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2026 Freight Market Outlook

  • 1 hour ago
  • 1 min read

Get the facts directly from Dean Croke, DAT's Market Analyst and one of the industry's most trusted voices on freight markets.



In this exclusive 10-minute video interview, Dean breaks down:


  1. Capacity Exits are Driving Rates Higher — Rates are up 20–25% YoY with supply exits, not demand, driving the increase as trucks have left the market.


  2. Government Pressures are Shrinking Carrier Supply — English proficiency enforcement, ELD issues, and thousands of closed CDL schools have pushed carriers out of the market.


  3. Diesel Prices are Accelerating Carrier Departures — Cash flow pressure is pushing smaller spot-market carriers out of the industry, which is further tightening available capacity heading into spring.


  4. AI is Booming While Consumer Freight Softens — Data center freight is up 18% YoY, but towables are down 15%. Higher spot rates aren't a sign of economic recovery, as the underlying freight demand picture remains unclear.


  5. May Could Be the Most Volatile Month Yet — California and Florida produce loads are topping $10K. When Road Check Week collides with Mother's Day florals and peak produce season, there won't be enough trucks to absorb the volume - expect serious rate spikes.



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