Despite signs of labor recovery in the trucking sector, economic challenges are continuing to weigh down freight companies. According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, trucking employment rose by 3,600 jobs in July, bringing the total to around 1.523 million. Yet these employment gains mask the financial pressure facing many carriers as spot market rates remain below operating costs by as much as 20% (FreightWaves).
Shippers have responded to higher costs and softer demand by shifting more loads to intermodal transportation—a slower but more affordable option that relies on trains and regional final-mile carriers. The result is a lingering glut in truckload capacity, especially among small and mid-sized carriers who ramped up during the pandemic boom. According to logistics giant C.H. Robinson, the number of active carrier authorities has started to decline, but not quickly enough to offset the oversupply. They predict that the market could return to historical demand and rate norms by early 2026, assuming current trends continue (C.H. Robinson).
Meanwhile, major dealerships like Rush Enterprises have reported ongoing financial stress, with Q2 profits dropping for the tenth consecutive quarter. Sales of new and used Class 8 trucks are down amid broader concerns about emissions regulations, tariffs on imported components, and uncertainty around long-term diesel availability (Express News).
Although the broader U.S. economy is seeing moderate growth, trucking remains in a freight recession—with squeezed margins, high fuel costs, and fluctuating volumes making life difficult for both independent operators and major carriers.
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