The State of Freight: Key Issues in Transportation webinar will examine economic conditions, geopolitical developments, carrier capacity, freight rates, and supply chain trends as the industry moves through the second half of 2026.

Carrier Conditions Become A Key Topic

A major focus of the webinar will be the improvement in carrier conditions seen during the first half of the year. FTR CEO Jonathan Starks said the change has created new questions about where the freight market may be headed next.

“While tariff pressures have eased in 2026, the situation remains fluid, and geopolitical risks, such as the Iran conflict, are creating ripple effects across energy and chemicals markets,” Starks said. “At the same time, carrier conditions have improved rapidly, raising a pivotal question for the months ahead: Will capacity constraints continue to define truck rates, or are we entering a new phase of the freight cycle?”

The webinar will explore that question and examine the market forces currently affecting transportation planning.

Tariffs And Inflation Remain in Focus

While tariff pressures have moderated compared to previous years, FTR said policy adjustments continue influencing inflation expectations, business confidence, and shipping decisions.

Those issues remain part of the freight outlook as transportation companies evaluate market conditions for the remainder of 2026.

Energy Markets and Global Events Will Be Discussed

FTR also plans to address geopolitical developments affecting transportation. According to the company, the conflict involving Iran has not directly disrupted domestic freight markets beyond fuel costs. However, uncertainty remains regarding possible effects across energy and chemical supply chains.

Discussion Will Extend Beyond Trucking

In addition to trucking, the webinar will examine developments affecting rail transportation, intermodal activity, and broader supply chain planning.

FTR said analysts will review the factors currently influencing transportation across multiple sectors.

Event Information

The webinar is scheduled for July 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. EDT.

Attendance is complimentary. According to FTR, the event is intended for transportation executives, supply chain leaders, logistics professionals, shippers, carriers, brokers, equipment manufacturers, and others involved in transportation planning and budgeting.

Registration is available through FTR’s website.

The company said participants will receive market intelligence and economic insight designed to help them better understand emerging risks and opportunities in today’s transportation environment.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: June 11, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post FTR To Host Free Webinar on Key Transportation Issues In 2026 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

CPM, which stands for cents per mile, pays drivers based on miles driven. Percentage pay compensates drivers based on a share of the revenue generated by the freight they haul. Both systems can provide strong earning opportunities, but they reward different aspects of the job. Understanding how each model works can help drivers compare offers more accurately and identify opportunities that fit their goals.

What Is the Biggest Difference Between CPM And Percentage Pay?

The simplest way to understand these pay structures is that CPM rewards miles while percentage pay rewards revenue.

Under CPM, earnings are tied directly to the number of miles driven. The more productive miles a driver runs, the more they typically earn.

Under percentage pay, earnings are tied to the revenue generated by the load. A shorter load that pays a premium rate may generate more income than a longer load that pays less.

This distinction is important because more miles do not always mean more revenue, and higher revenue does not always require more miles.

Drivers evaluating job opportunities should focus on what drives earnings under each model rather than simply comparing advertised rates.

What Is CPM Pay in Trucking?

CPM, or cents per mile, is one of the most common compensation structures in the trucking industry.

Drivers earn a set amount for every mile driven. For example, a driver earning 60 cents per mile who runs 2,500 miles during the week would earn approximately $1,500 before taxes and additional compensation.

Many carriers also provide supplemental pay such as:

Detention pay
Layover pay
Breakdown pay
Extra stop pay
Safety bonuses
Referral bonuses

Because the mileage rate remains fixed, CPM often provides more predictable earnings when freight volumes and available miles remain consistent.

What Is Percentage Pay in Trucking?

Percentage pay compensates drivers based on a portion of the revenue generated by the loads they haul. Instead of earning a fixed amount per mile, drivers receive an agreed upon percentage of the freight revenue. The exact percentage varies by carrier, freight type, and operation.

For example, if a load generates $4,000 in revenue and the driver’s agreement is 25 percent, the driver would earn $1,000 from that load.

