sea
- Founded
- 2016
- Headquarters
- United States
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FreightWaves and what do they do?
FreightWaves is a data and media company founded in 2016 that provides real-time freight market data, analytics, and news. Its main product is SONAR, a platform aggregating data from over 400 sources to help logistics companies with pricing and operational decisions.
What is the SONAR platform from FreightWaves?
SONAR is FreightWaves' real-time data and analytics platform that aggregates and visualizes data from over 400 sources, including freight rates, capacity, and macroeconomic indicators. It helps logistics companies make informed pricing and operational decisions based on comprehensive market insights.
Who are FreightWaves' main customers and notable clients?
FreightWaves serves third-party logistics providers, asset-based carriers, shippers, and financial analysts. Notable clients include Edge Logistics, Best Dedicated Solutions, Talon Logistics, Big M Transportation, Nussbaum Transportation Services, and ReedTMS Logistics, as shown in SONAR case studies.
What are FreightWaves' strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths include SONAR's comprehensive data from over 400 sources and a strong brand in freight news. Weaknesses include lack of public financial disclosure, dependence on a single core product, and potential market softening affecting its customer base, as seen in recent layoff coverage.
How does FreightWaves compare to competitors like DAT and Truckstop.com?
FreightWaves competes with DAT and Truckstop.com for data services and with Transport Topics and Journal of Commerce for news. Its SONAR platform offers real-time analytics from over 400 sources, but competitors may introduce similar features, creating concentration risk for FreightWaves.
What recent news has FreightWaves covered about the freight industry?
In early 2026, FreightWaves reported over 5,100 freight-related layoffs in the U.S. supply chain sector. It also covered Saia's moderating tonnage declines and XPO's positive tonnage trends in February 2026, reflecting ongoing market conditions and carrier earnings.
Sources
- gosonar.com — Customer case studies for SONAR product, including Edge Logistics, Best Dedicated Solutions, Talon Logistics, Big M Transportation, Nussbaum Transportation, and ReedTMS Logistics.
- www.freightwaves.com — FreightWaves reporting on over 5,100 freight-related layoffs in early 2026, demonstrating its news coverage and the market conditions it covers.
- www.freightwaves.com — Recent news article from March 2026 showing ongoing coverage of carrier earnings and tonnage trends.
- www.freightwaves.com — Recent news article from March 2026 showing coverage of XPO's tonnage data.