BOISE, Idaho. — New end-of-year survey data from Truckstop.com and Bloomberg Intelligence show the freight market remains under pressure, but optimism is rebounding from early signs of stabilization and improvement.
“Sentiment among small carriers appears to be turning more positive heading into 2026, even though challenges persist from tepid demand, inflationary pressures and slack capacity,” said Lee Klaskow, senior freight transportation and logistics analyst, Bloomberg. “Spot rates appear poised to move higher as the federal government’s crackdown on noncompliant truck drivers, carriers and commercial driving schools pushes more capacity out of the market.”
More than 600 motor carriers and freight brokers surveyed in late 2025 reported year-over-year declines in rates, volumes, and revenues, but generally have a positive outlook for the first three to six months of 2026.
Volumes and Rates Remain Uneven
Carriers reported ongoing softness in Q4 2025. 45% experienced lower volumes year over year, while 18% saw increases. Brokers experienced a similar mixed trend in the second half of 2025, with 38% reporting lower volumes compared to the same period in 2024 and 35% reporting higher volumes…