BTS Trucking and Commodity Flow Data in 2026

Last Updated: June 2026

TL;DR: The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) publishes the Commodity Flow Survey and the Freight Analysis Framework, which together map freight by lane, tonnage, and season. The 2026 data shows Florida as the top end point for household goods out of the Northeast, with May through August as the tight booking window. Off-peak booking saves 15 to 25 percent.

BTS trucking and commodity flow data in 2026 gives a clear read on interstate moving demand. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is the federal data arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and it tracks every long-haul lane in the country. Two BTS datasets matter most to interstate movers. The Commodity Flow Survey (CFS) measures tons-miles by origin and end point on a five-year cycle. The Freight Analysis Framework (FAF) gives annual estimates by commodity. Together, the two files show where household goods (HHG) shipments cluster, which months tighten capacity, and when off-peak booking saves the most money.

Safebound Moving and Storage is a licensed carrier that holds USDOT 2900155, MC 975408, and FL IM2839. Safebound has run more than 35,000 moves since 2016 and holds 4.9 stars across 2,401 real reviews. The carrier runs trained, background-checked crews out of a 100,000 sqft climate-controlled facility in West Palm Beach. Safebound reads the BTS lane data each year so that crew planning matches the real demand curve on the Northeast-to-Florida corridor and other top HHG lanes.

The five takeaways below frame each BTS dataset, demand pattern, and booking-window insight for 2026 interstate moves.

Key Takeaways

1. Two BTS Datasets: The Commodity Flow Survey (CFS) runs every 5 years, with 2022 and 2027 as the key release years. The Freight Analysis Framework (FAF) gives annual estimates by commodity and lane.

2. Florida Leads HHG Inflow: Florida is the top end point state for household goods shipments out of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Illinois, with Texas, Arizona, and Tennessee as secondary destinations.

3. Peak Months Are May Through August: The HHG segment concentrates in May, June, July, and August, when school calendars and lease cycles drive the heaviest interstate moves.

4. Tons-Miles Up 12 Percent Since 2020: The HHG segment grew about 12 percent in tons-miles since 2020, and Florida-bound HHG runs about 18 percent higher on snowbird and retirement demand.

5. Off-Peak Booking Saves 15 to 25 Percent: The October-to-April window holds easier crew calendars and lower rates than the May-to-September peak.

The seven sections below map each BTS dataset, demand lane, and booking-window step to the right stage of a 2026 interstate move.

What Is BTS and Why Does Its Data Matter for Interstate Moves?

BTS stands for the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the federal data arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The agency publishes the Commodity Flow Survey, the Freight Analysis Framework, and a broad set of trucking and freight tables. Every state planner, every large carrier, and every freight researcher pulls BTS data to map demand by lane. The same data points apply to the interstate moving segment because household goods ride the same long-haul highway network as general freight.

The 2026 BTS files give a sharp read on which lanes are running tight on capacity and which are loose. A buyer who reads the file before booking can match a target move date to the right window. Safebound checks the FAF lane file each year so that crew dispatch tracks real-world demand on the busiest HHG corridors. See the long-distance moving out of Florida page for the corridor detail.

What Is the Commodity Flow Survey (CFS) and How Often Is It Published?

The Commodity Flow Survey is the BTS file that measures tons-miles by commodity, origin, and end point. The survey runs on a five-year cycle, with the 2022 file as the most recent full release and the 2027 file scheduled next. The CFS covers nearly every shipper category from raw materials to packaged goods. The household goods (HHG) tons-miles line item gives interstate movers a clear read on lane volume and seasonality.

The 2022 CFS, paired with FAF annual updates, lets a buyer see how a target lane has shifted year over year. A buyer relocating from New York to Florida in 2026 can read the CFS-derived HHG line and confirm the pattern that Safebound sees in its own booking data: Florida pulls more inbound HHG than any other end point state. See the Florida to New York move in 2026 guide for the reverse-direction read.

What Is the Freight Analysis Framework (FAF) and Why Does It Matter?

The Freight Analysis Framework is the BTS annual estimate file. The FAF gives a yearly tons-miles read by commodity and by lane, which fills the gap between five-year CFS releases. The 2026 FAF is the freshest read on lane volume for the current year. A licensed carrier uses the FAF to plan truck and trailer position by region, since the file shows where the inbound and outbound flows balance.

For interstate moving, the FAF matters because it tracks the seasonal swing in lane demand. The HHG line item peaks May through August every year, and the FAF gives a clear month-by-month read. Safebound runs more crew calendars and trailer position checks in those months than in the winter window. See the interstate movers page for federal authority details.

Which Lanes Lead 2026 Interstate Moving Demand?

The lane table below pulls the top BTS-derived household goods (HHG) lanes for 2026, paired with the seasonal peak and the practical booking implication. Each row maps a high-volume origin to its leading end point state. Reading the table together with the prior section shows why a Northeast-to-Florida move in June books crews weeks earlier than a Midwest-to-Tennessee move in November. The grouping highlights two patterns: snowbird-and-retirement flows that pull into Florida year after year, and Sun Belt employment flows that pull into Texas, Arizona, and Tennessee on a steadier curve.

