FreightWaves Q2 2026 Carrier Rate Report

As the freight market continues its transition away from prolonged softness, carriers are entering a new phase defined by tightening capacity, shifting rate expectations and ongoing operational challenges.

Developed in collaboration with Trimble, the Q2 2026 Carrier Rate Report captures the perspectives of transportation leaders across the industry, providing valuable insight into the trends shaping carrier operations today and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Whether you're planning for growth, managing costs or evaluating technology investments, this report offers a data-driven view of the current market landscape.

Key takeaways:

• 72% of carriers expect higher linehaul rates Carrier sentiment continues to improve as the industry moves toward a healthier pricing environment. Many fleets are shifting their focus from short-term survival to long-term growth and profitability.
• Fuel costs are emerging as a major concern With 80% of carriers anticipating higher diesel prices, organizations are increasingly focused on route optimization, fuel management strategies and operational efficiency.
• Growth plans face workforce challenges While more than half of carriers plan to expand capacity, many also expect recruiting drivers to become more difficult, creating new opportunities for technology-enabled productivity gains.