The Calm Before a Freight Storm

Right now, trucking feels stuck in neutral. Freight demand is weak, spot rates have cooled, and both carriers and brokers are under strain. Many in the industry describe this moment as the calm before the storm, with indicators pointing toward a major correction that could rival the market chaos of the COVID years.

The warning is clear: if 600,000 drivers leave the market, capacity will tighten quickly and spot rates could skyrocket. Unlike during the pandemic, there will be no surge of new immigrant drivers to fill the gap. That relief valve, once supported by open immigration policies, is now closed. Carriers will have to compete harder for qualified drivers through better pay, sign-on bonuses, and improved working conditions.

What’s Fueling the Freight Downturn

Freight volumes are down 18 percent year over year, hitting carriers of every size. For freight brokers, the challenge is even tougher. With fewer loads to move, margins have evaporated. Some are stuck with contract rates signed too low to stay profitable, forcing them to compete against asset-based carriers while losing money on every run.

Small fleets are feeling the squeeze most. Many have relied on non-domiciled CDL drivers, but new federal regulations around English Language Proficiency are cutting off that supply. On top of that, fraud in load boards and verification systems has exploded. Scammers have found ways to manipulate tools like Highway and RMIS, forcing brokers to be more cautious.

That means even legitimate carriers can be flagged by mistake. Once that happens, they can be locked out of most brokerage freight entirely, which can be a death blow for smaller operations already struggling to stay afloat.

How New Rules Could Wipe Out 600,000 Drivers

This expected capacity purge ties directly to federal regulatory changes and immigration enforcement already underway. According to research from J.B. Hunt, new rules for non-domiciled CDL holders and English Language Proficiency requirements could remove between 214,000 and 437,000 drivers, roughly 5 to 12 percent of the U.S. driver pool over the next few years.

On September 26, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued an emergency ruling that restricts the issuance and renewal of non-domiciled CDLs. Officials estimate that 97 percent of the 200,000 drivers who currently hold those licenses will not meet the new standards and will likely exit the industry within three years. That alone represents 5 percent of all registered CDLs in the country.

Stricter enforcement of English Language Proficiency standards has already led to 23,000 violations, including 5,000 out-of-service orders. Analyst Avery Vise projects that this enforcement could sideline about 20,000 drivers each year.

When combined with limits on undocumented drivers and new hiring restrictions, transport economist Noël Perry estimates that more than 600,000 drivers, about 17 percent of the active workforce, could be removed from trucking.

Carriers that rely heavily on immigrant labor or those unable to comply with the new regulations may not survive this purge.

The Economic Ripple Effect

These rule changes, combined with a long freight recession, are creating a perfect storm for widespread bankruptcies. Both carriers and brokers are tightening budgets and consolidating operations as the industry braces for a market reset.

The shakeout is expected to favor larger, well-capitalized carriers who can handle the new compliance demands and stay profitable through the downturn. Smaller carriers that grew quickly during the post-COVID freight boom may not have the financial cushion to adapt.

As capacity tightens, driver pay is likely to rise. Carriers will need to offer stronger incentives to attract qualified drivers from a shrinking talent pool. The shift could finally bring the market back to a more balanced place where supply and demand set the rates naturally instead of desperation driving them down.

What Comes Next

The road ahead will be rough, but it could lead to a healthier trucking market. Analysts predict that after the purge, spot rates will rise again, contract rates will stabilize, and carriers that survive will see more consistent freight and fairer pricing.

The exact timing of this recovery is uncertain, but the direction is clear. Shippers should prepare for higher rates and tighter capacity, while carriers who manage to weather the storm will be well-positioned when freight rebounds.

As one industry expert put it, “If volumes pop—which doesn’t exist right now—hold on to your hat. It’s going to be one of the best freight markets that carriers have seen in some time.”

It may take time and patience to reach that point, but for those who make it through, the rewards could be worth the wait.