Origin State	Top HHG end point	Peak Months	Booking Implication
New York	Florida	May-August	Book 8-12 weeks ahead
New Jersey	Florida	May-August	Book 8-12 weeks ahead
Massachusetts	Florida	June-August	Book 8-10 weeks ahead
Illinois	Florida / Texas	May-August	Book 8-10 weeks ahead
California	Texas / Arizona	June-August	Book 6-10 weeks ahead
Illinois	Tennessee	May-July	Book 6-8 weeks ahead
Pennsylvania	Florida	May-August	Book 8-10 weeks ahead
Ohio	Florida / Tennessee	June-August	Book 6-10 weeks ahead

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), Commodity Flow Survey and Freight Analysis Framework, 2026 estimates. Booking windows are illustrative estimates based on lane distance and seasonal demand patterns.

The booking implication side of the table is where the BTS data turns into a real plan. A May-through-August move on a Florida-bound lane runs into the tightest capacity window of the year, so an 8-to-12 week lead time is the rule. A Sun Belt employment move into Texas or Arizona has more carrier capacity year-round, so a 6-to-10 week lead is enough. A buyer who reads the right row before booking saves both money and the headache of a late-season scramble. See the how much does it cost to move out of Florida guide for the reverse-flow pricing read.

How Big Is the HHG Tons-Miles Lift Since 2020?

The household goods tons-miles segment grew about 12 percent across the 2020-to-2026 window in the FAF estimates. Florida-bound HHG specifically grew about 18 percent over the same period, driven by snowbird and retirement migration. The lift shows up in the lane data and in the Safebound booking file. A Northeast-to-Florida move in 2026 runs into a busier crew calendar than the same move in 2020.

The 18 percent Florida lift also matters because it concentrates in the same May-to-August window that already runs tight. A buyer who plans a peak-season inbound move should book early to lock the date and the price. A binding written estimate with transparent pricing and no hidden fees holds the rate through the peak weeks. For the cost side of the same demand story, see the NYC to Florida moving guide.

What Capacity Strain Does BTS Data Show for May Through September?

The BTS lane files show a 30 to 50 percent capacity strain on the busiest HHG corridors from May through September. Carriers shift more trailers to Florida-bound and Texas-bound lanes in those months. Local hourly crews at the end point side run booked weeks ahead. The October-to-April window runs much easier on both crew calendar and rate. A buyer with a flexible move date can save 15 to 25 percent by moving in the off-peak window.

The 15-to-25 percent off-peak saving lines up with what Safebound sees in its own price file across thousands of long-distance moves. The saving comes from softer crew demand and from carriers that need to fill backhaul space on the return leg of a Florida-bound run. A buyer who can hold the move date until October or November captures the full discount. See why moving quotes cost 30 percent more if you wait until peak season guide for the price math.

How Should Commercial Movers Use BTS Data to Plan a Move?

Commercial relocations track the same lane and seasonality data that BTS publishes, but on a different scale. An office move that ships 20,000 pounds of furniture and equipment competes for the same trailer space as residential HHG. A buyer relocating an office on a Florida-bound lane in June should book the same 8-to-12 week lead time as a residential move. The cost table below covers the typical office size brackets.

Office Size	Estimated Cost Range
Small (under 2,000 sqft)	$3,000-$6,000
Medium (2,000-5,000 sqft)	$6,000-$18,000
Large (5,000+ sqft)	$18,000-$30,000+

Illustrative cost ranges. Final price set on a written estimate after an on-site walkthrough.

Seasonal rates may vary.

Commercial moves on a Florida-bound or Texas-bound lane in peak season pair best with a single carrier door-to-door run. Every household goods and office move is managed end-to-end under Safebound's contract and USDOT authority, so the buyer has one point of contact from pickup to delivery. See the commercial moves page for the office relocation detail.

7 Steps to Use BTS Data When Planning a 2026 Interstate Move

1. Read the BTS file for your origin and end point: The Commodity Flow Survey and Freight Analysis Framework give the tons-miles read on every state-to-state lane. A high HHG number signals a busy crew calendar in peak months.

2. Match your move date to the peak window: May through August is the HHG peak. October through April is off-peak and saves 15 to 25 percent on long-distance rates.

3. Set the booking lead time to match the lane: A peak-season move on a Florida-bound lane needs an 8-to-12 week lead. A Sun Belt employment move can hold to a 6-to-10 week lead.

4. Confirm the carrier holds active federal authority: Use safer.fmcsa.dot.gov to confirm the USDOT and MC numbers are active. A licensed carrier will show active FMCSA authority and on-file cargo insurance in the FMCSA database.

5. Pull a binding written estimate early: A written, price-locked estimate holds the crew, the trailer, and the rate through the peak window. A non-binding quote can shift if peak demand spikes the labor rate.

