Freight demand tied to data center construction is booming

Freight demand linked to data center construction is significantly stronger than general industry metrics indicate, according to Dr. Jason Miller. He argues that the expansion of AI infrastructure is creating substantial truckload volumes not reflected in conventional measures like the Cass Freight Index. This demand is evident in related data points, such as a 17% year-over-year increase in air freight imports of computers, GPUs, and electrical goods for data centers, which are then moved by expedited truck. Primary metals volumes, driven by steel and electrical equipment for data centers, are also up.