Percentage pay is commonly found in flatbed, oversized, heavy haul, and other specialized freight segments. Some dedicated operations also use percentage based compensation.

When CPM Pay May Be the Better Option

CPM pay often appeals to drivers looking for consistency and predictable earnings.

It may be a good fit when:

Freight volumes are stable
Drivers receive consistent miles
The company minimizes downtime
Strong accessorial pay programs are available
Drivers prefer predictable weekly income

Many dry van, refrigerated, regional, and over the road positions continue to rely on CPM because it provides a straightforward compensation structure that is easy for drivers to understand.

When Percentage Pay May Be the Better Option

Percentage pay can be attractive when drivers haul freight that generates higher revenue.

It may be a good fit when:

Freight rates are strong
Specialized freight is involved
The carrier has premium customer contracts
Drivers understand how load revenue affects earnings
Freight demand remains consistent

Because compensation is tied to revenue rather than mileage, percentage pay can provide opportunities that differ significantly from traditional mileage based earnings.

Why Advertised Pay Does Not Tell the Whole Story

Two jobs can advertise similar annual earnings while producing very different paychecks.

A CPM position with strong freight volumes and consistent miles may outperform a percentage pay position with inconsistent freight. Likewise, a percentage pay position hauling premium freight may outperform a CPM position with lower revenue freight.

Drivers should look beyond the advertised rate and evaluate factors such as:

Average weekly miles
Freight consistency
Customer base
Home time expectations
Detention opportunities
Accessorial pay
Seasonal freight patterns
Average earnings of current drivers

The details behind the pay package often matter more than the headline rate.

How Can Drivers Estimate Which Pay Structure Will Earn More?

The best approach is to compare expected weekly earnings rather than focusing solely on CPM rates or percentage figures.

Drivers should ask:

How many miles do current drivers average each week?
What freight types are hauled most often?
How frequently do drivers experience detention?
What additional pay programs are available?
What are average weekly earnings for current drivers?
How consistent is freight throughout the year?

A position paying 65 cents per mile with 2,800 consistent weekly miles may generate stronger annual earnings than a percentage pay position with fluctuating freight volumes. In other situations, a percentage pay position hauling higher revenue freight may offer greater earning potential. The answer depends on the operation, not simply the pay model.

What Questions Should Drivers Ask Before Accepting a Job?

Regardless of the pay structure, drivers should gather as much information as possible before making a decision.

Important questions include:

What are average weekly miles?
How is detention compensated?
What additional pay programs are available?
What freight types will I haul?
How is percentage pay calculated?
Are fuel surcharges included in revenue calculations?
What is the average weekly income of current drivers?
How often do drivers sit waiting for freight?

The answers often reveal more about earning potential than the advertised pay rate itself.

Which Pay Structure Pays More?

There is no universal winner. Some drivers earn excellent incomes under CPM because they receive consistent miles and strong accessorial pay. Others earn more under percentage pay because they haul freight that generates higher revenue.

The most important factor is understanding how the compensation package works and evaluating the operation behind it. Drivers who look beyond the advertised rate are often in a better position to identify opportunities that match their financial goals and preferred lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CPM or percentage pay better for truck drivers?

Neither pay structure is automatically better. The right choice depends on freight type, available miles, freight rates, and the carrier’s overall compensation package.

Can company drivers be paid a percentage of the load?

Yes. Many company drivers in flatbed, oversized, heavy haul, and specialized freight operations are compensated using percentage pay.

Does percentage pay include fuel surcharges?

It depends on the carrier. Some companies include fuel surcharges when calculating revenue while others do not. Drivers should ask how revenue is calculated before accepting a position.

Is CPM pay better for new drivers?

Many entry level trucking jobs use CPM because it is easy to understand and provides predictable earnings. However, available miles and freight consistency remain important factors.

Can two drivers with the same CPM earn different amounts?

Yes. Weekly miles, detention time, freight availability, route assignments, and downtime can all affect earnings even when drivers receive the same CPM rate.