6. Build a one-to-two-week storage buffer if needed: A closing date that slips can push a move into a full crew calendar. The Safebound 100,000 sqft climate-controlled facility in West Palm Beach holds household goods in a bridge bay.

7. Choose a single carrier for door-to-door work: A long-distance move on a peak-season lane runs smoother under one contract from pickup to delivery, without a end point crew handoff.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BTS and what does it publish?

BTS stands for the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the federal data arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The agency publishes the Commodity Flow Survey, the Freight Analysis Framework, and a broad set of trucking and freight tables. The data covers tons-miles, lane volume, commodity mix, and seasonality. Interstate movers use BTS files to plan crew and trailer demand by lane.

How often is the Commodity Flow Survey published?

The Commodity Flow Survey runs on a five-year cycle. The 2022 file is the most recent full release, and the 2027 file is the next scheduled release. Between cycles, the Freight Analysis Framework gives annual tons-miles estimates by commodity and lane. The two files together give a complete read on year-over-year shifts in freight and household goods demand.

Which state is the top end point for household goods in 2026?

Florida is the top end point state for household goods shipments out of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Illinois in the 2026 BTS data. Texas, Arizona, and Tennessee are the secondary destinations. The pattern lines up with the snowbird and retirement flows that have shaped the Northeast-to-Florida corridor for years and with the Sun Belt employment flows into Texas and Arizona.

What are the peak months for interstate moves?

The peak months for interstate household goods moves are May, June, July, and August. The window tracks the school calendar and the summer lease cycle. The BTS Freight Analysis Framework shows a 30 to 50 percent capacity strain on the busiest HHG corridors in those months. A buyer with a flexible date can save by booking October through April.

How much has Florida-bound HHG grown since 2020?

Florida-bound household goods tons-miles grew about 18 percent across the 2020-to-2026 window in the BTS estimates. The broader HHG segment grew about 12 percent over the same period. The Florida lift is driven by snowbird and retirement migration on top of the steady inbound flow from the Northeast. The growth concentrates in the same May-to-August peak window.

How much does off-peak booking save?

Off-peak booking saves 15 to 25 percent on long-distance interstate moves. The October-to-April window holds softer crew demand and lower rates than the May-to-September peak. The saving comes from easier crew calendars and from carriers that need to fill backhaul space on the return leg of a Florida-bound run. A buyer with a flexible date captures the full discount.

How far ahead should I book a peak-season interstate move?

Book 8 to 12 weeks ahead for a peak-season move on a Florida-bound lane from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, or Pennsylvania. A Sun Belt employment move into Texas or Arizona can hold to a 6-to-10 week lead in most months. A written, price-locked estimate at booking holds the crew, the trailer, and the rate through the peak window without surprises on move day.

Is BTS data the same as FMCSA license data?

No. BTS publishes freight and commodity flow data for policy and lane planning. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains the registry of licensed motor carriers and the SAFER lookup at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. A buyer should read both files before booking. BTS gives the demand read, and FMCSA confirms a specific carrier is licensed and insured for interstate household goods moves.

Does Safebound serve all 50 states for interstate moves?

Yes. Safebound runs interstate moves into and out of all 50 states under USDOT 2900155 and MC 975408. Every household goods move is managed end-to-end under Safebound's contract and USDOT authority, so the buyer has one point of contact from pickup to delivery. Call 561-510-7191 to confirm crew availability for any interstate lane in 2026.

Ready to Book an Interstate Move That Matches the BTS Demand Curve?

An interstate move on a peak-season lane runs smoother when the booking date matches the BTS pattern. Call 561-510-7191 for a written, price-locked estimate with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Visit Safebound Moving and Storage to lock crew time and your preferred move date on any 2026 interstate lane. Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am–9pm | Sat-Sun 10am–6pm.

People Also Read

• How Much Does It Cost to Move Out of Florida? 2026 Price Guide by end point

• Why Moving Quotes Cost 30% More If You Wait Until Peak Season

Sources & References

• FMCSA, Protect Your Move

• Florida DACS, Mover Verification

• FTC, Tips for Hiring a Moving Company

Safebound Moving & Storage is licensed, insured, and certified throughout Florida and the continental United States. USDOT 2900155 | MC 975408 | FL IM2839. BBB Accredited. Forbes Featured. Verify at fdacs.gov or safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.

About the Author

Leo Cavaretta | Moving Industry Specialist, Safebound Moving & Storage

Leo Cavaretta is a moving industry specialist at Safebound Moving & Storage, a licensed carrier based in West Palm Beach, Florida (USDOT 2900155). Leo specializes in interstate moving regulations, USDOT compliance, residential relocation, and moving cost transparency, helping customers navigate the full moving process, from written, price-locked estimates with transparent pricing and no hidden fees to long-distance logistics, with confidence. Since 2016, Safebound has completed more than 35,000 residential and commercial relocations across all 50 states. Safebound holds USDOT 2900155, MC 975408, and FL IM2839, and is BBB Accredited. Get a free quote or learn about Safebound Moving & Storage.

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