A PMI under 50? That’s not just an economist’s signal — that’s a real-world indicator for anyone pulling freight. The September 2025 ISM Manufacturing PMI came in at 49.1, signaling the 7th straight month of contraction in U.S. manufacturing. And while some might brush it off as a Wall Street problem, if you’re a small carrier or an owner-operator, this number hits you at the docks. So, let’s break it down plainly. What does a 49.1 really mean? What kind of freight is softening? Where can we still find st ...