Should drivers focus only on the advertised pay rate?

No. Drivers should also evaluate freight consistency, miles, home time, accessorial pay, and the average earnings of current drivers.

CPM and percentage pay can both provide competitive earnings, but they work in very different ways. CPM rewards productivity through miles driven, while percentage pay ties earnings to freight revenue. Neither system guarantees higher pay on its own.

Drivers comparing job opportunities should focus on the complete compensation package, ask detailed questions about earnings, and understand what drives income under each model. Taking the time to evaluate those details can lead to better decisions and a clearer picture of long term earning potential.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information drivers can use.

Last updated: June 4, 2026

The post How Truck Drivers Can Compare Percentage Pay and CPM Jobs appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The move builds on Truckstop’s push into open deck and specialized freight, where pricing and planning are more complex than standard truckload work.

Bringing Pricing and Load Matching Together

Wize Load’s Wize Rate platform is designed to help estimate rates, review lanes, and understand the full cost of moving oversized freight. By bringing that into its system, Truckstop is combining two pieces that are usually handled separately.

On one side, there is load access. On the other hand, accurate pricing for jobs that often involve permits, escorts, and specific equipment. Putting both in one place is meant to simplify how those loads are handled from start to finish.

Building on Recent Heavy Haul Expansion

This acquisition follows the rollout of Truckstop’s Heavy Haul Load Board Pro, which connects carriers running flatbed, open deck, and other specialized equipment with loads that require more planning than standard freight.

With Wize Load now part of the platform, the goal is to create a more complete workflow. Users can find a load and work through pricing without switching between different systems.

Focus on the Real Costs Behind Oversized Freight

Heavy haul moves come with variables that do not apply to typical loads. Permits, route restrictions, escorts, and equipment requirements all affect the final rate. Missing any of those details can cut into margins quickly.

Truckstop Heavy Haul Rates, the updated version of the Wize Load platform, brings those factors together with lane data so users can build more accurate quotes before a truck is dispatched.

“When a load involves permits, escorts, or specialized equipment, pricing has to be right before the truck moves,” Moscrip said. “Our customers use this data every day to quote complex shipments faster, win more loads, and protect their margins. Bringing Wize Load into Truckstop helps us keep building the tools transportation professionals rely on to run their business.”

What Users Can Expect

Truckstop plans to keep the existing login and workflow in place while continuing to develop tools for heavy haul, open deck, and specialized freight.

The addition of rate intelligence alongside load access reflects a broader shift toward giving carriers and brokers more control over both pricing and planning in one system.

The post Truckstop Expands Heavy Haul Capabilities with Wize Load Acquisition appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

According to the OOIDA Foundation, the association’s research and education branch, “most researchers don’t have access to enough owner-operators to properly collect and analyze information from this critical segment of the trucking industry.” To address this gap, the Foundation has actively engaged members since 1998, ensuring that their opinions reach federal, state, and local agencies. This ongoing effort has produced one of the most detailed profiles of owner-operators in the United States.

The 2025 OOIDA survey is now open and can be completed anonymously online. “We want to make sure that we are focusing on the issues that you desire,” the Foundation said. “It’s important to us that we support both your business and lifestyle. We need to know what you think on critical topics so we can direct our energies appropriately.”

Key Findings from the 2024 Member Survey

Last year, more than 19,000 owner-operator members participated in a random sample survey. Among respondents, 46 percent reported being leased to motor carriers, while 44 percent operated under their own authority. On average, drivers covered over 102,000 miles, with roughly 20 percent of those miles being deadhead, often due to challenging market conditions.

Surveyed operators reported annual maintenance costs averaging $18,900, including $3,400 spent on emission-related repairs and $3,300 for damage caused by poor road conditions. Independent operators typically spent more on tires compared with those leased to carriers. Maintenance costs per mile rose to 23 cents.

