Truck transportation positions demonstrated ongoing softness, with a slight decline in June; however, year-over-year comparisons indicated minimal change, marked by a mere 0.17% increase.
According to the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the sector shed 2,700 jobs in June, with previous job estimates for April and May being adjusted downward by a total of 2,700 jobs (1,000 in April and 1,700 in May).
The unemployment rate dropped from 4.2% to 4.1%. In the transportation sector, the unemployment rate also fell by 0.3 percentage points to 4.5%. Although this is still higher than pre-pandemic levels (2.8% in December 2019 and 4.1% in June 2019), it shows significant improvement compared to the pandemic-high of 15.7% in 2020. Additionally, unemployment in transportation and material-moving roles decreased by 0.8 percentage points to 5.9%.
David Spencer, Vice President of Market Intelligence at Arrive Logistics, raised concerns regarding freight demand, questioning, “How long will the current demand weakness sustain low spot rates, which have been challenging truckload carriers for over three years?”
Spencer noted that this ongoing situation is significantly affecting carrier operations and is influencing investment choices, such as the purchasing of new equipment. “Carriers are refraining from investing in new assets, which could lead to further downward pressure on trucking employment as the year progresses,” he explained.
FTR Transportation Intelligence reported a 25% month-over-month drop and a 36% year-over-year decline in Class 8 truck orders during June, while ACT Research estimated a similar 36% decrease. Dan Moyer, a senior analyst in commercial vehicles at FTR, mentioned that market volatility—stemming from possible Section 232 tariffs on Class 8 trucks and anticipated changes to EPA 2027 NOx emissions standards—has prompted fleets to postpone equipment purchases.
Workforce Insights
A recent analysis by truck driving technology platform Tenstreet highlighted that swift response times and efficient hiring workflows are critical for carriers aiming to attract truck drivers. The report, which leveraged data from thousands of carriers and over 1.5 million drivers, emphasized that quick responses to driver applications directly influence hiring success.
Carriers that respond to driver applications within five minutes experience a hiring rate of 6.2%, nearly double the platform’s average of 3.7%. Additionally, extending the hiring process beyond the typical 10 to 15 days could reduce hiring rates by up to 50%. Delays attributable to either the carrier or the applicant consistently result in diminished hiring rates.
“This is why we advise clients to experience their own application process, even in challenging conditions,” said Tenstreet CEO Tim Crawford. “A more efficient and user-friendly experience results in more hires and minimizes wasted resources.” Despite a year-over-year decrease in initial driver lead applications, the report observed a stronger commitment from applicants to the process, revealing a trend towards larger fleets (over 50 trucks) and private fleets between April 2024 and April 2025.
Pamella De Leon is a senior editor at Commercial Carrier Journal. An avid reader and travel enthusiast, she enjoys hiking, running, and is always seeking a great cup of chai. Reach her at [email protected].
