The trucking sector is changing drastically with trends such as AI enhancing the optimization of routes and cargo planning, fleet management software, and the use of IoT-enabled telematics, which are delivering real-time access to vehicle performance and driver behavior. Such developments underscore the shift towards automated and low-carbon logistics networks in the industry.
As we enter the new year, several major trends have emerged that will significantly impact the industry. Those businesses that perceive these trends and their possible implication can be ahead of the curve, adapt their business strategies, and succeed in a more competitive market.
9 Trucking Industry Trends to Watch in 2025 and 2026
- Increased Use of Technology
The trucking industry stands amid a technological revolution extending into 2025 and beyond, where advancements in autonomous vehicle technology, transportation management systems (TMS), and electronic logging devices (ELDs) are driving significant changes across operations. These innovations fundamentally reshape the industry by improving route optimization, enhancing fuel efficiency, and streamlining fleet management processes that previously consumed excessive time and resources. Trucking companies that embrace these technologies position themselves for increased productivity, reduced costs, and improved efficiency that translate directly into competitive advantages within an increasingly digital marketplace.
- Autonomous Trucking & Semi-Autonomous Technologies
Autonomous trucking and semi-autonomous technologies are projected to gain significant traction throughout 2025 as the continued development and implementation of advanced features like adaptive cruise control and advanced radar safety systems become standard equipment. These systems improve safety on roads while simultaneously aiding in fuel efficiency and delivering reduced driver fatigue during long hauls. Though complete fleets of fully autonomous vehicles won’t dominate highways by 2026, as these technologies mature, trucking companies will witness a gradual shift toward greater automation that fundamentally transforms how freight moves across continents.
- Electric and Alternative-Fuel Vehicles
The trucking industry experiences a notable shift toward electric, hybrid-electric, and alternative-fuel vehicles driven by multiple converging forces. This trend is fueled by a combination of factors including stricter government regulations, growing demand for sustainable transportation, and improved charging infrastructure that makes zero-emission hauling viable. From an estimated 2,000 electric trucks on the road in 2019, the number is projected to increase dramatically to approximately 54,000 by 2025, representing exponential adoption that signals the industry’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
- Key Industry Statistics
The key findings in this year’s report reveal that trucks moved 11.27 billion tons of freight during 2024, down from 11.41 billion tons hauled the previous year. In 2024, the industry recorded revenues of $906 billion, down from $1.004 trillion in 2023, reflecting broader economic pressures. Trucking employed 8.4 million people in industry-related jobs, including 3.58 million professional drivers in 2024. The industry remains made up of small businesses, with 91.5% of carriers operating 10 or fewer trucks and 99.3% operating fewer than 100 power units. Cross-border commerce shows trucks moved 67% of surface trade between the U.S. and Canada, plus 85% of goods across the Mexican border in 2024. This version of Trends includes important data on household goods movements, the broader macroeconomy, and more.
- Increase in Long-Distance Freight
The trucking industry is anticipated to experience an increase in long-distance freight demands throughout 2025 and the years beyond as commerce patterns evolve. This rise can be attributed to projected increases in both air freight and ocean freight volumes, highlighting the interconnectedness of global supply chains where each mode depends on others. As more goods flow through ports and airports, trucking companies play a vital role in ensuring efficient and timely delivery of shipments to their final destinations, completing the critical last-mile connection.
- Increase in Available Truck Driver Jobs
The anticipated growth across the freight industry, coupled with a persistent driver shortage, paints a promising picture for aspiring truck drivers seeking stable careers. An increased amount of cargo needing transportation means trucking companies are actively seeking qualified individuals to make up their fleets nationwide. This translates into a surge of available truck driver jobs, presenting a wealth of career opportunities for those who want to be part of the trucking industry during this expansion phase.
- Changes in the Supply Chain
The global pandemic served as a harsh reminder that traditional supply chains remain inherently vulnerable to disruption. The resulting disruptions forced many freight businesses to rethink their strategies and adopt more resilient approaches that will continue to be used and improved into 2025. Diversifying suppliers, implementing better inventory management practices, and exploring regional transportation and freight options emerged as key strategies to navigate future uncertainties and build a more robust and responsive supply chain capable of withstanding unforeseen challenges.
- Carrier Exits & New Entries
In September, for the third consecutive month, approximately 1,300 operators were shuttered as low trucking rates continued to put pressure on small businesses, causing many to close operations permanently. Financial strains have made it tough for operators to stay afloat, while new carrier entries remain lackluster. In fact, new carrier entries declined by 5.1% since August, even as 7,800 companies began entering the market. Still, though new entries are down 10% year over year, they stand 38% higher than pre-pandemic levels. By August, the average age of carriers leaving the market rose to 3 years, up from 1.5 years at the start of the freight recession. This trend suggests a gradual return to more typical business cycles as the recession eases. Nonetheless, companies older than 3 years are struggling, with 2024 seeing 50% of carrier exits involved these businesses, compared to 37% in 2023. For many, cash flow challenges and falling rates serve as primary drivers of closure.
- Regional Impacts
Different states have been harder hit than others during this period of adjustment, with southern states, particularly Georgia and Texas, having seen substantial declines in operations. Georgia dropped down 7.2% while Texas is seeing a 4.3% decrease in carrier activity. By contrast, Indiana stands out among the few top-10 trucking markets to experience growth, remaining relatively insulated from both the trucking boom and subsequent freight recession that devastated other regions.