Freight rates, availability, and carrier reputation were the most important factors influencing leased owner-operators when selecting work. High driver turnover was largely attributed to low pay, a lack of respect, and inconsistent freight. In fact, 40 percent of leased drivers reported working for five or more carriers in the past year.

Challenges Facing One-Truck Operators

Research focused on one-truck operations, which make up nearly half of all motor carriers. These operators face unique hurdles in securing consistent freight and navigating complex regulatory requirements. While direct contracts generally provide higher earnings, most one-truck carriers rely heavily on brokers and load boards.

Many drivers also noted difficulties contesting inaccurate safety violations through the DataQ system. Insurance, permits, and other regulatory fees remain significant concerns, alongside rising fuel costs, declining freight rates, and parking shortages.

OOIDA’s research underscores the importance of listening to owner-operators and addressing the practical challenges they face daily. By capturing and analyzing these insights, the Foundation ensures that small-business truckers have representation and support that reflects both their business and lifestyle needs.

Source: Land Lined Media

The post OOIDA Research Highlights Challenges and Realities for Owner-Operators appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“Join us Feb. 28 – March 3 at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando, Fla., for the truckload industry’s premier event,” TCA said. “From high-impact sessions like this to unmatched networking and celebration of our members, there’s no better place to prepare for the year ahead.” 

Costello is widely regarded as one of the most reliable voices on trucking economics. His session will cover key topics like freight demand, rate trends, consumer spending, inflation pressures, and how global markets can impact U.S. trucking. Drivers and carriers attending will walk away with insights to help plan routes, negotiate rates, and make smarter decisions for 2026. 

“Bob will unpack the trends shaping truckload in the year ahead,” TCA said. “From freight demand and rates to consumer spending, inflation pressures, and the broader global economy. His insights will help you anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and align your strategy with the realities of today’s market.” 

Truckload 2026 also promises entertainment and networking beyond the economic sessions. NFL legend Jimmy Johnson will give the keynote, while Sugar Ray will close out the event with a live performance. Attendees can combine industry learning with a chance to relax and connect with peers from across the country. 

For truck drivers, small fleet operators, and dispatchers, sessions like Costello’s aren’t just numbers on a chart. They provide practical information that can affect pay, freight planning, and business decisions for the year ahead. 

Source: The Trucker 

Image: American Trucking Associations

The post Bob Costello to Break Down Trucking Economy at Truckload 2026 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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.

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) reported that its seasonally adjusted For Hire Truck Tonnage Index fell 0.9% in September to 114.2, down from 115.3 in August. While that drop erased gains from earlier in the summer, tonnage is still 0.8% higher than September 2024, showing slow but steady improvement over the past year.

ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said the data highlights just how uneven freight conditions remain.
“Tonnage levels remain choppy, but they are up 2.1% since hitting a low in January. Compared to the high three years earlier, however, truck tonnage is still off by 3.9%. In fact, September’s tonnage level was essentially the same as in September 2023, underscoring the tough freight market over the last few years,” Costello said.

Market Signals Are Shifting

Even though tonnage slipped, other signs suggest the market could be turning. FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) rose to a nearly neutral 0.3 in August after sitting at -1.03 in July. The TCI measures key factors like freight volume, rates, capacity, fuel prices, and financing costs to gauge the overall health of the market.

FTR said the latest gain came “primarily due to less challenging freight rates,” noting that while utilization improved slightly, it was not a major driver of the index change.

Looking ahead, FTR projects better conditions in 2026 and 2027, even though near-term readings will likely stay close to current levels.

Capacity Tightening Could Lead to Recovery

One of the biggest potential drivers of market recovery may come from tightening capacity. Avery Vise, vice president of trucking at FTR, said restrictions on issuing and renewing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) for foreign drivers could impact fleet capacity.

“The potential for a capacity-driven recovery in trucking has risen over the past month due to severe restrictions imposed on issuing and renewing commercial driver’s licenses for foreign drivers,” Vise said. “However, despite some anecdotal reports about various effects of a crackdown on immigrant drivers, available data has yet to show a substantial impact on market conditions.”