Source: FREIGHTWAVES

The post The Great Capacity Purge: What Truck Drivers Need to Know appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

But one broker decided to do something about it.

Dan Lindsey, a longtime freight broker, was tired of the constant back-and-forth and the bad blood between carriers and brokers. So, in March 2023, he launched the first Broker-Carrier Summit, a face-to-face event built around actual conversation instead of complaining.

“It started as an event born out of frustration,” Lindsey said during a recent interview on Trucking with OOIDA. “Everybody who has been in trucking and logistics knows that freight brokers and trucking companies … they don’t have the greatest relationship, and there are a lot of reasons for that … I was getting to the point in my career where I was just tired of hearing everybody snipe at each other … So, we decided to have a time where brokers and carriers got together and basically hashed out their differences and got to know each other in an actionable, personal way.”

Summit Heads to Orlando in Late October

The next Broker-Carrier Summit is set for October 28-30 in Orlando, Florida, and drivers are strongly represented — Lindsey says around 40% of attendees are from motor carriers.

His goal is for drivers and fleet owners to walk away with real tools and takeaways they can use immediately.

“We want drivers and carriers to walk away from the (summit) with things and strategies they can implement in their company day one to make them more profitable and more efficient,” Lindsey said.

The three-day event includes sessions on:

• Broker-carrier agreements
• Fraud prevention
• Cross-border freight
• Technology in logistics

OOIDA Steps In to Speak for Drivers

One of the most anticipated sessions happens on opening day. At 9:20 a.m. Eastern on Tuesday, Oct. 28, OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh will lead a session titled:

“Building Trust with Owner-Operators – A Candid Conversation with OOIDA.”

The talk will dig into the long-standing frustrations drivers have with brokers, and what brokers need to do differently if they want to improve relationships with independent carriers.

“I look forward to educating brokers on the ongoing challenges faced by small-business truckers, hopefully providing insights that lead to establishing trust and positive outcomes,” Pugh said.

Want In?

Drivers, carriers, and small fleets can still sign up for the Broker-Carrier Summit. Those who want to attend can register through the official event link.

Source: Land Line Media

The post Truckers and Brokers Finally Sit Down to Talk It Out at Upcoming Summit appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A Platform for the “Little Guy”

“We hear it time and again: ‘Thanks for creating a space where the little guy can be heard,’” remarked Jared Flinn, co-founder of BulkLoads, reflecting on the deep industry need for an event of this nature.

Flinn further shared, “We know it’s not easy for small operators to leave their business for a few days. That time off costs money. But we work hard to make sure the value is worth it — whether it’s a new partnership, an idea to cut costs or insight that sparks growth. One connection here could be the difference between surviving this market and thriving in it.”

High-Energy Kickoff to a Three-Day Event

This year’s conference launched on Wednesday, April 16, with a vibrant opening night filled with evening cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and expansive exhibits of show trucks and bulk trailers. Vendors showcased specialized tools and services designed for the bulk freight industry, creating a hands-on, high-energy atmosphere.

Country music artist Isaac Kenneth entertained the crowd, while Smart Freight Funding delivered a presentation that set the tone for the event’s focus on innovation and strategy. Adding a personal touch, the evening featured a compelling panel discussion on balancing business ambitions with personal and family life.

Educating and Empowering the Industry

The second day of the conference kicked off with an engaging session led by John Riley George, a third-generation trucking professional from BMO Transportation Finance Group. The day’s highlight was the keynote speech by communications expert and acclaimed author Marcus Sheridan.

Attendees were treated to a wide range of panel discussions and hands-on workshops aimed at making the bulk freight business more efficient, safe, and profitable.

Key Sessions and Workshops Included:

• Freight Rate Analysis Panel: Brokers, shippers, and carriers collaborated to examine current market trends and pricing tactics.
• Insurance Cost Workshop: Practical strategies were shared for cutting costs and operating more efficiently to lower premiums.
• Ask a Trucking Lawyer: This was a popular session in which legal experts addressed attendee questions, including insights into mitigating the risk of nuclear verdicts.

