For-Hire

It's clear the market has turned and the longest freight downturn in industry memory is at an ending, but unrelenting uncertainty is here to stay, researchers say.

The Spring 2026 Truck Driver Survey showed a record 58.1% of drivers are looking for a new truck driving job, up from 46.8% during the same period in 2025.

Werner is seeing more benefits from the upcycle after bolstering its dedicated truckload operations with an acquisition at the start of 2026, executives added.

ACT Research Vice President Steve Tam noted the medium-duty market is seeing a lack of commitment from buyers, much like their heavy-duty counterparts.

A refresh of the truck maker’s lineup has been underway since Mack announced the Pioneer as its latest flagship Class 8 on-highway tractor in April 2025.

Updates will now be possible overnight, during driver breaks or while trucks are parked, with a driver able to step away from the vehicle for the first time.

Costs for carriers continue to increase, and spot rates across all segments of the North American freight market jumped in the first five months of 2026.

Used-truck market conditions improved in the second quarter of 2026 and are set to see even more upside, according to Ryder System CEO John Diez.

U.S. Border Patrol agents are now using federal transportation records in a system that stops Mexican truckers with past cabotage violations from entering the country.

The announcement follows ASCS’ Amazon Freight unit stepping out of the shadows May 4 after months of rumor. The company already has LTL experience.