Vise previously noted that the FMCSA’s non-domiciled CDL rule could push roughly 194,000 CDL holders out of the market over two years, a shift that might recreate the tight utilization levels seen in 2021.
“This would be very good for carriers, not very good for shippers,” he added.

Vise also pointed out that stepped-up enforcement from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement could add even more pressure on capacity, though the full impact is still unclear.

“We expect pressure on foreign drivers to be a significant factor for capacity in the coming months, but many questions remain about the scope and speed of the tighter CDL and English language enforcement on the truck freight market,” he said.

Equipment and Driver Supply Getting Tighter

Tim Denoyer, vice president and senior analyst at ACT Research, said the driver market is no longer oversupplied but not yet tight. According to ACT’s Driver Availability Index, a reading below 40 typically precedes rate increases, and the index is approaching that threshold again.

“The new rules on non-domiciled drivers could tighten driver capacity over the next one to two years, but heavy truck tariff costs are starting to constrain equipment capacity,” Denoyer said.

Class 8 production data backs that up. Denoyer noted that tractor builds are expected to fall roughly 35% in the second half of the year, dropping several thousand units per month below what fleets need to maintain size.

ACT Research believes that reduced capacity combined with steady freight demand could speed up the next market cycle and lead to new for-hire opportunities.
However, Denoyer cautioned, this recovery will not happen overnight. “This transformation will take time,” he said.

For drivers and carriers who have weathered the slow freight cycle, these tightening conditions may signal that a long-awaited rebound is finally taking shape, one load at a time.

Image Source: Commercial Carrier Journal, ATA

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post Signs of a Trucking Market Turnaround as Capacity Tightens appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

For years, owner-operators and small fleets have had to sift through mixed equipment listings on standard boards, often wasting time on loads that didn’t fit their setup. Now, Truckstop says it’s changing that with a new platform made specifically for dry van haulers who want fast, verified freight without the extra noise.

“Small fleets and owner-operators are the backbone of the trucking industry,” said Scott Moscrip, CEO of Truckstop.com. “We know this freight recession has been especially tough, with van rates trailing other equipment types and offering some of the lowest pay per mile in the market. That’s why we created a dedicated Van Load Board at a lower price point, to give van carriers quick, verified access to high-quality freight and real-time market data. This Founder’s original pricing reflects our commitment to stand with the industry and support those who need it most during this challenging season.”

According to Truckstop, the dry van-only platform helps drivers and small fleets quickly find verified loads tailored to their specific equipment. With unlimited searches starting at just $35 per month, users get access to Truckstop’s high-quality freight listings and real-time data to help them make smarter booking and rate decisions.

The new load board offers unlimited load searches and postings for dry vans only, meaning drivers can zero in on the best-paying loads faster and at a lower cost.

Truckstop’s new platform comes in two versions, Basic and Pro.

The Basic version includes:
• Private Loads that connect carriers directly to freight from trusted brokers within their network
• Load Popularity and Truck Count by State to spot less competitive lanes and strengthen negotiating power
• Broker Factorability Data to identify brokers and loads eligible for factoring for faster payments
• A Routes Map to plan efficient hauls and reduce empty miles
• Access to Canadian Loads for cross-border opportunities

The Pro version includes everything from Basic, plus added rate intelligence from FreightWaves SONAR Insights, giving drivers access to same-day and forecast data to understand shifting markets, compare lanes, and negotiate stronger deals.

“Freight rates are constantly changing, and small fleets need accurate, real-time data to make smart decisions and negotiate better rates,” said Julie Van de Kamp, chief marketing and operations officer at FreightWaves SONAR. “By integrating SONAR rate intelligence into the Truckstop Load Board, small carriers gain all the visibility advantages that larger companies have in today’s volatile freight market to outpace the competition.”

