Survey: Freight Market Optimism Growing Among Carriers

Large for-hire trucking carriers report a gradual but uneven recovery in the freight market during 2026, with rising volumes and rates signaling an end to a prolonged downturn. The rebound remains largely supply-driven, driven by tightening capacity, higher costs, and mixed demand across segments. While carriers expect modest improvement through late 2026, external risks—including economic conditions and geopolitics—could influence outcomes. Nearly all surveyed companies cited some improvement this year, though freight volumes remain uneven across industry segments. Many predict a gradual recovery in the back half of 2026 rather than a sharp rebound. Key quotes from carriers highlight cautious optimism: Transervice Logistics/Lily Transportation describes the market as a “transitional recovery phase” with stable demand, tightening capacity, and improving pricing. Cheema Freightlines reports an uptick in volume and mid-bid-cycle rate repricing, forecasting a strong finish to 2026 and 2027. Cargo Transporters notes less capacity and more demand, with contract and spot rates increasing. Melton Truck Lines reports the strongest business levels since 2023, with mid- to upper-single-digit improvements in rates and utilization expected. Groendyke Transport acknowledges rate increases due to industry tightening but emphasizes the need for substantial improvement to restore profitability. C.R. England expresses cautious optimism about emerging from the downcycle. Hurricane Express calls the market an “inflection point,” citing capacity exiting faster than demand is returning, driving upward pressure on rates. Dayton Freight Lines remains cautiously optimistic despite geopolitical concerns, while Penske Logistics sees “some light at the end of the tunnel” in a still-recessionary market. PS Logistics reports much-improved conditions, particularly in flatbed, with rates expected to rise at least 10% in 2026 versus 2025. System Freight notes upward rate trends but warns shippers are still pushing to keep costs down. Gulf Winds International describes the market as transitional, not fully recovered, with a gradual normalization expected. Blackhawk Transport and Apache Logistics report higher activity and demand improvements, while Hogland Transfer expects to exceed revenue targets due to significant year-over-year volume growth. The recovery is uneven across sectors, with drayage and port-centric trucking showing slightly more constructive dynamics than the broader truckload market. Import volumes are forecast to grow mid-single digits through parts of 2026.