Impact of Tariffs on the Trucking Industry

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The trucking sector continues to feel the repercussions of tariffs.

Expert Insights on Freight Demand

Tim Denoyer, vice president and senior analyst at ACT Research, stated, “As the economy is expected to absorb the impacts of tariffs in the upcoming months, our outlook for freight demand remains cautious. However, a potential positive effect of reduced vehicle production and manufacturing job losses could lead to tighter capacity, thereby pushing freight back towards the for-hire market later on.”

Future Freight Volumes

In the next quarters, freight volumes are anticipated to encounter additional trade-related challenges after experiencing a mild reprieve in Q3. Equipment prices are on the rise due to tariffs, and manufacturers of heavy trucks are scaling back production. The latest Freight Forecast: Rate and Volume OUTLOOK report indicates that the production of NA Class 8 trucks is expected to decline by over 25% in the second half of 2025 compared to the first half.

Market Dynamics

Denoyer noted, “With the increase in goods prices, a decrease in unit demand may disrupt the market balance temporarily. However, this could lead to a subsequent rise in freight rates, especially as we approach a softer holiday shipping season.”

Conclusion

The trucking industry is navigating through challenging waters due to tariffs affecting equipment pricing and freight demand. The interplay of market forces will likely influence the direction of freight rates and production levels in the near future.

About the Author

Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in numerous newspapers, books, and magazines worldwide. She is currently based in Atlanta, Georgia.