The Pro plan also unlocks:
• Real-time Live Loads in the most active lanes
• Load Comparison tools to evaluate multiple loads side by side
• A Rate Per Mile Heat Map to identify high-paying regions
• Multi-trip search for planning back-to-back hauls
• Instant Load Alert Notifications sent right to your phone

Truckstop says this new platform is about one thing: giving dry van drivers the tools to compete and earn more in a tough market. By simplifying the process and offering transparent data, the company aims to help small fleets and owner-operators find the best-paying freight faster.

Truckstop also recently announced a partnership with the NMFTA to combat freight fraud, another step toward protecting drivers and brokers across the industry.

Image Source: Truckstop

Source: The Trucker

The post Truckstop Rolls Out New Load Board Just for Dry Van Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Confidence Amid Market Uncertainty

“Many carriers and brokers remained optimistic through the first half of 2025 despite facing difficulties,” said Todd Markusic, customer insights manager at Truckstop.com. “While the freight market underperformed in the second quarter, with no clear resolution for how tariffs will impact the economy, many in the industry are expecting a recovery in the next six months.”

Survey data reflects a mix of resilience and caution:

• 85% of carriers and 83% of brokers believe shipment volumes will either remain steady or grow before year’s end.
• Only 16% of carriers and 36% of brokers reported year-over-year revenue growth, showing a dip from earlier in the year.

Carrier Trends

For carriers, the past quarter delivered modest gains in certain areas:

• 17% saw rate improvements over Q2 2024.
• 42% anticipate rate increases in Q3, down from Q1 optimism.
• 56% reported load volumes in Q2 2025 that were on par with or higher than last year.

Despite uncertainty about when rates will bottom out, 84% expect stability or growth in the next six months, and 79% project steady or improved revenues during that time.

Broker Outlook

Brokers expressed a slightly stronger pricing outlook:

• 39% reported higher spot rates compared to the first half of 2024.
• 78% saw growth in contract rates.
• 72% said revenues held steady or increased in the first half of this year.

Expectations for the rest of 2025 are generally positive, with 84% predicting spot rates will stay steady or rise, and 80% expecting the same for contract rates. Additionally, 69% said their current 15% gross margin outperforms both halves of last year, with 82% anticipating margins will hold or improve.

Demand Expectations

When it comes to freight demand:

• 19% of carriers and 37% of brokers saw year-over-year growth in loads.
• 52% of carriers expect higher demand over the next three to six months.
• 83% of brokers believe volume will at least remain steady.

Cost Pressures Affecting Investment

Rising costs and tariff concerns are influencing spending plans:

• Only 21% of carriers plan to buy new equipment this year, down from 38% in Q1.
• 40% of brokers intend to expand their workforce in 2025, compared to 52% last December.
• 38% of carriers believe tariffs will significantly harm the industry, an increase from 30% in Q1.

Overall, 55% of respondents anticipate some level of negative impact from tariffs. Broker confidence in the current administration has dropped sharply, from 74% in December to 44% now.

Job Satisfaction Remains Mostly Steady

Job satisfaction has held relatively firm despite market headwinds:

• Broker satisfaction fell slightly, from 83% in December to 78%.
• Carrier satisfaction declined from 65% in Q1 to 54%.
• Just 10% of carriers are thinking about leaving the industry, nearly unchanged from Q1’s 9%.

About the Surveys

The carrier survey included 204 companies, with 75% operating five or fewer trucks. Flatbed carriers represented 49% of the sample. The broker survey included 185 respondents—ranging from freight forwarders and 3PLs to broker agents and asset-based firms—with 68% working at companies with 1–50 employees.

Source: The Trucker

The post Freight Industry Maintains Cautious Optimism as Pricing Pressures Persist appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Why Use Multiple Load Boards?

Each load board has its unique strengths, and no single platform can consistently deliver the best loads or rates all the time. For example, DAT is well-known for its massive freight network and detailed rate analytics, making it a favorite for drivers needing broad, national coverage. Truckstop offers strong filtering and broker reviews, helping drivers find specialized freight like flatbeds or refrigerated loads.