The evening wrapped up with networking opportunities and featured a presentation by Kinsmen Journal founder Peter Ostapko, followed by a comedy performance from Ted Cunningham, pastor of Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson.

Wrapping Up on a High Note

The final day, April 18, included key discussions on managing driver health, freight rates, and additional strategies designed to shape a stronger industry. Jared Flinn closed the event with gratitude toward both attendees and sponsors, emphasizing the collective progress achieved over the three days.

“It was an incredible few days of learning, connecting, and pushing our industry forward,” Flinn said. “Let’s keep building this thing together. See y’all next year!”

Looking Ahead to 2026

Mark your calendars! The 2026 Bulk Freight Conference will take place in Branson from January 7 to 9. Organizers are working hard to ensure the upcoming conference surpasses all expectations, promising even more value-packed sessions and networking opportunities.

For updates and information about the 2026 event, visit www.bulkfreightconference.com. For a photo recap and presentation materials from 2025, be sure to check out the full gallery on the Bulk Freight Conference website.

The Bulk Freight Conference stands as a testament to what can be achieved when industry professionals come together, united by their shared commitment to growth and innovation in bulk freight.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: Bulkloads

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On February 18, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will officially reopen the comment period for its proposed broker transparency rule. The newly extended comment window will remain open for 30 days, giving stakeholders additional time to provide their input.

Strengthening Broker Transparency Rules

This proposal aims to tighten existing regulations on broker transparency, which have been in place since the 1980s but are often overlooked. The notice of proposed rulemaking, initially published in November 2024, seeks to hold brokers accountable through the following key provisions:

• Mandatory Electronic Records: Brokers would need to store records electronically.

• Detailed Recordkeeping: Records would be required to include shipment information such as charges, payments, descriptions, amounts, dates, and any related claims.

• Regulatory Obligation Affirmation: Brokers would have a clear obligation to provide transaction records.

• Quick Access to Records: Brokers must deliver electronic copies of requested transaction records within 48 hours of a carrier’s request.

The original 60-day comment period concluded on January 21, generating over 4,800 responses on the Regulations.gov site. With additional feedback allowed until March 20, this number is set to rise as public interest grows in the broker transparency discussion.

Why Is the Comment Period Reopening?

On January 19, the Small Business in Transportation Coalition (SBTC) urged FMCSA to extend the comment period by 14 to 30 days due to the overwhelming interest in broker transparency reform.

The push for stricter broker transparency measures has a history. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) and SBTC petitioned FMCSA in 2020 to pursue regulatory action. Among other requests, they aimed to eliminate a loophole allowing brokers to ask carriers to waive their rights to access transaction records.

“Other potential commenters to the notice of proposed rulemaking may benefit from an extension as well,” FMCSA noted in its announcement.

FMCSA affirmed that it will take into account both the comments submitted by the earlier January 21 deadline as well as new comments submitted during the reopened period. A final decision on implementing the rule will only be made after reviewing all the feedback.

How to Submit Your Comments

Starting February 18, feedback can be submitted through either of the following channels:

• The official Fighting For Truckers website.

• Visiting Regulations.gov and referencing Docket No. FMCSA-2023-0257-0001.

Previous Feedback Highlights

By the close of the initial comment period, OOIDA had expressed its strong support for the FMCSA proposal while calling for further reinforcements to the proposed rules.

“OOIDA has long pushed for greater transparency in transactions with brokers and supports FMCSA’s initiative to bring overdue improvements to broker regulations,” stated a comment signed by Todd Spencer, OOIDA President. “OOIDA supports the notice of proposed rulemaking’s intent along with many of its technical provisions. However, FMCSA must strengthen the rulemaking by clarifying how they will enforce the rules and closing all loopholes that let brokers waive transparency rights.”

Source: Land Line

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