Road freight capacity across North America is projected to experience sustained pressure throughout 2026. This outlook is attributed to several converging factors, including heightened enforcement efforts such as Roadcheck Week, which can temporarily reduce available truck supply as vehicles undergo inspections. Additionally, the trucking industry continues to grapple with increasing insurance premiums, impacting operational costs for carriers and potentially leading to some smaller operators exiting the market or reducing fleet sizes.
Historically, events like Roadcheck Week lead to a temporary dip in available truck capacity as drivers and vehicles are pulled off routes for inspections. This year, the impact is compounded by broader market conditions.
For freight forwarders and shippers, these conditions suggest a challenging environment for securing truckload capacity. They should anticipate potentially higher spot rates and less flexibility in booking shipments, especially during peak seasons. Proactive planning and stronger relationships with reliable carriers will be crucial to mitigate potential disruptions and cost increases. The ongoing capacity crunch may also incentivize exploring alternative transport modes where feasible, or consolidating shipments to optimize truck utilization.