Amazon Relay provides regional contract blocks and trailer-supplied loads through an easy-to-use app, which is perfect for drivers seeking consistent volume in specific areas. Uber Freight and Convoy emphasize quick, app-driven bookings with upfront pricing, making them attractive for tech-savvy carriers looking for fast spot loads. Finally, Trucker Path stands out as a multifunctional tool that blends load search with real-time parking, fuel prices, and routing, helping drivers plan their trips smarter.

Building Your Load Board Stack

Most experienced drivers start with a core load board like DAT or Truckstop to scan a wide variety of freight. Layering Amazon Relay on top provides access to regional contract loads and quick turnarounds with trailer-included options, which can be a game changer for keeping schedules full. Adding Uber Freight and Convoy apps brings the flexibility to grab spot loads when you’re near major freight hubs, while Trucker Path helps fill in logistics gaps, offering parking spots, fuel prices, and routing advice along the way.

When freight markets soften or rates drop, this diversified approach helps reduce downtime and deadhead miles. It also broadens the opportunities to find better-paying loads by comparing offers across platforms.

Timing and Smart Searching Matter

To make the most of multiple load boards, set up real-time alerts on your primary platforms like DAT and Truckstop. These notifications let you jump on prime loads as soon as they hit the market. Using filters effectively—such as setting minimum rate-per-mile thresholds or targeting specific equipment types—saves time by cutting out low-profit gigs.

Many drivers note that loads posted early in the day on platforms like Amazon Relay may initially have lower rates, but these can increase throughout the day if they remain unclaimed, especially during busy seasons like summer or the holidays. Refreshing your searches strategically helps you catch these better-paying loads before others do.

Balancing Contract Blocks and Spot Loads

Amazon Relay offers both contract blocks—allowing you to schedule a set of loads in advance for steady income—and spot loads for added flexibility. Combining these with spot loads found on DAT, Uber Freight, or Convoy lets drivers balance predictable revenue with the chance to capitalize on higher spot rates when market conditions allow.

What About Rates and Market Realities?

Rates fluctuate based on many factors: seasonality, region, freight demand, and competition. Public driver forums and market reports show that Amazon Relay rates can sometimes start lower compared to other boards, particularly during softer market periods. However, during peak demand months like December or major sales events, rates often improve significantly.

Platforms like DAT provide regular market rate data across lanes, allowing drivers to compare and pick the best-paying loads. Using multiple boards gives you a broader view and helps you avoid accepting underpaid runs.

Understanding Requirements and Compliance

Before you can start booking, each load board has specific requirements. Amazon Relay typically requires you to have active DOT authority for at least 180 days, a valid MC number, insurance coverage, and a good safety rating from FMCSA. DAT and Truckstop are generally open to authorized carriers but offer additional features like broker credit scores and rate analytics on paid plans. Uber Freight and Convoy usually require basic carrier documentation and a clean safety record, with an online onboarding process.

Keeping your paperwork and compliance in order isn’t just a formality—it’s essential to stay eligible and trusted across all platforms.

Creating a System That Works for You

Here’s a practical approach many owner-operators and small fleets use:

1. Subscribe to DAT One or Truckstop to access broad freight opportunities.
2. Register for Amazon Relay to access regional contract blocks and trailer-included loads.
3. Download Uber Freight and Convoy apps for quick, flexible spot loads.
4. Use Trucker Path for real-time trip planning, parking, and fuel updates.
5. Set up alerts and filters on all platforms to target profitable freight.
6. Track your miles, wait times, and payment schedules to manage cash flow.
7. Review your load board mix monthly to adapt to changing market conditions.

Stacking load boards isn’t just a smart strategy—it’s critical to staying competitive and profitable. No single platform can guarantee steady, high-paying freight every day. By diversifying your load sources with tools like DAT, Amazon Relay, Uber Freight, and others, you stay ahead of market swings, reduce downtime, and maximize earnings.

The post How Smart Drivers Stack Multiple Load Boards for More Miles and Better Pay appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.